summer+reading.doc

AP English Language and Composition Summer Reading and Writing 2012

Your summer reading and writing assignments are intended to introduce you to the theme of this course, which is “Everything’s an Argument.”It is very important that you complete these assignments. If you do not, you will be far behind the rest of us, risk losing your place in the class, and will certainly jeopardize your ability to receive a good grade during the first marking period. We will study a wide selection of American literature throughout this course. For summer reading, I have selected a play, //Inherit the Wind// by Lawrence and Lee; a novella, //Of Mice and Men// by John Steinbeck; an essay, //Civil Disobedience// by Henry David Thoreau; and an autobiography entitled //A Narrative of the Life of Fredrick Douglass.//You can pick up copies of these texts in Room G-7 any time before the end of the school year. They must be read before classes begin. In addition, I would like you to write an argumentative essay on a contemporary issue that interests you. I am looking forward to a great academic year with all of you. If at any time over the summer you have questions or concerns about your assignments, please send me an email message at tolsons@allentownsd.org

Persuasive Essay Assignment Particulars Write a persuasive essay on a contemporary issue that interests you. For example, a student interested in politics might write about a particular law or political figure. A student interested in social concerns might write about the environment or poverty.A student interested in the media might write about biased coverage or media monopolies. You get the idea. I’m looking for an essay, not a treatise.The length of your work on this topic should not exceed 500 words but should come as close to that target as possible. All essays must be submitted as typed, 12 point, doubled spaced, Times New Roman text.These papers are due on the first day of class.