Mrs. Wheaton
Summer Reading
Students who enroll in AP English classes must love language and literature. The summer assignments are not intended to be punitive but rather to provide an opportunity to continue working at an appropriate level of challenge. Competent completion of the assignments indicates the self-discipline necessary to succeed in AP English.
AP Language students are expected to complete the following assignments and bring them to class on the first day of school. These assignments will provide the first two grades of the semester and will not be accepted late. Do not wait until the week before school starts to begin these assignments, or you will find them unmanageable. Instead, work on them steadily throughout the summer; students in AP English classes are expected to read and write regularly.
1. Read The Grapes of Wrath and complete a reading log. You will write an
entry for each chapter. Refer to the paper on reading logs for specific directions. The reading logs will become the basis for class discussion and writing about the novel. Please feel free to check out a copy of the book from the school library before school is out or during summer school. (Reading logs will be required throughout the year for assigned novels, so this is an excellent opportunity to become familiar with the format and process.)
2. Carefully select and read a biography. Choose a person you admire, detest,
glorify, or don�t understand, to learn about.
OR
Carefully select and read a work of nonfiction on a subject of interest to you.
After reading the book, write an essay (approximately 2 pages typed, double-spaced) in which you discuss the author�s ideas and how he/she develops those ideas (for example, argument and reasons, historical references, personal anecdote and/or experience, etc.)
Students are alsostrongly urged to engage in recreational reading during the summer. Research has shown that a direct correlation exists between reading and proficient vocabulary knowledge and writing skills, both of which significantly improve SAT scores and performance in college courses.
Enjoy your summer. Read. Challenge yourself!