St. Joseph High School Summer 2008 Reading Assignments For 10th and 11th Classes I. Instructions:
1. Students must read two books from the attached list: one required book and one book you choose from the list. Then complete the following assignments for each book you read.
2. At the top of your assignment, supply the following information.
a) Your name and grade level
b) Parent’s name, signature, and contact information. (Parent signature certifies that the work you submit is yours.)
c) Author, title, publisher, date and place of publication of each book.
3. Format: For each book, you should have two to three pages long. Type the assignments (double-spaced, in a Times New Roman 12-point font with one-inch margins). (Please no graphics!)
4. Assignments are due on the first day of school. You will be tested on your summer reading.
5. The grade you earn on your summer reading assignment (and the in-class) will count for as two (2) test scores for first marking period grade
ASSIGNMENT #1
II. Unfamiliar words & Time line. For each book you read, complete the assignments listed below. Be sure the submissions are typed.
1. Make a list of 20 unfamiliar words; define them including parts of speech. Record the page (of the novel) as well.
2. Make a time line with at least 10 important dates or events in the life of the character from the novel. You may do this in the form of a poster or a handwritten timeline using 1 or more pieces of paper.
ASSIGNMENT #2
III. Directions for your summer assignment must include the following sections.
A. SUBJECT: Write a word or phrase which tells what the story is about.
B THEME: Write a sentence which explains what you have learned about the subject.
C. CHARACTER: Write a paragraph describing the personality traits of EACH of the three main characters. Include one QUOTE from the book which describes EACH character.
D. CONFLICT: Choose from the list below the type of conflict(s) which are illustrated in the book. Write a paragraph describing the conflict. Use at least one QUOTE from the book as evidence to support your ideas.
Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Self Man vs. Technology
Man vs. Society Man vs. the Supernatural
E. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: How do the characters grow or change as a result of the above conflict? Write a paragraph describing the significance of the changes. Use at least one QUOTE from the book to support your idea.
F. PERSONAL CONNECTION: Write a paragraph in answer to these questions: What have you learned from this book? How might what you have learned influence your life?
St. Joseph High School Summer 2008 Reading Assignments 9th Grade
ASSIGNMENT #1
I. 1. Students must read two books from the attached list: one required book and one book you choose from the list. Then complete the following assignments for each book you read.
2. At the top of your assignment, supply the following information.
a) Your name and grade level
b) Parent’s name, signature, and contact information. (Parent signature certifies that the work you submit is yours.)
c) Author, title, publisher, date and place of publication of each book.
3. Format: For each book, you should have two to three pages long. Type the assignments (double-spaced, in a Times New Roman 12-point font with one-inch margins). (Please no graphics!)
4. Assignments are due on the first day of school. You will be tested on your summer reading.
5. The grade you earn on your summer reading assignment (and the in-class) will count for as two test scores for first marking period grade
II.Directions for your summer assignment must include the following sections.
A. SUBJECT: Write a word or phrase which tells what the story is about.
B THEME: Write a sentence which explains what you have learned about the subject.
C. CHARACTER: Write a paragraph describing the personality traits of EACH of the three main characters. Include one QUOTE from the book which describes EACH character.
D. CONFLICT: Choose from the list below the type of conflict(s) which are illustrated in the book. Write a paragraph describing the conflict. Use at least one QUOTE from the book as evidence to support your ideas.
Man vs. Man Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Self Man vs. Technology
Man vs. Society Man vs. the Supernatural
E. CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT: How do the characters grow or change as a result of the above conflict? Write a paragraph describing the significance of the changes. Use at least one QUOTE from the book to support your idea.
F. PERSONAL CONNECTION: Write a paragraph in answer to these questions: What have you learned from this book? How might what you have learned influence your life?
ASSIGNMENT #2 Guided Reading Questions for Summer Reading Assignment for Waiting for Odysseus by Clemence McLaren
Directions: Purchase a composition notebook and answer the following questions. They will help you check your comprehension and help you focus on the most important aspects of the reading assignment. This will also help you review when it is time to take the summer reading test. Your notebook will be checked. You will use it to prepare for the test.
