English 2 Honors – McBride Summer Reading Choices and Assessment Options 2014-2015 Required (in-class essay when we return to school): Mythology - Edith Hamilton Choose 1 of the following (complete a reduction and artifact over the summer): America is in the Heart – Bulosan, Carlos..………………………………… (biography/autobiography) Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man – Johnson, James Weldon ………………………. (non-fiction) Bonesetter’s Daughter, The – Tan, Amy………………...………………………..…....................(fiction) Ceremony – Silko, Leslie Marmen…………………………………………..…………………...... (fiction) Color Purple, The – Walker, Alice…………………………………………..............................… (fiction) Cry, The Beloved Country – Paton, Alan……………………………………………….…………. (fiction) Devil in the White City - Larson, Erik ………….………………………..……………….(historical fiction) Farenheit 451 – Bradbury, Ray…………………………………………………………….(science fiction) M. Butterfly – Hwang, Henry David………………………………………………………………….. (play) Once and Future King, The – White, T.H…………………………………………………………..(fiction) Optimist’s Daughter, The – Welty, Eudora.………………………………………………………...(fiction) Out of Africa – Dinesen, Isak (Karen Blixen)…………….. …………..…… (biography/autobiography) Obasan – Kogawa, Joy………………………………………………..……………………..... (non-fiction) Slaughterhouse-Five – Vonnegut, Kurt…..……………………………………..……………….…(fiction) Stone Angel, The - Laurence, Margaret……………………………………………….….……..... (fiction) Surfacing - Atwood, Margaret…………...……………………………………….……………….... (fiction) Unbroken – Laura Hillenbrand………………………………………………………………….(non-fiction)

Assessment options on the following page…

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English 2 Honors Summer Reading 2014-2015 Assessment Options For your choice summer reading book, you will be required to complete a reduction as well as one of the following five artifact options. A one page written explanation of your artifact and its creation is also due with the artifact. The artifact, written piece and reduction must be completed by the 2nd week of school (starting August 27th 2012). While you may combine efforts with another, groups may not exceed two people. 1. Create a Facebook page. a. You may create this online or as a handheld document that looks like an authentic Facebook page. Remember to include all the elements of an original/active Facebook page (i.e. Profile photos and info, wall posts from other characters, “Rachel (character) is…” pictures, tags, etc). Remember to be as in-depth and thoughtful as possible. If you do a handheld document, you will have more than one page, as Facebook Pages have several navigation options. 2. Design a Children’s Book. a. Children’s books may seem elementary, but they do convey important messages. If you choose this project, be sure to consult several children’s books first. Note their different designs and structures. What type of language is used? What elements are common? What is unique? Consider how you will do justice to a lengthy and famous novel in the form of a children’s book. What elements are essential to include? How can you break it down for a younger audience but not diminish its quality? 3. Develop an IPod Playlist. a. While choosing songs for a play list may sound simple, detailed thinking and planning for this choice is essential (as with the others). Be as authentic and creative as possible, incorporating analysis of literary elements from the novel (themes, symbols, characterization, setting etc.) along with showcasing various features on a normal IPod. For instance, why did you choose each song? How will you visually represent your playlist? How will you make it thoughtful, unique, and creative? 4. Design a Travel Brochure or webpage a. For the travel brochure or webpage, create a piece that looks authentic and advertises the setting (the where and the when) used in the novel. In addition, show how the characters are affected by the setting and why the setting is unique through various visual representations, bolded headings etc. Get creative but make sure to demonstrate depth of analysis and comprehension. 5. Visual Metaphor a. A metaphor is “One thing conceived as representing another; a symbol” (dictionary.com). To create a visual metaphor, you need to analyze a certain aspect of your novel (symbols, theme, characterization, etc.). The metaphor should somehow illustrate either one or various elements of your novel. You may use any artistic medium you wish (paint, drawing, sculpture etc). Get creative! Some ideas to get you started are to think of movie posters or book covers. Why are certain visuals used?

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The Reduction Basic Format 1. ONE page (8 ½ X 11), one side 2. Avoid the use of sentences 3. Typed or written 4. No evidence of Sparknotes (I read them, I will know…muwhahahaha ) Items to include: 1. Author 2. Significance of title (literal/symbolic?) 3. Characterization a. Note: type of characters (flat? Round?) Interactions, reactions, conflicts, contrasts, etc. 4. Plot development a. Note: focus on how plot development affects climax, resolution, and conflicts. Don’t just give me a play-by-play! 5. Author’s style of writing a. Note: examine the description, imagery, foreshadowing, flashback, sentence structure, language etc. 6. Setting/atmosphere a. Note: What is it? Does it change? What are the effects of the change? 7. Tone/attitude a. What is the author’s attitude towards his subject matter? How does he/she accomplish this? 8. Theme, underlying meaning a. Does the work give you an insight into the meaning of the events of the story or into the meaning of human experience? 9. Significant quotes – Choose quotes that help to develop or illustrate other items on your reduction (i.e. Theme, character, style)! 10. Other pertinent info (key literary elements i.e. symbolism, figurative language, historical background, social relevance/commentary, etc.). Important notes to remember: 1. A reduction is a one page summary of the important points in a work of literature. It may be typed or hand written. 2. Reductions should SHOW your thought process (diagrams, pictures, arrows, symbols, colors, etc) 3. The importance of this assignment lies not only in the final product, but in the process of creating it. In the process, you more fully develop your understanding of the piece.

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RUBRIC FOR SUMMER READING ARTIFACT Name_____________________________________Artifact_______________________ Requirement

0 No Understanding

1 Limited

2 Basic

3 Proficient

4 Advanced The written piece has a clear organizational plan (uses thesis, topic sentences, concrete details and commentary). Use of CD and thought provoking CM illustrates how thorough analysis of the text contributed to the final artifact. The artifact portrays the text uniquely, memorably, and demonstrates a critical reading.

Written Piece (explains how the student’s thorough reading, analysis and insights concerning the text contributed to the creation of the artifact.)

Written piece not completed and/or demonstrates no understanding.

The written piece has no clear organizational plan. CD and CM are used intermittently or may be inaccurate. Piece shows little evidence of analysis.

The written piece is somewhat organized. Use of CD and CM may be inaccurate or not representative of a thorough understanding.

The written piece has a clear organizational plan (uses thesis, topic sentences, concrete details and commentary). Use of CD and CM illustrates how analysis of the text contributed to the final artifact.

Artifact (Children’s book, FB Page, Metaphor, travel brochure

Artifact not turned in and/or demonstrates no understanding.

The artifact portrays the text and demonstrates basic comprehension

The artifact portrays the text accurately, and demonstrates basic comprehension

The artifact portrays the text memorably, and demonstrates a thorough reading.

Presentation

Presentation not prepared and/or student demonstrates no understanding.

Summary of text is insufficient or inaccurate. Presentation may seem rushed, inaudible and/or unrehearsed.

Briefly summarizes the text and explains the artifact. Presentation may seem rushed, inaudible and/or unrehearsed.

Briefly and accurately summarizes the texts and its theme(s) (shows no evidence of sparknotes and/or other online sources).

Summary and explanation of artifact and process is engaging and unique.

Explains why artifact was chosen and what approach was used and why (i.e. why did he/she choose certain images, mediums, text etc.)

Comments: Avg. - _____ / 4.0

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