8th Grade language Arts
Required Summer Reading List
Read the following three books over the summer:
To Kill A Mockingbird
Harper Lee
Silas Marner
George Eliot
The Lost World
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Complete and attach the required activities for each book to this sheet. Return the packet to Mrs.
Ratliff (Room 15). This work will be credited toward your 1st quarter grade in Literature for the
new school year!
due: AUGUST 11, 2014
Enjoy your time away from school but KEEP READING!!!!!! The more you read this summer the
better you will do with all your studies next year. There is a direct correlation between summer
reading and academic achievement.
I look forward to seeing you in the fall.. Your 8th grade year will be filled with Excitement, new
responsibilities, accomplishments, and opportunities. Your goal will be to reach for them and, then, to
move beyond them.
Required Activities to accompany the
8th Grade Summer Reading List
Must Read:
To Kill A Mockingbird
Harper Lee
 Complete only one of the following writing assignments:

Imagine that you are a reporter at the time of the story. Write an article about Tom Robinson’s Trial and subsequent
Death.

Write a short biography of author – Harper Lee

Generate a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast two characters (your choice) from the story – for example, Atticus
Finch and Boo Radley or Scout and Aunt Alexandra, etc.

Discuss how prejudice is a major theme of the novel. Cite specific examples from the story in support of your ideas.
Must Read:
Silas Marner
George Eliot
 Complete only one of the following writing assignments:

Pretend that you are eppie and you have to choose between staying with silas or going with Godfrey and Nancy. Where
would you choose to live? Write a letter to either Silas or Godfrey explaining your decision. Be sure to include
specific examples from the story to support your decision.

Generate a plot diagram identifying the story’s exposition, 4 rising actions, the climax, 4 falling actions, and the
resolution to the conflicts. Be sure to include specific examples from the story to support your diagram.

explore the growth of Silas from ostracized hermit to valued community member in Raveloe. Why did he close himself
off from society initially? What happened to help him become more accepting of other people? Where did you see his
heart begin to soften? Be sure to include specific examples from the story to support your ideas.
must read:
The Lost World
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
 Complete all three activities listed below:

Identify the 1st 3 story elements: Title/Author, Characters, setting;

write a plot synopsis. Be sure to include specific examples from the story to support the action/conflicts you identify;

Generate a 3-fold brochure promoting ‘the lost world’ as the ultimate travel destination. Be creative; include photos :)