Waiting for Odysseus by Clemence McLaren
1. What is an epic?
2. How are the men trapped in the Cyclops’ cave?
3. How does Odysseus use his cunning to escape from the Cyclops?
4. Who is Nobody?
5. Why does Poseidon send bad weather and calamities to Odysseus and his crew?
6. Who is Circe?
7. How is Odysseus able to negotiate with Circe regarding a safe return of his men?
8. Why does Circe give advice to Odysseus?
9. How do Odysseus and his men escape the Sirens, Charybdis, and Scylla?
10. How does Penelope manage to trick her suitors?
11. What is Penelope’s final challenge to her suitors?
12. How does Penelope discover her returned husband?
13. Why is Odysseus considered a hero? He is mortal and has no superhuman abilities or qualities.
Discuss the heroic qualities he displays during his journey.
14. Do you think Penelope is heroic? Why or why not?
15. Many events during Odysseus’ journey center upon the hospitality of a host and the behavior of guests. Discuss the importance of sharing meals and homes in ancient Greek times. Use examples from Odysseus and the Cyclops, Circe and the crew, and Penelope and her suitors. What do the manners of the host and guests reveal about their personalities?
16. The goddess Athena plays an important part in Odysseus’ life. Why does she favor him? What events would be changed if he didn’t receive her help?
9TH GRADE HONORS
English Nine Honors Students are required to read Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, “Forward- Part Four: The Fall of Troy” pp. v-210 (ISBN# 0446607258). This text brings to life the Greek, Roman, and Norse myths that are crucial to an understanding of Western literature. Students will conclude the text throughout the academic year. Mythology provides students with background knowledge for an in-depth study of The Odyssey and other major pieces of literature studied throughout their years in high school.
English Nine Honors Students are also required to read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. In Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury’s classic, frightening vision of the future, firemen don’t put out fires—they start them in order to burn books. Bradbury’s vividly painted society holds up the appearance of happiness as the highest goal—a place where trivial information is good, and knowledge and ideas are bad. Fire Captain Beatty explains it this way, “Give the people contests they win by remembering the words to more popular songs…. Don’t give them slippery stuff like philosophy or sociology to tie things up with. That way lies melancholy.”
Guided Reading Questions
Directions: These questions are to help you check you comprehension of the summer reading and to help you focus on the most important aspects of the reading assignment. This will also help you review when it is time to take the summer reading test. This study guide is not required and will not be collected; it simply here to guide your reading
Edith Hamilton—Mythology
Study Questions
Introduction p.13
1. What is the purpose of Greek and Roman mythology?
2. What is the first written record of Greece called, and who was the author?
3. What do the myths show us about the early Greeks?
4. Why did the portrayal of Zeus change over the years?
5. What is Theogony, and why is it important?
Part 1—The Gods, The Creation, and The Earliest Heroes
Chapter 1-The Gods-p.24
6. What did the Greeks believe about the origins of the gods and the universe?
7. Who were the first parents, and who were their children and grandchildren?
8. How did Homer describe Olympus?
9. Give the Roman names for the following gods and goddesses: Zeus, Hades, Hermes, Hestia.
10. Give the Greek names for these gods and goddesses: Juno, Neptune, Minotaur, Mars, Vulcan.
11. How was the will of Zeus revealed at the oracle of Dodona?
12. Describe the breastplate, bird, and tree that symbolize Zeus.
13. What was the dual relationship between Zeus and Hera?
14. Describe Hera’s personality.
15. Who were Zeus’s two brothers and where did they rule?
16. Briefly describe the characteristics and functions of any two of the following gods: Athena, Phoebus Apollo, Artemis, or Aphrodite.
17. Briefly describe the characteristics and functions of any of the two following gods: Hermes, Hephaestus, Hestia, Cupid, Ares, or the Muses and Graces.
18. What did Hermes have on his feet, hat, and wand, and why?
19. Name the gods of the waters.
20. Who are the main gods of the Underworld?
21. What are the Elysian Fields?
Chapter 3—How the World and Mankind Were Created—p.65
22. What did the Greeks think was at the very beginning of things?
23. What were the next six creations, in order?
24. Who was Cronus, and why was he significant?
25. How did Zeus become the ruler of heaven and earth?
26. Describe the Greek concept of the geography of the earth.
27. Briefly retell the story of Prometheus’ creation of mankind.28. Who was Pandora and why was she created?
29. Briefly retell the story of Pandora’s box.
30. Why did Zeus punish Prometheus, and how did he do this?
Part Two:
