English 3 HL1 Summer Reading
English 3 HL 1 prepares students for the rigor of college level classes with a strong emphasis
on critical reading and analytical writing. This advanced level English course emphasizes the
elements of language and how they operate in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. This
summer reading assignment is MANDATORY and is the first step into the fundamental study
of literature and language.
For this summer’s reading selection you will read and annotate the following books:
1. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
2. Selections from Thomas C. Foster’s How to Read Literature Like a Professor:
Chapters 1, 5, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26
Please apply what you read in Foster to Twain’s novel. Both of these texts are available at most
books stores. I have provided links to online versions of both texts on my website. You will
also find notes and resources that may help you with the reading process:
This course requires the close reading of texts throughout the year. It is imperative, therefore,
that you continue to practice this skill with Huck Finn. Highlight, underline, and annotate the
novel as you read, looking for the following:









Meaningful lines/language
Allusions
Images
Characters/plot development
Themes
Motifs
Symbols
Questions you may have
Societal issues related to pre-Civil War America
DO NOT rely on outside sources (e.g. Spark notes, Cliff notes, Pink Monkey, Shmoop)
and/or any other resource to replace your thorough and independent reading of the text itself.
Both the exam and the essay given the first week of school will require close, careful reading of
the text.
*If you have any questions, please visit me in room 312 before the end of the school year or
email me at farmerm@svusd.org
I look forward to meeting you in the fall.
Have a great summer!
Mrs. Farmer