2007

10 HONORS ENGLISH SUMMER READING LIST

Each student who enrolls in Honors 10, IB 11, or Advanced Placement English / IB 12 at West High is requiredto read one play during the summer prior to the beginning of the course. The assignment is due the last day of the first week of school and students will tested over the material. All class assignments during the first few weeks of shcool will be based on the required reading.

Grade 10 Required: The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare

Assignment: A dialectical journal is a two column note-taking strategy which allows for students to study a piece of literature more closely. The format is bascially two column notes. In column one make an obsevation (find a quote) about a character, a symbol, a plot device, the theme, the setting, the writing (author's craft) etc. In column two explain or comment on why you choose this particular observation,, i.e., why is it meaningful or significant, or why it is effective.

Complete a dialectical journal for EACH ACT of the play. You should have at least seven entries per act and a total of 35 for the entire play. Below are some suggestions when taking notes.

• comment on plot devices (foreshadowing, climax, etc.) in each act
• characterize major characters followed by examples on how each character remains static or dynamic in subsequent acts. (Use specific quotes to illustrate character traits)
• comment on symbols, themes, settings, reoccuring motifs/patterns etc.
• comment on well-written and/or meaningful quotes

RECOMMENDED READING: You are encouraged to read additional literary works during the summer. To receive extra credit for your reading, you must do a 1/2 page summary and 1/2 page critique (typed) for two books (5pts each).

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