Part 1: AP English Novel Assignment

Choose one book from the list below or choose a novel of your choice that is of literary
merit - this means it is a novel that would be read and studied in a literature class, rather than a
novel that is considered a popular read. If it is too easy to read and understand or if you have
any questions about it’s appropriate level, then you should choose another more literary novel.
We also recommend to read a second novel, but this is optional. Read as much as you can to
enjoy and gain from the experience.
The first purpose of reading it is to help you prepare for the amount of reading there will
be in class. You should be prepared to read an average of 35 pages for each class during the
school year, so please read with the intent of having the ability to focus and read large chunks
of pages in one or fewer sittings. You will absorb far more of the significance and understand
more of the author’s purpose if you read every page of a novel, as opposed to being lazy and
reading any online summaries for all or parts of a novel.
We recommend that you track your speed of reading and read more frequently to help
you improve both your speed and your ability to focus, in addition to having endurance to read
multiple pages.
The other purpose is to help you read analytically. Complete the following and bring to
class on the first day of school:
1. Write two thesis statements​ that represent different overall meanings in the
novel. Each should include a subject (author and title), a focus (a specific topic,
type of example, or stylistic technique that is prominently used in the novel to
deliver the meaning or argument), and an argument (the overall meaning of a
theme). Each thesis statement needs to be about a different theme.
2. Also, ​write two paragraph length analyses​ that discuss meaningful quotes in
the novel. You can choose to write a lengthy, specific, thorough, and in-depth
analysis of one quote by discussing key details and how it adds meaning or how
its meaning is delivered by a meaningful context in the novel. Develop your
analysis so it clearly conveys the overall meaning or message that the novel
presents.
Or, you can write a more traditional analytical paragraph with a topic sentence
and two or more quotes.
Either can be about characters, events, symbols, or other types of examples.
Whichever form you choose, please write two separate paragraphs.

Please read carefully to help you develop your love for reading and your independent
ability to analyze in an original manner. Finally, please keep in mind that to develop a
meaningful analytical ability, you will need to identity meaningful details and/or perspectives
from quotes in the text. Success in the course and on the AP tests is a function of self-directed
study and commitment. The ​Advanced Placement Program Course Description​ stresses the
partnership between students and their teachers.
Preparing for either of the AP Examinations in English is a cooperative venture between
 students and their teachers. Students should read widely and reflect on their reading
through extensive discussions, writing, and rewriting…​students should assume
considerable responsibility for the amount of reading and writing they do.​ (5)

Choose one book from the following list. (All titles come from previous AP
Exams):
Catch-22 Wide Sargasso Sea
All the Pretty Horses King Lear
The Scarlet Letter Jane Eyre
The Color Purple The Brothers Karamazov
Frankenstein Crime and Punishment
Invisible Man The Kite Runner
Wuthering Heights Ethan Frome
The Portrait of a Lady A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
1984 The Grapes of Wrath
A Farewell to Arms As I Lay Dying
Woman Warrior

Part 2: AP English Summer Poetry Assignment

Directions:​ Read three poems this summer from different literary eras. This is also due on the
first day of class. Please choose poetry that you can read, but that require you to read carefully
and think critically.
Each poem needs to come from a different literary period: Renaissance, 17th/18th
Centuries, Romantic, Modern, and Postmodern. This will help you gain familiarity with the
various styles and themes that you will see on the AP test. As you read, be aware of the
following:
● The characteristics (literary devices, forms, and other stylistic elements) of poetry during
the time period
● Common themes found in the poetry of the time

For the assignment, complete the following:

1. Annotate each poem​ by doing the following:
a. Write a summary for the various parts of the poem - any lines, sentences, and/or
stanzas - to help you gain a literal understanding
b. Identity at least 3 literary devices and for such devices as tone, diction, and
imagery label them with adjectives
c. Describe the speaker’s attitude
d. Include at least 3 analytical statements or bullets to indicate that you understand
the meaning, significance, or an idea that the poem conveys

Part 3: ​The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Directions​: Read the first 7 chapters of the novel, ​The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn​ by Mark
Twain. We will discuss these chapters the first two days of class, so please come prepared with
notes and any of your own original observations, comments, and questions about characters,
themes, and any stylistic aspects.