Chapter 6--Pygmalion and Galatea—p.112
31. Why does Pygmalion decide to remain a bachelor?
32. Under what circumstances does he fall in love?
33. How does Pygmalion act after this?
34. Who helps Pygmalion in his desire to have the woman he loves?
35. How does the story end?
Chapter 7—The Quest of the Golden Fleece—p.122
36. Why was Jason’s journey significant?
37. What was the origin of the Golden Fleece?
38. Why did Jason undertake the search for the Golden Fleece?
39. What were the Harpies, and how were they destroyed?
40. Name Jason’s ship and at least one of the heroes who traveled with him.
41. Who were the Amazons?
42. What task did Jason have to perform for King Aeetes in order to get the Golden Fleece?
43. Who helped Jason and why?
Part Three:
Chapter 11—Hercules—p.166
44. Who was the strongest man on earth?
45. Why did Hercules perform his twelve labors?
46. Briefly describe one of the twelve labors of Hercules.
Chapter 13—The Trojan War—The Judgment of Paris—The Fall of Troy
47. From which source did Hamilton take most of the story of the Trojan War?
48. What was the Judgment of Paris?
49. What was the cause of the Trojan War?
50. Who were the main combatants and gods on the Greek side?
51. Who were the main combatants and gods on the Trojan side?
52. Who was killed during the battle between Achilles and Hector?
53. How was Achilles killed?
54. What did Diomedes steal from the city of Troy, and why?
55. How did the Greeks finally get into Troy?
56. Which of the Trojans escaped, and who helped them?
Fahrenheit 451
Study Questions
Part I: The Hearth and the Salamander (pages 3-68)
1. What do the "firemen" do for a living?
2. In the opening scene, why are the books compared to birds?
3. According to pages 3-4, what does Montag think of his job?
4. Who does Montag meet on the way home?
5. During his conversation, Montag says that "You never wash it off completely" referring to the kerosene. What could this mean symbolically?
6. Why do you think that Bradbury would introduce Clarisse before Montag's wife, Mildred?
7. Why does Mildred need help when Montag gets home?
8. Describe the help that she receives.
9. Is there anything unusual about the way the two men go about helping Mildred? How is it unusual?
10. How is life in Montag's house very different from that of Clarisse's house?
11. How does Mildred react after she wakes up from her previous night's experience?
12. What does Mildred do all day?
13. Describe the setup of Montag's TV room.
14. What is Clarisse doing when Montag sees her on page 21?
15. How is Clarisse different than Mildred?
16. What is the mechanical hound and what is its purpose?
17. What is the hound's reaction to Montag?
18. Why does society consider Clarisse “anti-social” (page 29)?
19. At the next fire, what does Montag take?
20. On page 40, Beatty reveals something very important about himself and his knowledge. What is it?
21. What technology does Mildred use to go to sleep?
22. Who is Mildred's "family"?
23. What has happened to Clarisse? How did it happen?
24. What is unusual about the way Mildred told Montag about Clarisse?
25. Read pages 55-62 very carefully. They contain great truths about our world. List three things Beatty talks about in his speech to Montag that are true about our world.
Part II: "The Sieve and the Sand” (Pages 71-110)
26. When was the last liberal arts college shut down?
27. What was the purpose of Montag’s call?
28. Why did Faber’s fear dissipate when Montag was standing outside his door?
29. What did Montag want from Faber?
30. How did Montag finally get Faber to consider really helping him?
31. What to items were exchanged before Montag left the professor’s house?
32. What is the volcano’s mouth?
34. Which lady was affected by the original intent of the poetry?
35. Listening to Captain Beatty play his harp and needle Montag had what effect upon Guy?
36. What interrupted the poker game?
37. Captain Beatty drove the Salamander to whose house? Part III: Burning Bright (pages 111-166)
38. How has Beatty given Montag hints that he is under suspicion?
39. Who must have brought the books back from the garden?
40. Who (3) TURNED IN AN ALARM AGAINST Montag?
41. What happened to Montag’s green bullet?
42. Why did Montag burn Beatty's body?
43. What is Montag’s plan to escape?
44. How much money did Montag give Faber?
45. How many scents can the mechanical hound remember?
46. Why did Montag want Faber to turn on the air conditioning and sprinklers?
47. Interpret “Twenty million Montag's running, soon, if the cameras caught him.”
48. Why did the search for Montag veer inland?
49. Who died in Montag’s place?
50. What did Granger mean by “Welcome back from the dead.”?
51. When Granger and other like minded people are stopped by authorities, why isn’t any incriminating evidence found?
52. Do you have a sense that there are other “book chapters” in other towns? What proof do you have?
53. What does Granger mean by his quote “You’re not important."? You’re not anything.”?
54. Explain the last implications of the events in the last 4-5 pages.