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Summer Reading

Summer Reading 2002

Grade 9
Grade 10
Grade 11
Grade 12
Rubric for Summer Reading

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are excited to present our new summer reading program. The requirements of this program are different than past requirements, so please take a few minutes to review this letter.

Every student will be provided with one copy of the novel, which he /she will be required to complete during the summer months. The student must bring this novel with him/her to school on the first day. These novels will be treated as textbooks and students must pay for lost novels. Each student will also be provided with a study guide packet. Study guide questions will also be posted on the school's web -site (http://www.ri.net/schools/Scituate/shs), and available in libraries throughout the district. Students must complete the study guide questions before their first English class in September. On the Monday or Tuesday of the first full week of school, all students will take a comprehension test regarding their summer reading.

The summer reading will be the first piece of literature covered for the school year. The chosen reading ties to the theme set forth for that grade's English classes. This setting for the novel gives the summer reading relevance for both the teachers and the students. Teachers will be using this novel to conduct a full first unit.

Attached you will find a breakdown of the percentages assigned to summer reading for the first quarter. You will also find the rubric which will be used by all department teachers to evaluate the study guide packet. Please review this with your child so that he/she understands the importance of this summer project.

We wish you all a happy and safe summer, and hope that your child/children enjoy the novel assigned. Thank you for helping to make this a successful educational experience.

Sincerely,
Ruth C. Trainor
English Department Chair

 

Rubric for Summer Reading

A B C D F
All questions are answered thoughtfully and in complete sentences. Most questions are answered thoughtfully and in complete sentences. More than one half of the questions are answered thoughtfully and in complete sentences. Less than one half of the questions are answered thoughtfully and in complete sentences. The assignment is not done.

 

Weight of Summer Reading Project

5% Study Guide Packet
5% Comprehension Test
10% Summer Reading Unit (In Class Work)
____________________________________

Total = 20% of First Quarter Grade

Grade 9

Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy Study Questions

Directions: Answer the following questions in complete sentences.

Introduction

About what planet is the author writing?

What is the problem with this planet?

What words are inscribed on the cover of the Hitchhiker’s Guide?

Chapter 1

Describe Arthur Dent.

Who is Mr. L. Prosser?

Why can’t Arthur remember what happened the night before?

Why is Mr. L. Prosser at Arthur Dent’s house?

Who is Ford Prefect?

What job does Ford Prefect have?

How does Ford get Arthur to come with him to the pub?

Chapter 2

What does Ford attempt to explain to Arthur at the bar?

How does Ford know the world is going to an end?

Chapter 3

What doesn’t Arthur notice as he returns to his house?

Why is a towel so important to a hitchhiker?

What makes Ford a "hoopy frood?"

How is the destruction of Earth similar to the destruction of Arthur’s home?

Why is Earth and Arthur's home being destroyed?

Chapter 4

18. Who is the President of the Imperial Galactic Government?

What qualities are the President expected to display?

What is the job of the President of the Imperial Galactic Government?

Describe Trillian.

What ceremony does Zaphod attend?

What does Zaphod steal?

Chapter 5

24. Describe Vogon Jeltz.

What news is the Vogon guard trying to deliver to Jeltz?

What was Ford’s nickname in school?

Why are the Dentrassis willing to help the hitchhikers?

How does the Guide describe Vogons?

What are teasers?

Why does Arthur need a fish in his ear?

 

Chapter 6

31. What message does Jeltz play over the intercom?

What has caused more wars than "everything in the history of creation," and why?

How does the Babelfish prove the nonexistence of God?

Name two specific places on Earth that Arthur remembers.

What words are used to describe Earth in the Guide?

How does Arthur react to the description of Earth?

Chapter 7

37. How did the audience react during Pet Master Grunthos at the Flatulent poetry reading?

Who was the author of the worst poetry in the universe?

Describe Arthur and Ford’s reaction to the poetry reading.

What choice does Jeltz offer Arthur and Ford after the poetry reading?

