PRE AP 11 and AP Language SUMMER READING ASSIGNMENT The Old Man and the Sea…..……………………………................Ernest Hemingway Brave New World…………………………………………………………………..Aldous Huxley The above novels address in earnest two completely different subject matters: The first novel follows, in a metaphorical sense, a fisherman who symbolically represents man and his life’s endeavors. The second novel, a futuristic world which blurs the line between utopia and dystopia, analyzes the extent man would go in order to achieve happiness. When reading the two novels, be sure to highlight vocabulary and thematic passages, add commentary in the margins (close read), and mark anything else that will prepare you for Socratic seminars in class when the school year begins. Close reading represents a universal “Common Core” imperative in the development of a student’s intellect. A grade can be given on the level of close reading conducted throughout the novel. Writing and annotating in novels represents a virtue, not a sin. Synopsis of each book: The Old Man and the Sea: This allegorical Hemingway narrative follows the struggle between man (Santiago) and beast (a marlin) which serves to analyze life’s trials in a broader sense. Brave New World: This Huxley dystopian novel offers a potential future for mankind in a postindustrial revolutionary age. This novel forebodingly explores a world of genetic engineering and governmental control gone wild. COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING ASSIGNMENTS: 1. Be prepared to be assessed on both of the novels in the first two weeks of class. 2. Vocabulary assignment due on the first day of class (see next page). 3. A seminar discussion on the required reading will take place during the first two weeks of class. Points possible: 1. Seminar - Hemingway 2. Vocabulary project 3. Seminar – Huxley 4. Close Reading Markings
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Summer Reading Vocabulary Assignment: The comprehension of and elevated use of diction (vocabulary) is absolutely essential in the understanding of writing and the advancement of your intellectualism. Elaborate words serve as one of the main indicators of college readiness; for with limited vocabulary a student possesses limited reading ability. Vocabulary is a major part of both the ACT and SAT. Your educational edification critically relies on your development of distinguished diction; this serves as a manifestation of your intellect. Therefore, embrace the calling! Acknowledge “big words” while you are reading. Look up these words’ definitions! This will give you a fuller understanding of your reading and serve as a major foundation to your preparation for college. Vocabulary Assignment: Choose 50 words from the novel Brave New World to define according to the examples below. Be sure to apportion your choices throughout the novel. Below are examples from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix and Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows. a. Example: Number. Word – Part of Speech – definition(s). i. Example from book with page: 1. Taciturn – adj. – inclined to silence; reserved in speech; reluctant to join in conversation. “Harry became more prone to what Mrs. Weasley called ‘fits of the sullens,’ in which we would become taciturn and grumpy,” (Rowling 516). 2. Genially – adj. – warmly and pleasantly cheerful; cordial. “’Dangerous?’ said Hagrid, looking genially bemused,” (Rowling 439). 3. Sentient – adj. – responsive to or conscious of sense impressions; aware; finely sensitive in perception or feeling. “As they turned a corner the flames chased them as though it were alive, sentient, intent upon killing them,” (Rowling 632). WARNING: ALL VOCAB LISTS MUST BE HANDWRITTEN TO ENSURE AUTHENTICITY OF WORK. Typed lists will not be accepted! Got summer questions? Contact me at:
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