Congratulations! Being recommended for Honors English is a privilege. It is imperative that you understand the expectations and have decided to undertake this class for the RIGHT reasons. The following is a list of criteria to help you decide if you've been properly placed. You should have ...

• A's in English classes
• a sense of individual responsibility toward such things as attendance, time management, and assignment completion
• the ability to respond perceptively to literature
• the ability to write clearly
• an understanding of language conventions (spelling, punctuation, grammar and usage)
• a strong work ethic
• self-motivation
• a positive attitude and willingness to embrace challenges

Once you've decided Honors English is for you, you will have to make a small summertime commitment! (Remember all that hard work and dedication?)

Before school begins next fall, you will need to read the novel listed below. We recommend that you purchase your own copy if possible so that you can highlight and make notes in your book; however, you may also check a copy out from any local library.

Title: The Lord of the Flies
Author: Golding, William
Fiction
William Golding's classic tale about a group of English schoolboys who are plane-wrecked on a deserted islad is just as chilling and relevant today as when it was first published in 1954. (from Amazon.com)
ISBN: 0399501487

As you read, please maintain a response journal. The purpose of a response journal is to encourage you to react to what you are reading. You may be responding to an entire selection, to a quote, to character, or to a particular situation. Below are the requirements and some helpers to use if you need a starting point for your writing.

• Your own thoughts and feelings are always the best source of your ideas for writing.
• Plan your responses based on a third of the book at a time.
• Your response journal must be three one-page responses. Please do not write more than a single page, and please do not write less than three quarters of a page.
• Please be sure to computer generate your final copy in standard 12 point font, and double space.
• Do NOT summarize what you have read; your teacher has read the book and is only interested in your own original thoughts ABOUT what you have read.
• Here are some "quick start" ideas:
  • Describe your feelings after reading the opening chapters of this book... After reading half the book...After finishing the book...
  • Are there connections between the book and your life?
  • What is the most important passage in the book?
  • What is the author saying about life and living through this book?
  • What unanswered questions do you have after reading this book?
  • I was surprised...
  • One thing I've noticed about the author's style...
  • ___________ reminds me of______________

In addition to your response journal, select three quotes from the novel that pique your interest. Select quotes you wholeheartedly agree or disagree with, quotes that summarize a character to a tee, or quotes which capture a significant event or philosophy of the novel. Write these quotes on index cards.

Next, on the reverse side of the index card, respond to these quotes on a personal level explaining your reasons for choosing the quote. Please note the chapter and page number for each quote.

This activity should enhance your understanding of the novel and reflect thoughtful consideration on your part. We're looking for profound, insightful responses. Do yourself a favor, and DO NOT PROCRASTINATE! We look forward to meeting you next fall.

Return to Summer Reading

Return to West Home Page