Pre-AP ENGLISH I
2015-2016
Pre-AP English I students move at a quicker pace and read twice as much literature as
English I students. This course is designed to meet the Advanced Placement Objectives
for English Language. To do well in this class, students should display and possess the
following qualities:
A strong work ethic
A strong understanding of grammar
A love of reading
High reading comprehension
Strong writing skills
Self-motivation
Computer/printer (Many essays are required to be typed.)
Reading is extremely important in this class. If a student does not like to read or is not
able to work on his or her own without constant prodding, Pre-AP English I is not
recommended.
Summer Reading Assignment
Teacher: Mrs. Gonzales
Email: gonzalesk@mustangps.org
All Pre-AP students are expected to complete two summer reading assignments:
A. one is a mandatory assignment
B. the second is based on a novel of your choice.(Minimum 250 pages)
Please follow all instructions for each reading.
Summer reading novels may be checked out of the library as well as purchased new or
used. Be prompt in getting a copy of the novel in order to complete your reading and
assignments before returning to school in August.
A. Mandatory: October Sky (Rocket Boys) by Homer Hickam
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Before Reading:
 Write a 1-2 paragraph response to the prompt on next page.
 Preview the assignment included in this packet so you are prepared to
complete it after reading the novel.
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During Reading:
 Take notes to help you analyze themes
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After Reading:
 Complete the “Analyzing Themes” assignment included in this packet. This
will be due the first day of school.
 Upon returning to school, you will answer multiple-choice questions
pertaining to this novel.
Part 1 (All responses should be typed, double space, 12pt. font)
Pre-reading Prompt for October Sky
In at least two paragraphs, write about a dream you have and how you plan on
achieving it.
Analyzing Themes Activity for October Sky
Directions: In 3-4 sentences, use an example from the novel to tell how each theme ties
into October Sky. Create a word document (12 point, double spaced) for your
responses.
1. If a person starts something, he should finish it rather than give up easily.
2. As soon as new creations are born, they begin to die.
3. Unrequited love is difficult to handle.
4. A person wants people to like him for himself/herself, not for what he/she is.
5. If a person has a dream, he should not let anyone or anything stop him.
6. The desire to learn can inspire a person to work hard and try things.
7. Even though a person has conflicts with a sibling, love still exists between them.
8. Trying to help someone with a project without a desire for compensation shows great
character.
9. Favoring one child over another is a grievous error in judgment.
10. Seeing someone suffer, especially someone you care about, is hard to take.
11. Parents should allow their children to grow, rather than hold them back.
12. People should have compassion for someone who is down and out rather than
making his life worse.
13. Every child wants to be accepted by his parents, regardless of what he does.
14. Success breeds success.
15. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.
16. No one should accuse another of a crime without having sufficient evidence.
17. Feeling that someone doesn’t condone what you are doing can provide the
stimulus for you to succeed.
18. Creativity is the key to success in many areas of life.
19. People love winners and will show support for them, even though the winner was
not always viewed as a winner.
20. It is wrong to stereotype people.
21. Even though couples love each other, conflicts may still exist between them.
B. Independent Book Choice – From the list that follows,
complete a journal as described below.
Purpose: This is your opportunity to respond honestly, thoughtfully, creatively, and
personally to reading selections without the fear of being "wrong." Your goal is to make
meaning out of what you have read in order to improve your comprehension and
appreciation. Ideally, a dialogue will occur between you and the author. Not only will
you become a better reader as you write in response to what you have read, but your
teacher will have a much better understanding of who you are as a reader and thinker.
Directions: Below are several reader response strategies, feel free to "mix and match"
the strategies, and do not merely summarize. Instead think, take risks, and enjoy the
freedom of writing in your own voice. You may find it easiest to keep your responses on
notebook paper and then transfer to a typed page. Final Submission should be a
minimum of 5 full page responses(total), typed, double space, 12pt font.
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Free writing – What does the reading make you think about? Write whatever comes to mind
without stopping! Do not censor your thoughts or edit, and don't lift the pen!
React / Identify − React to or identify with a character's choice. What would you have
done differently? When has something similar happened to you? Register those strong
feelings! Recall similar moments in films, other books, or your actual life.
Reflect −Contemplate on what you've read and imagine alternatives. Consider what the
author is attempting to show you. Identify significant moments in the book and suggest how
these moments matter.
Questions, questions, questions − While reading, note in the margins (or on a post-it note)
where you have questions of "genuine doubt." After your reading session, write out these
questions of interpretation and reflect on how they might be answered. You should find that
the best questions will generate many interesting responses.
Anticipate − Make and remake hypotheses about your reading. Imagine how the
characters will act, how the narrative might unfold, how the author might resolve the
conflict.
Prioritize − Learn to isolate those words or images that recur. (Good writers do not repeat
themselves unintentionally.) Copy passages that strike you as important, and consider
thematic implications. Trust your instincts!
Illustrate – What do you see based on the author’s words? Draw, create a collage, and
explain the significance of the image.
Creative writing – Create a poem, found poem, letter to a character, diary entry as a
character, or song to respond to one of the ideas presented in the reading.