Summer Reading: IB English HL 1 (2017) Congratulations on your decision to take the most rigorous English course available to you: IB English Literature HL 1. This summer, we ask that you read a collection of short stories, and consider the fundamental building blocks of literature: character, setting, language, organization, and narrative perspective
During the academic year, you will be asked to consider these concepts, and the ways in which authors manipulate them, to construct meaning from a variety of texts. To begin this process, you should read, annotate, and reflect upon these stories before we conduct deep investigations of each one this fall. ____________________________________________________________________________
Complete the following two tasks before the first day of class: ●
Read and annotate these five stories ○ “Miracle Polish” by Steven Millhauser ○ “My Life with the Wave” by Octavio Paz ○ “The Shawl” by Louise Erdrich ○ “The Semplica Girl Diaries” by George Saunders ○ “How I Contemplated the World from the Detroit House of Correction and Began My Life Over Again” by Joyce Carol Oates
All stories are accessible through the links above. ●
Construct an approximately 500 word response to the following prompt:
Author Jennifer Egan has suggested that a story needs a compelling premise, distinctive language, and at least one more “move” in order to be considered “great.” Keeping that definition in mind, choose one story you think is great, and specifically evaluate the move that makes this designation possible. Bring copies of all five stories, any annotations and notes your have produced, as well as your reflection to your first day of class. ____________________________________________________________________________
If you have any questions about this assignment, please contact James MacIndoe at
[email protected]