Grade Pre-AICE English Language Cambridge
Summer Reading Assignments/2014
Fletcher High School
9th
The following assignments are due on the first day of school.
Anthem – Ayn Rand
After reading Ayn Rand’s Anthem, you will need to identify five objects that have a
relation to the book. You will create a chart to explain their significance. The grading
standard is below.
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Your name should be written visibly on the upper right-hand corner of the chart.
You must select five significant objects that depict some portion of the novel.
These items can be anything that you think appropriate. Use your imagination!
Explain the item and how it relates to the book.
Compose a detailed written explanation of each significant item in a chart format.
The title of the chart should read “Anthem: My Representations.” The chart
should have the name of the item on the left side and the explanation on the right.
The explanation should clearly explain both why you chose the item and how it
relates to the book.
Choose ONE of the following three topics. Write an essay discussing your topic.
Your essay must demonstrate an understanding of the philosophic meaning of
Anthem.
1. Equality 7-2521 states that it is very unusual for men to reach the age of 45 (Chapter
1). Consistent with the story and its meaning, offer several possible explanations
as to why life expectancy is so short in society.
2. Anthem is a heroic and inspiring story about the triumph of the individual’s
independent spirit. Even though, at the end of the novel, Equality is greatly
outnumbered, and modern society lies in ruins, it is the story of liberation and
hope – not despair. Discuss.
3. In a single, unified essay, explain the meaning and wider significance of each of the
following quotes in the story:
“The glass box in our arms is like a living heart that gives us strength. We have lied to
ourselves. We have not built this box for the good of our brothers.” (Chapter 7).
“I wished to know the meaning of things. I am the meaning” (Chapter 11).
“I owe nothing to my brothers, nor do I gather debts from them” (Chapter 11)
Alas, Babylon- Pat Frank
After reading Pat Frank’s Alas, Babylon, answer the following discussion questions in
complete detail. Answers should be typed.
1. The minorities and “white trash” live in nearby Pistolville. Explain the symbolism of the
town’s name.
2. The novel was written and set in the 1950s when equality between the sexes and
races did not yet exist to any large degree. How would the novel be different if it were
written today and set in more recent times when men and women and the different races
are more nearly seen as equals?
3. Much of Fort Repose’s struggle to survive is based on the need to overcome racism
and discrimination - recognizing that all people are needed and that discrimination is
something they cannot afford. How would the novel be different if it were set in more
recent times when society has made great strides in overcoming racial prejudice?
Develop a thesis on the concept of racism in the aftermath of a nuclear war.
4. In the days following The Day, “essential” goods and services (electricity, water, fresh
food, medicines, etc.) are gone. What do you think would be the most serious loss and
why? How would that change you?
5. In Chapter 6, Helen makes an “inventory of necessities.” Do you think her list was a
good one? Did she omit something or include something that wasn’t really a necessity?
If you had to make such a list, what would be on it?
6. Helen says that her children grew up and have lived under the shadow of nuclear war
- “For them the abnormal has become normal.” Do today’s children live under a shadow?
If so, what is it and what are the consequences?
7. After "The Day", almost all contact with the outside world is cut off. If you were in that
situation, what would you miss the most?
8. Why was it important for the author to have the Acting Chief Executive to be a
woman? When answering, consider the roles and expectations of women in the 1950s.
9. With regard to the prior question: How would the role of a woman in the same
situation be different today?
10. How does the death of Florence’s fish reflect the theme of survival?
Be prepared to test on both summer reading assignments.