According to Jeltz, why does he write poetry?

Describe the conversation Ford has with the Vogon guard.

Describe how Arthur and Ford are supposed to die.

Chapter 8

What was the likelihood of Ford and Arthur being rescued?

According to the Guide, how ling will Ford and Arthur survive in space with a lung full of air?

Chapter 9

Describe three things that happen as the hole in the galaxy closes.

What does Ford think that the voice is repeating?

Which ship rescues Ford and Arthur?

What is trying to get into the cubicle with Arthur and Ford?

Chapter 10

What is the Infinite Improbability Drive?

What prize does the creator of the IID receive?

Why does the creator of the IID get lynched?

Chapter 11

Describe the Improbability-Proof Control Cabin.

Why does Zaphod complain about picking up the hitchhikers?

Describe Marvin.

How does the Guide describe the marketing division of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation?

Why does Ford think the ship is brand new?

How does Ford react when Marvin mentions the name Zaphod Beeblebrox?

 

Chapter 12

What is "one of the major difficulties Trillian had" in her relationship with Zaphod?

Why does Trillian think the coordinates where they picked up Arthur and Ford are unusual and strange?

Describe the computer.

Chapter 13

Where had Arthur Trillian and Zaphod met before?

When Trillian asks, "is this sort of thing going to happen every time we use the Improbability drive" to what is she referring?

Chapter 14

What does Trillian bring with her from Earth?

How does Ford feel about be reunited with Zaphod?

Describe Zaphod's computer.

For what is Zaphod looking?

Chapter 15

For what industry was Magrathea known?

What happened to Magrathea?

Chapter 16

Who doesn't believe that Magrathea exists?

What reasons does Zaphod give for wanting to find Magrathea?

Chapter 17

How does the Nutri-Matic machine work?

Why are Trillan, Ford, and Arthur so worried about the message?

Why does Zaphod say the message doesn't apply to them?

Is Zaphod right?

Who or what sings the songs as the rockets are approaching the ship?

What does Arthur suggest they turn on?

Chapter 18

What effect did the Improbability Drive have on the conditions of the Heart of Gold?

How was Arthur able to save the crew from destruction?

What animal's thoughts are given at the end of the chapter?

Chapter 19

What does Trillian discover has escaped? Why does the narrator feel her remark would have commanded higher attention?

How does Zaphod get Eddie to open the exit hatch?

 

Chapter 20

Describe the land of Magrathea.

What are the black and red lumps on the ground of Magrathea?

What does Zaphod find when he explores on the planet?

What job does Zaphod give to Arthur?

What does Zaphod tell Ford about his current state of mind?

What reason does Zaphod give for why his mind doesn't seem to work properly?

What types of tests does Zaphod give to himself?

What did Zaphod discover was done to his brains? What are the initials of the person who did this to Zaphod?

Chapter 21

Who is Veet Voojagig?

What does he claim to have found?

Into who does Arthur practically walk due to Magrathea's darkness?

Chapter 22

What reason does the old man give for the computers firing rockets at them?

Why do the people on Magrathea decide to go to sleep?

What plan did they have for waking up?

How long have the people of Magrathea been sleeping?

What is the old man's name?

Chapter 23

What message do the dolphins try to give the humans?

How are the other intelligent species described at the end of the chapter?

Chapter 24

101. What is the "insane blur of silver?"

How does infinity look?

Why does the chamber at the heart of Margrathea give a better impression of infinity than infinity itself?

How does the Wall defy imagination?

What do the Magratheans make in their factory?

What is the "Earth Mark Two?"

What is the role of mice on Earth?

What is the role of humans on Earth?

Chapter 25

Who are Lunkwill and Fook?

What is Deep Thought?

Why does Deep Thought describe itself as "the second greatest?"

What do Lunkwill and Fook want Deep Thought to tell them?

Who are Majikthise and Vroomfondel?

What do they demand?

Who do Majikthise and Vroomfondel represent?

