Shutt, English
Summer Work
Assignment 1: In 200+ words, what ideals are unique to America? Explain!
Complete sentences. Find an American current events article that shows one or more
of those ideals noted. Summarize the article. Relate the content of the article to the
ideal(s). MLA cite the source of the article and any quotes you may have used.
Rubric:
Ideals:
5 Strong; well thought
4 Adequate; could use more
3 Weak; vague
0 Ideals not addressed
Summary of Article:
5 Strong summary; lots of details; entire article addressed
4 Adequate; could use bit more
3 Weak; vague; inconsistent
0 No summary addressed
Relate:
5 Strong; great connection
4 Adequate; could use more
3 Weak; vague
0 No connection
Mechanics and Grammar:
5 Almost perfect
4 Some errors
3 Many errors; needs revision
MLA: heading, pagination; in-text citation (if needed); works cited for novel
5 Perfect
4 Some errors
3 Many errors
0 No MLA
Extra Credit (+4 pts) = 6 SAT vocabulary words from the following site:
http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/newsat/chapter15section4.rhtml Bold words!
Assignment 2: Read Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Ernest Hemingway said: “All modern American literature comes from one book by Mark
Twain called Huckleberry Finn. American writing comes from that. There was nothing before.
There has been nothing as good since.”
Write: 300+ words; complete sentences
What about this novel reveals America and American ideals? Explore 2 separate scenes
in the novel and the character of Huck Finn as support. You should quote from the
novel for each scene and for Huck Finn’s character. After each quote, put (author,
page #). MLA cite the novel at the end.
Thesis
5 Strong thesis that connects ideals and novel
4 Adequate thesis; could use more
3 Weak and vague; thesis is evident
0 No thesis
MLA Format: pagination, heading, works cited, in-text citation
5 Almost perfect
3 Weak; many errors
4 Good; some errors
0 NO MLA
Quotes from novel
5 Strong quotes support; at least 3 quotes
4 Quotes evident; could use better quotes; at least 3 quotes
3 Weak, vague, or inconsistent quotes; short required amount
0 No quotes
Mechanics
5 Almost perfect
4 Good; some errors
3 Weak; needs revision
Scene 1 Defense
5 Strong; great connection
4 Adequate; could use more
3 Weak; vague; needs more
0 Does not exist
Scene 2 Defense
5 Strong; great connection
4 Adequate; could use more
3 Weak; vague; needs more
0 Does not exist
Huck Finn Defense
5 Strong; great connection; details
4 Adequate; could use more
3 Weak; vague; needs more
0 Does not exist
Extra Credit (+4 pts) = 6 SAT vocabulary words from the following site:
http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/books/newsat/chapter15section4.rhtml Bold words!
Assignment 3: Huck Finn is a satirical novel that attacks corrupt institutions, public
figures, American icons, and the overall humanity of Americans. Twain explores the
conflict between society’s laws found on the shore and moral laws found on the raft.
Some would say that when Huck is on the raft, all is right, but when he is on the shore,
all is not as it should be.
Satire found in: appearance of characters, hyperboles, actions of characters,
understatements, word choice, etc.
Possible Topics: slavery, prejudice, hypocrisy, religion, politics, historical events
1. Create a raft out of whatever materials you see fit (50 pts)
2. Write quotes on the raft exploring Twain’s satire. Include page numbers.
10 quotes showing corruption (it’s not all about slavery) (3 pts each)
5 quotes showing the moral law (goodness; hope) (4 pts each)
3. Be prepared to share your raft with the class.
Consider:
What is MLA format? http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/11/
Sparknotes is a good resource, but read the novel!
Write in complete sentences. Plan your writing. Revise your writing. Have someone
look over your work before submitting.
Submit work by the first day of class.
I like your answers to be very specific. Give me good examples from the novel. I hate
vague, empty statements.
Email if you have questions: bshutt@staunton.k12.va.us