English II Honors Summer Assignment

English II Honors Summer Assignment

DUE DATE: All parts of your summer assignment must be turned in to your teacher on THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL. Choosing not to complete the summer assignment and turn it in on time is an indication that you have not met the requirements for Honors English II and will result in a schedule change.

SUMMER READING BOOKS:Anthem by Ayn Rand and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Anthem: Is a dystopian novel set in a future society that has somehow reverted to a very primitive way of life. In this new society the individual does not exist, all men work for the good of the collective. Individual desires and wants are irrelevant. The author, Ayn Rand, is very well known for her philosophy of Objectivism. Before you begin reading the novel, you should visit to learn more about the author, her philosophy, and the ways in which her philosophy permeates her writings.

Step 1: Read Anthem by Ayn Rand and complete the double entry journal.

Double Entry Journal Requirements:

1. Divide the book into four sections (p.1-25, p.26-50, p. 51-75, p. 76-105)
2. For each of these sections of the book you must find one example of each of the following:

• A passage from the book that you think illustrates visual imagery and your explanation of how that imagery is significant to the story.
• A passage from the book that contains a metaphor or simile and your explanation of the role the metaphor or simile plays in the passage.
• A passage from the book containing at least one new or challenging vocabulary word and what the word means in the context of the passage.
• At least one quote from the book that reveals something about one of the main characters and an explanation of what you think the quote reveals.
• A passage from the book that reminds you of something from your own life or another book you have read and an explanation of what/how it does.

1. Record your responses in a double entry journal. Your double entry journal should be in the following format:

Entry # / Direct Quote From the Book including page numbers. / Your response/interpretation/explanationof the passage from the book.
1
2
3

1. Make sure that your double entry journal has a total of 20 entries (the five required entries from each of the four sections of the book, you may have more if you wish).

Step 2: ReadThe Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and annotate the text. To annotate the text means to take notes in the book or on post-it notes attached to the pages of the book as you read. Annotation, a form a close reading, is a strategy that all college bound students must make a part of their reading process. On the first day we will examine your copy of the text to make sure you have taken notes in or on the book as you have read. Your notes can be related to everything from plot to characterization to images to themes and motifs to vocabulary to any other significant elements of the text. If you are reading a digital copy of the book, you may either use the notes feature on your e-reader to highlight and take notes, OR you make keep your notes in a separate notebook. As you read, keep in mind similarities and differences between The Hunger Games and Anthem.

Step 3: Find your own anthem. An anthem is a hymn or song of praise. It is kind of like a theme song. A song or piece of writing that summarizes something about yourself and what you stand for. Your job is to find and anthem that represents you. It might be a song, or a poem, or a short piece of writing. You must bring this anthem to class with you on the first day.

Step 4: Write an essay in which you explain the anthem you chose and how it is an anthem for your life. Your essay should be well-organized, should contain multiple-paragraphs, and should be well-edited. You will be graded according to the attached rubric.

Step 5: Present to the class. On the first day of school you will share your anthem and your essay with the class. This will allow you to have a better understanding of your peers and what they value. It will also allow us to create a strong classroom community to start off the school year.

Questions? Feel free to contact me.

Lindsey McPherson:

Cell: 210-887-4304 (yes that is a two ONE zero number)

Home: 606-787-4217

Rubric for Anthem essaySummer Assignment English II Honors

Criterion / 4
Exceeds (100%) / 3
Meets (95%) / 2
Nearly Meets (80%) / 1
Below Standard (Redo)
Purpose / Focus is particularly insightful and convincing;
Unique angle on assignment taken / Focused on the purpose of describing and reflecting upon personal anthem;
Relationship between writer and chosen anthem clearly explained / Focus may just be a description of personal anthem with little reflection; Not a clear connection with anthem / Focus not clear;
Little, or no, reflection
Organization / May have an unusual but highly effective structure / Clear beginning, middle, and end;
Effective transitions;
Logical progression of ideas / Beginning, middle, and end;
Some transitions;
May have some lapses in logical organization / Little or no organization;
Very brief
Details / Use of figurative language;
Insightful use of specific details from personal experience;
Deeply reflective, full of wonder, speculation, and insight / Precise, concrete details used to describe and analyze anthem;
Description or reflection may take various effective forms;
Includes effective use of personal feelings and more abstract meanings / Some concrete details;
Reflection may omit personal feelings or broader, more abstract meaning / Details may be lists or too general;
Little, if any, reflection
Style, Tone, and Voice / Sophisticated word choice and/or sentence structure;
Unique, engaging voice; / Precise (not vague or general) word choice;
Variety in sentence structure;
Tone is consistent and suitable for purpose / Appropriate /some simplistic word choice;
May lack variety in sentence structure;
Tone suited to purpose but not clear and consistent / Basic/simple word choice;
Tone is not inappropriate or not developed;
Many awkward or repetitious sentences