2016-2017 AP English Language and Composition Summer Reading Instructions
You must actively read TWO books for AP English Language and Composition over the summer. Select two texts from the following list. Come prepared to speak and write about these texts on September 6, 2016. Bring your reading notes with you on the first day of school.
Katherine Boo Daniel James Brown Anne Fadiman Erik Larson Sylvia Nassar Michael Pollan David Sedaris Rebecca Skloot Jeannette Walls Richard Wright
Behind the Beautiful Forevers The Boys in the Boat The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down Devil in the White City A Beautiful Mind Omnivore’s Dilemma Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks The Glass Castle Black Boy
"But if I read the books in June, I won't remember what I read." This is something we hear all the time, so we offer these suggestions for taking notes while you are reading. Please understand that these are guidelines. You may decide to use some, many, all or none of these suggestions. How you decide to take notes is up to you. Just remember that during the first week of school we will require you to complete a series of writing and speaking assignments based on summer reading. 1. Record the names of key figures as they are introduced and describe each. As you read, indicate the importance of each person in this book. 2. Summarize what happens in the book. What are the important conflicts? 3. Put down a few statements or ideas from the books that are especially noteworthy or meaningful. Include the page numbers. 4. Although you’re not reading a short essay, you should be able to identify the writer’s thesis or opinion about their subject. What kind of argument is the writer making? What kind of evidence and support do they use? 5. Do you agree with the writer’s argument? Why or why not? Create your own list of reasons why you agree or disagree with them, including examples from your own experience, reading, or observation. 6. To what extent do you think that reading this book has been worthwhile? Did it help you to gain some new insight or to come to a greater understanding in any way?
If you did not take Honors American Literature (10th grade), you must ALSO read TWO novels. You must take notes (see above for tips) and turn in to Mrs. Strey’s main office mailbox by Monday August 29th. Do NOT use any outside sources. If you need assistance in reading or note-taking, this is not the course for you. F. Scott Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby Mark Twain The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn If you have questions, please contact:
[email protected] OR
[email protected]