How long will it take Deep Thought to complete the program?

Chapter 26

117. Why does Slartibartfast invite Arthur to his study?

Why wouldn’t Arthur’s visit to New Earth "be the same?"

Chapter 27

119. Describe Slartibartfast’s study.

120. What is the purpose of the festival Arthur sees in the Sens-o-Tape record?

According to Deep Thought, what is the answer to the "Great Question?"

Chapter 28

122. How did Phoucgh and Loonquawl react to "the answer?"

According to Deep Thought, who will be able to answer the question?

Chapter 29

124. Why was Zaphod unconscious longer than everyone else was was?

Why are the travelers experiencing a planet that seems to be made of gold, fish, or platinum?

Who is Yooden Vranx?

Whose idea is it for Zaphod to steal the Heart of Gold?

What news does the Magrathean man bring?

Chapter 30

129. What is the purpose of Earth?

For what does Slartibartfast win an award?

What is the third most improbable event in the history of the Universe?

Chapter 31

132. What happens as Arthur commented on his lifestyle?

How does the war between the Vl’hurgs and the G’Gugvuntts end?

How does Arthur react when he sees the mice?

Name the mice.

Why are the mice eager to return to their own dimension?

What did the mice need?

Why is Arthur valuable to the mice?

How do the mice try to convince Arthur to go along with their plans?

What happens as the travelers are about to be caught?

Chapter 32

141. According to Benjy, what is the "only thing they can do now?"

What question do the mice decide would work?

Where do the travelers hide from the cops?

Describe their conversation with the cops.

Chapter 33

145. How do the travelers escape the cops?

What note does Slartibartfast leave in his aircar?

 

Chapter 34

147. What is R-17?

What happens to the Blagulon Kappa policecraft when Marvin talks to it?

Chapter 35

149. According to the Guide, what are the three distinct phases every civilization experiences?

As the novel ends, to where are the characters going?

List and describe the characters in the book.

Grade 10

A Lesson Before Dying Study Guide

Chapter 1

What is the name of the defendant?

For what crime is the defendant on trial?

Who is Miss Emma?

What is the verdict?

What is his sentence?

Chapter 2

Who is the narrator?

What is the narrator's ethnic background?

Why does the ethnic background of Jefferson and the narrator matter?

Who is Tante Lou?

Where does Tante Lou want Grant to go?

Chapter 3

What is Grant's occupation?

What favor does Miss Emma ask of Mr. Pichot?

How does Mr. Pichot treat Miss Emma during the visit?

Chapter 4

Where does Grant go to dinner in Bayonne?

Who does Grant call on the phone?

What reasons does Grant give Vivian for wanting to leave?

What do we learn about Vivian's past?

What reason does Grant give Vivian for having to visit Jefferson in jail?

Where do Grant and Vivian sometimes visit on weekends?

Chapter 5

The church is the meeting place for what?

Why does the school only meet for five and a half months?

Why does Grant go into so much detail about how Jefferson will be killed?

What message does Mr. Farrell give Grant?

Chapter 6

Where does Grant go?

Where and for how long does Grant wait before he gets to see the men?

How does Grant act that is insulting to the white men?

What decision does Sam Guidry make in reference to Grant's request?

Chapter 7

What two things happen during the weeks before Grant visited Jefferson in jail?

Describe the Superintendent that visits the school.

What types of question does Dr. Joseph ask the children in the school?

When Dr. Joseph checks the children's teeth, of what does it remind Grant?

What request does Grant make at the end of the chapter?

Chapter 8

What job do the older boys in the school have?

What does Grant remember about the boys from his school days?

Who is Matthew Antoine?

What is the one thing Grant says he could teach them?

Describe how Grant feels when he goes to visit Mr. Antoine.

What is Mr. Antoine's last piece of advice for Grant?

Chapter 9

Where is Grant taking Miss Emma?

How does Grant feel about this trip?

What does Miss Emma bring for Jefferson?

