As the school year is coming to a close, it is almost time to start thinking about summer. Picture yourself in the backyard hammock. The birds are singing. You are sipping a lemonade, and you are reading a great book. My hope for you is that you have already selected a few good books that are on your personal line-up, waiting on your night stand, ready to offer you a vicarious adventure.
By way of assignment, I would like to offer you the opportunity to read a really good book. It is not long, but it will keep your newly acquired analysis skills sharp. Please read The Chosen by Chaim Potok, and do the following activities:
1. Make a vocabulary list of at least twenty words from the book. Include definitions. Choose words that you think will provide a bit of a challenge to you and other classmates. Then create a brief vocabulary quiz, using all the words from your list.
2. For each chapter, select two lines that you think are particularly meaningful. They may speak to character development or offer other insight about the story. Briefly tell why you think each line is significant.
3. Type a one half page journal response to the book when you have finished it. You may include what you believe to be the theme of the book, your response to passages that were particularly powerful to you, and any possible personal connections you had with any of the characters or the events of the story. Please double space, and use 14 font, Times New Roman.
Please avoid any Sparknotes-type website. I would not want to rob you of your own experience with the text. This is very important. If you are unsure about plot, or you have questions about characters, you may discuss the matter with another student or family member, but do not go to the web.
I look forward to having a wonderful year next year. I’ve already heard good things about you—collectively, that is, and I am anxious to meet you. Make it a great summer!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Loveless
Junior Honor English Teacher
