Summer Assignments
You will need to obtain copies of two novels for the summer:
1. The Hot Zone: The Terrifying True Story of the Origins of the Ebola Virus by Richard Preston
2. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
These books can be purchased or obtained from the public library. However, for To Kill a Mockingbird, annotations are required. If you use a library book, sticky notes will have to be used in the place of page markings, and page markings are the preferred method.
For The Hot Zone, you will not be required to annotate. Of course, if you choose to annotate, you’re more than welcome to do so, but it will not be a graded assignment. Instead, you will answer a set of guided reading questions. These questions will be referenced in both PDP English I and PDP Biology. You will turn in your questions, answered, on the first day of class as a 50 point assignment grade.
For To Kill a Mockingbird, you will not have to complete study questions. Instead, you will annotate the novel for deeper understanding. On the back of this page is an introduction to annotations. If you would like further direction, there are many websites and YouTube videos available to assist you. Annotations are a skill we will work on a lot this year, so use this time to familiarize yourself with what is expected and develop your own, individual annotation style. You will turn in the annotated novel on the first day of class for a 50 point grade. The rubric found below will be used to grade your annotations. At this point, I am looking for effort, the only way to score below a 40/50 on this assignment is to simply not try. Put forth your best effort, and you will be rewarded!
Level 130/50 points / Annotations are either severely lacking, incomplete, or surface level analysis. Overall, student understanding and analysis of the text is not clearly evident.
Level 2
40/50 points / Annotations are either lacking in number in relation to the text, or annotations are lacking depth and purpose in relation to literary analysis. Overall, student understanding and analysis of the text is only somewhat evident.
Level 3
50/50 points / Annotations are sufficient in number in relation to the amount of text covered. Annotations are in depth coherent, and purposeful. Overall, student understanding and analysis of the text is clearly evident.
Throughout the summer, you may contact me at with any questions or concerns you may have. I am here to help, and I am looking forward to a fabulous, fun, and rewarding school year!
ANNOTATIONS
Annotations are a note taking method which allows for a deeper understanding of the text. Annotations are important when summarizing and analyzing a text. The process is essential to critical reading because it focuses your attention on the content of the text.
Tips for Annotations:
· Use colored ink. While this is not necessary, it helps your annotations pop off the page, and studies have shown that colored ink helps jog your memory. Color is also much easier to differentiate from the original text.
· Underline key words or phrases within the text that you feel are essential. If you feel that it is something that needs to be discussed, write a brief comment next to the underlined section.
· Circle unfamiliar words, and then, using either context clues or a dictionary, write a brief definition in the margin.
· Write a summary at the end of each chapter or section.
· Make a list of key characters, settings, or ideas in the front or back cover.
· Use brackets to set off key quotes that you may want to use in your writing.
· Draw arrows to connect ideas.
· Use numbers if a list or sequential order is being presented.
· Remember, neatness is important! If you can’t read your annotations, you can’t use your annotations.
· Consistency is key. You do not have to use the same markings or symbols as your classmates, but be consistent. For example, don’t use a * to indicate character development for two chapters, and then, begin using a * to indicate unfamiliar words for the rest of the book. A key is not necessary, but it can be helpful when you are new to annotations.
What to Annotate:
There is no rule list as to what you should or should not annotate. This is where your individuality and creative thinking can shine! However, there are a few things to look for if you’re unsure of what you should be marking:
· Questions: When a question pops into your head as you’re reading, write it down. When discussing the text in class, the question will be there, and it won’t be forgotten.
· Quotes: Any quote that you feel is memorable or significant. This will be especially important when composing your written assignments.
· Notes: Anything you think is important or any connections you make. You may want to make note of a personal, historical, or literary connection.
· Themes: Notice and discuss themes. Examples of themes for which to look: humanity, society, education, censorship, knowledge, war, technology, etc.
· Character Development: This includes descriptions of character, moments of growth or change, moments of success or hardship, interactions with other characters, etc.
· Symbols: Anytime an object or description has meaning or significance, take note. This can be used to discuss symbols that are also motifs.
· Repetition: If something is repeated, it is important. Take note of the repetition and determine the significance.
· Literary Devices: Figurative language, elements of fiction, and writing techniques should be noted. Examples of what to look for included metaphors, similes, foreshadowing, narrative technique, voice, tone, personification, imagery, irony, etc.
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