What instruction does Paul, the deputy, give Grant?

What are Jefferson's first words to his aunt?

What question does Jefferson have for his aunt?

Chapter 10

Chapter ten marks what visit with Jefferson?

Why is this visit different than the others?

How does Grant feel about this visit?

Chapter 11

Jefferson constantly compares himself to what animal?

What important questions does Grant ask Jefferson?

What lie is Grant going to tell to Miss Emma?

Chapter 12

Why doesn't Grant want to go back to see Miss Emma?

What event does Grant vividly remember after he sees the men reenact the play of Jackie Robinson?

What reason does Vivian give Grant for his not wanting to leave?

Chapter 13

Why doesn't Grant go to church?

What day does he remember?

During the flashback, who is at Miss Emma's house with Tante Lou?

Why are they waiting on Grant?

What response does Grant give them about Jefferson?

About what does Reverend Ambrose want to know?

Where are Grant's parents?

Who shows up at Grant's house?

Chapter 14

Where do Grant and Vivian take their walk?

What do Grant and Vivian discuss at the end of the chapter?

Chapter 15

How does Vivian feel about meeting Tante Lou?

From where is Vivian?

What type of questions does Tante Lou ask Vivian?

What compliments do Miss Eloise and Tante Lou give Vivian?

Chapter 16

What are the children doing at the beginning of this chapter?

Who does Grant remind them to think of during the Christmas season?

What does one of the students come back to tell him?

What does Miss Emma say happened at the jail?

How much time passes before Grant hears the full story of what happened?

Reverend Ambrose tells Jefferson to do what?

Why does Jefferson ask for the food he does?

Tante Lou and Miss Emma tell Grant he is going to do what?

Chapter 17

What change does Grant feel at the beginning of the chapter?

Describe Paul Bonin. How is he different from the other white people who work at the prison?

What questions does Guidry ask that Grant doesn't know anything about?

What does Miss Emma ask the sheriff's wife?

Chapter 18

Why do you think Jefferson insists that he is not "youman?"

About what does Jefferson want to talk to Grant?

How does Grant avoid the conversation?

Why does Vivian want Jefferson to make his own decision regarding Jefferson?

Chapter 19

What event is happening at Grant's school?

What prayers does the minister say before the play begins?

For whom is the single gift? What is the gift?

Why does Grant think things are not changing?

Chapter 20

What news does Farrell bring Grant? What do they want him to do?

Describe Pichot's front room. How might this indicate change?

What is the date set for the execution? Why might this be significant according to the conversation held between Grant and Jefferson in chapter 18?

Chapter 21

Who comes to see Grant? Where do they go?

How does Irene and Tante Lou feel about Vivian's visit?

Who does Vivian think is in love with Grant?

What does Vivian tell Miss Emma?

What does Grant say the black women hope for every time a male child is born?

Who does Grant say can break the cycle?

Chapter 22

Why is Paul concerned that Grant will be alone with Jefferson?

What news does Grant tell Jefferson?

Where does Grant get the money to buy the radio?

100. What is Vivian's attitude toward giving Grant the ten dollars?

Chapter 23

100. Why does Jefferson refuse to leave his cell?

Why does the sheriff ask if he needs to take away the radio?

Why does the Reverend think Jefferson should not have the radio?

Why does Grant think Jefferson needs the radio?

What does Jefferson say at the end of the chapter that makes Grant smile?

Chapter 24

Where do the minister, Tante Lou, and Miss Emma wait for Grant?

Why does no one else begin to eat when Grant does?

Instead of sitting at the table the entire time, what do Grant and Jefferson do?

According to Grant, who is and is not a hero?

According to Grant, what is a myth?

How does Jefferson react to Grant's pleas?

Chapter 25

Why does Grant go to the Rainbow Room?

About what are the bricklayers talking?

Why does Grant fight with the bricklayers?

How does the fight end?

Chapter 26

Who knocked out Grant?

Why doesn't Grant want o stay overnight at Vivian's?

