Summer Reading

English II Pre-AP

2009-2010

Each student who chose to enroll in English II Pre-AP for the 2009-2010 school year is required to read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. Please purchase the novel with the ISNB-13:9780345342966. This novel should be read over the summer and completed before the first day of school along with the assignments below. You should be prepared to discuss and test over this novel the FIRST DAY of class.

Your purpose for reading Fahrenheit 451 is to consider the journey of the narrator toward self-discovery through personal experiences and that of other characters. Reading this novel should offer an in-depth literary study of characters and culture, which will provide enrichment of ideas and language.

Summer Reading Assignment:

In addition to reading the novel, the following assignments are required and due the first day of class. Each assignment will be graded by your teacher. Summer Reading Assignments (except the annotations) should be placed in one folder with brads.

1. Introductory Information Sheet (minor grade) – See attached sheet and follow ALL directions. Place the completed sheet in the front pocket of a brad folder along with your research for step #4 on the sheet.

2. Annotations (minor grade) – You should highlight your novel as you read for incidents of importance, characterization, and literary devices that are used. You are looking for the items that really stand out. In addition to highlighting, you should comment in the margins of your book about the importance and/or significance of what you have marked. (See the attached sheet to assist you in your annotations and what is important for you to know. We have also listed specific colors to use when highlighting.)

3. Dialectical Journal (major grade) – One of your assignments is a dialectical journal from the three sections of the story. You will react to the ideas and themes and characters that you personally found significant.

Select five passages, one from each of the three sections of the novel and two passages from any section of your choice. As you read annotate the passage of significance and include the page number. You will copy the passage (concrete detail) and respond (commentary) to the passage that you choose. When commenting on the passage, do the following:

a. Explain the significance of the passage to the character and/or to the novel.

b. Explain the significance of this passage to you and/or to your life.

c. Explain the universal importance of this quoted passage – what should be learned from it? What is the implication for today’s society or for all mankind?

(see attached instructions for completing this journal).

Grading:

Grades will be taken over all assignments listed above. In addition, an essay and objective test will each count as a major grade. Throughout the first six weeks, you will have various other assignments that pertain to the summer reading novel. All assignments, tests, and essays dealing with Fahrenheit 451 will have an effect on your 1^st six weeks average. Keep that in mind when completing all assignments. Choosing not to read the novel or complete assignments will result in a failing grade for the 1^st six weeks.

First day of class requirements:

• Turn in all assignments in brad folder.
• You will be given a timed test over Fahrenheit 451. (1^st & 2^nd day of class)
• Bring your novel (annotated) and the annotation sheet attached to this handout.