English 9 Honors
Summer Reading Assignment 2015
The curriculum throughout the year is driven by the NY State Common Core Learning Standards with a
focus on the 11th Grade Regents Exam, the SAT, AP Preparation, and College English 101/102
Requirements for Admission to English 9 Honors:
 Recommendation of 8th grade English teacher
 Completion of the following summertime requirement: Due the first day of school 9/02/15
 Unit exam on novel first day of school (9/02/15): must receive an 80 or above
What an English 9 Honors student looks like:
He/she…
 Attends class regularly—90% of the time. This means, if there are 180 days in a school year,
you are expected to be in attendance at least 162 days.
 Checks teacher website when absent and returns to class prepared.
 Maintains a minimum average of 87%.
 Reads all assignments without relying on sparknotes/cliffnotes/summary sites.
 Participates in class discussions.
 Takes responsibility for learning.
 Has academic integrity.
 Is able to work on a variety of tasks simultaneously.
 Completes all assignments by the due date.
If students and/or parents have questions or concerns about the assignments, I can be reached via
email at marissa.rantinella@marlboroschools.org
Great Expectations
By Charles Dickens
English 9 Honors (2015-2016)
Summer Assignment
Pick 5 minor characters and explain how each character’s role helps to advance the conflict, plot,
and characterization of Pip.
Minor Characters:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Joe
Orlick
Magwitch
Biddy
Herbert Pocket
Wemmick
Drummle
For each character:
 Describe (in your own words) each character and his/her role in the novel. Provide
supporting evidence by citing specific and relevant textual details from throughout the text
including page number(s) and written out passages.
 Show five interactions with Pip, even if it appears insignificant, and explain the significance
in pushing the plot, enhancing the conflict, or developing Pip’s character. Provide
supporting evidence by citing specific and relevant textual details from throughout the text
including page number(s) and written out passages.
 Explain how each relationship with Pip is resolved. Provide supporting evidence by citing
specific and relevant textual details from the text including page number(s) and written out
passages.
On Demand Essay in September
Although this assignment is an on demand essay (you do not complete this assignment over the
summer), you should think about the question as you read Great Expectations and begin gathering
evidence to be used at a later time.
For one character:
 Reflection: Which of the minor characters, in your opinion, plays the most significant role
in influencing Pip’s character? After closely reading Great Expectations, write a text based
analysis. Use specific, relevant, and sufficient evidence from throughout the text to develop
your argument. Do not simply summarize the text.
Suggested Format for Summer Assignment
You will hand in five completed sheets (one for each character)
Character Name: _______________________
A. Character description & Role:
o
Character description (in your own words and thoughts):
 Supporting evidence from the novel including page number(s)
o
Role in the novel (in your own words and thoughts):

Supporting evidence from the novel including page number(s)
B. Interactions with Pip:
Interaction #1: ____________________________
o Explain the significance in pushing the plot, enhancing the conflict, or developing Pip’s
character:

Supporting evidence from the novel including page number(s)
Interaction #2: ____________________________
o
Explain the significance in pushing the plot, enhancing the conflict, or developing Pip’s
character:

Supporting evidence from the novel including page number(s)
Interaction #3: ____________________________
o
Explain the significance in pushing the plot, enhancing the conflict, or developing Pip’s
character:

Supporting evidence from the novel including page number(s)
Interaction #4: ____________________________
o
Explain the significance in pushing the plot, enhancing the conflict, or developing Pip’s
character:

Supporting evidence from the novel including page number(s)
Interaction #5: ____________________________
o
Explain the significance in pushing the plot, enhancing the conflict, or developing Pip’s
character:

Supporting evidence from the novel including page number(s)
C. Relationship Resolved:
o Explanation:

Supporting evidence including page number(s)