Honors Reading List Assignment

· Reading increases critical-thinking ability, grammar skills, writing proficiency, and vocabulary.

· Choose one work from the Honors Reading List (“NagroHRL” in the school library) or the Selection of Shakespearean Sonnets on my website to supplement our class curriculum.

o If you need help making your selection, research several of the titles and find out something about them. Alternatively, you could also ask me. After I query you about the styles and interests you have, I could make a recommendation. You could also ask your parents, librarians, or both for recommendations.

o You will need to obtain your selection independently. You could check your selection out of the school’s library or a public library.

o If nothing on the list appeals to you after completing your research, suggest a title to me for approval. Generally, I will approve literature and books that will contribute to your success in the Honors/AP English program. I usually do not approve “pulp fiction” or assigned reading for other classes.

· Consider checking out a book-on-tape, -CD, or podcast along with the text. I have enjoyed reading along with them.

· Consider watching a film of a play or film adaptation of a book.

o Please do not do this in lieu of the actual reading.

· Your supplemental reading and associated assessment will be worth at least 200 points each quarter. In addition to reading your selection,…

o …you will be required to complete a reading record for your selection.

o …compose 5 original interpretive questions about your selection and answer them with a thoughtful paragraph (a “thought exercise”). See the “Questioning” link on my website

§ …you should note quotations that you find intriguing to complete the five Q&A (“thought exercises”) as you read.

§ Type your Thought Exercises in MLA style and use your best academic writing skills.

o …you may link your “Creative Project” to your selection.

· Research indicates that during the summer months, simply to maintain reading proficiency, a student must read 6 novels at their ability level (approximately one novel every two weeks).

· By the end of 12^th grade, U.S. students rank 29^th out of 29 industrialized nations in reading proficiency and comprehension even though we rank 2^nd in elementary grades. READ! READ! READ! You must have input to have output. And the higher quality the input, the higher quality the output!