June 2017

Dear AP English Literature Students,

Now that we are about to graduate this year's senior class, itis time to think about next year and you. First, enjoy this summer. Relax. Enjoy your family and friends. September to May is an intense time, especially for you who are taking multiple AP classes and exams. However, we also know we must begin preparing for next year. So here is what we need you to do over the summer:

1)Write (or revise) your college application essay and update your Senior Information Sheet (aka Brag Sheet). Start by readingthe handout on our websites on Essays to Avoid; see if this applies to your essay. Next, go on-line and research the admission essay questions for the colleges you are considering. Then, once you have chosen an appropriate question, visit for their free on-line course to improve your essay. Even if you do not think you’ll be applying to a school which requires an application essay, we are asking that you write one; this will be part of an assignment early in the year. There will be a link to UC and Common app essay questions on our website. The Senior Information Sheetis also on our websites. Fill in as much as possible; talk to your parents – they may remember some things you’ve done that you don’t. The Senior Info Sheet is what you’ll give to the adults you’ve asked to write letters of recommendation; that way they have more insight into you and your accomplishments. In Sept. you can make appointments for Mrs. Harnett or myself to read your application essay and give you feedback. (Note – if your college doesn’t require an admission essay, don’t do that part; however, do fill out the Letter of Rec Info Sheet – you may be applying for scholarships or want letters of rec from adults you know.)

2)The Classical & BiblicalAllusions Assignment(on the back) will help you with the literature we will be reading next year and should be an enjoyable assignment. Look at the Powerpoints we’ve created (on our websites), and TAKE NOTES in any format you like; we will not be collecting these notes, but you must know the people and places. Be preparedfor an exam that covers this informationearly in the fall semester. Questions are brief (1-2 sentences) and along the lines of “As a punishment, he was given 12 impossible labors to complete.” (answer: Hercules)

3)You will need to read and annotate The Mayor of Casterbridge. You can check out a book from the school library, purchase one, or read it digitally. On our websites we will have a link to a digital copy. We don’t care how you do your annotations (sticky note, on a sheet of paper, or digital notes), but be prepared for an exam early in the year.

To access our websites, go to click on STAFF, then choose either Ms. Walker’s or Mrs. Harnett’s webpage and under CLASSES choose AP. On the CLASSES / HOMEWORKpage, look for the blue column to the right and you’ll see everything listed above.

If you have questions about course content, please email us at the addresses below. We will begin the year by briefly reviewing the Biblical and classical allusions. We encourage you to get your own copies of the books we’ll be reading for two reasons: so that you can mark in them and so you can keep them until the AP English Lit. exam. Borrowed school books must be returned after the unit. For more specific information about these books, please see our websites. Concurrent with your literary studies, you will master SAT vocabulary and literary terms, write in-class essays, participate in class discussions, and take AP practice exams. More information about class content is available on our websites.

Again, enjoy your summer, rest, relax, but do your research, take notes, and write your college admission essay!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Harnett Ms. Walker