Summer Reading: College Prep English 12
Reading High School
Teacher: Scott Thamann
Complete these exercises after reading each novel. All assignments will be due on the
first day of class. Late work will not be accepted. If you have any questions, I will be at
RHS over the summer on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 – 11:00; or you can
reach me at sthamann@readingschool.org, or 842-5177
Extra forms will be on my on-line classroom on the high school’s home page.
The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
Answer each of the following questions with an EXTENDED response. All answers must
be typed.
1. What rhetorical devices does Brown employ to build suspense throughout the novel?
2. Describe in detail all of the elements that serve as motivation for Robert Langdon to go
on his quest.
3. One of the themes in this novel is veiled, or hidden power. Explain how Brown
develops and evinces this theme.
4. You are responsible for the attached vocabulary list from the novel. You will be tested
on it when we begin school.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
Answer each of the following questions with an EXTENDED response. All responses
must be typed.
1. Frankenstein often offers a subtitle of “The Modern Prometheus”. Explain why
Shelley would use this subtitle by comparing Frankenstein to Prometheus.
2. Examine the relationship between Victor and the monster. Compare their relationship
to a modern day, real-life relationship.
3. Beyond the relationship mentioned in #2, explain one other theme from the novel.
How does Shelley develop this theme? What is her comment to society through this
theme?
4. You are responsible for the attached vocabulary list from the novel. You will be tested
on it when we begin school.
Frankenstein
Vocabulary
Define the following terms. Be aware of possible prefixes and suffixes and parts of
speech. We will have a test over these terms when we return to school. Write which page
you find this word in the text.
1. satiate
14. impediments
2. requisite
15. repined
3. injunction
16. progeny
4. consecrated
17. immutable
5. traversed
18. countenance
6. evinced
19. respite
7. paroxysm
20. pretence
8. indefatigable
21. imbibed
9. effectual
22. affability
10. semblance
23. recourse
11. aught
24. consummation
12. beneficence
25. emaciated
13. apathy
The Lost Symbol
by Dan Brown
Vocabulary
Define the following terms, and list the page number in which you find the term.
Acquiesce
Innocuous
Apathy
Lucid
Apparent
Meticulous
Austere
Mystic
Benevolent
Obscure
Chaos
Philanthropy
Deride
Prudent
Deter
Redundant
Disparate
Relegate
Diverse
Relevant
Enigma
Scrutiny
Ephemeral
Trepidation
Esoteric
Venerate
Heresy
vestige
Incredulous