What is Vivian questioning at the end of the chapter?

Chapter 27

Approximately how much time is left before Jefferson's execution day?

What is the Reverend's concern regarding Jefferson?

Why does the Reverend say that Grant is not educated?

Why does the Reverend call Grant "boy?"

According to the Reverend, why does Grant look down on him?

Chapter 28

What has Jefferson written in his notebook?

According to Grant, why should Jefferson talk with the Reverend?

How does Grant respond when Jefferson asks if he believes in God?

Describe Jefferson's childhood in the fields.

Chapter 29

From whose point of view is this chapter told?

What does Jefferson's writing show about him?

Why does Jefferson say, "the lord just work fer wite folks?"

What does Mr. Pichot give Jefferson?

Why does Jefferson cry?

At the end of his journal, what message does Jefferson want Grant to deliver?

Chapter 30

When Sidney arrives in town, why are so many people near the Courthouse?

Which people did not sleep the night before the execution?

Which people witness the arrival of the chair?

What is the chair's nickname?

What noise does Clay hear?

What does Jefferson ask Paul as he is waiting for Murphy?

After his head had been shaved, what does Jefferson ask Paul?

Chapter 31

What will Grant's students be doing at noon?

What group of people is not working today?

What does Grant remember about his childhood days?

According to Grant, which people are stronger and braver than he is?

Where does Grant go at noon?

What does Paul deliver to Grant?

According to Paul, who was the strongest man in the room?

What were Jefferson's last words?

What is Grant doing as he turns to face his class?

Grade 11

Catcher in The Rye
Study Guide

Chapters 1-4

1. Who is Holden Caulfield?

2. Where is Holden as he narrates the story?

3. Why wasn't Holden at the big football game?

4. Why wouldn't Holden be back at Pencey after Christmas vacation?

5. What dirty trick did Mr. Spencer pull on Holden

6. Who was Robert Ackley?

7. Who was Stradlater?

8. Who is Jane Gallagher?

9. Why doesn't Holden go down to see Jane?

Chapters 5-9

10. What was the subject of Holden's composition for Stradlater?

11. Why did Holden tear up the composition that he had written for Stradlater?

12. Why did Stadlater hit Holden?

13. Where did Holden decide to go?

14. Who did Holden meet on his train ride?

15. Why did Holden lie to this person about Ernie?

Chapters 10-13

16. Who is Phoebe?

17. Who are Bernice, Marty, and Laverne?

18. What is Holden's relationship with Jane Gallagher?

19. Why did Holden have to leave Ernie's?

20. What do we learn about Holden's personality when his gloves are stolen?

21. What was the big mess Holden got into when he got back to the hotel after being at Ernie's?

Chapters 14-17

22. Why did Maurice hit Holden?

23. Holden said he felt like committing suicide. Why didn't he?

24. Who is Sally Hayes?

25. Why did Holden check out of the hotel, and where did he go?

26. Whom did Holden meet at the little sandwich bar after he locked his bags at the station? What was the subject of their conversation?

27. What record did Holden get for Phoebe? Why?

28. What made Holden "not so depressed anymore" on his way to the record store?

29. Why didn't Holden like actors?

30. Why did Holden like museums so much?

31. What did Holden think of "George something--"?

32. How did Holden's feelings for Sally change from the beginning of the date to the end of the date?

Chapters 18-21

33. What did Holden think of the show at Radio City?

34. Why did Holden call Carl Luce even though he did not like him too much?

35. What did Holden and Luce discuss?

36. Why did Holden go home so early (before Wednesday)?

37. What was Phoebe's reaction when she first saw Holden?

38. What was her reaction when she found out he had been expelled?

Chapters 22-26

39. What was Holden's reply when Phoebe asked him why he "got the axe again"?

40. Who is James Castle?

41. Why did Holden go to Mr. Antolini's house?

42. Why did Holden leave Mr. Antolini's house before morning?

43. What advice did Mr. Antolini give to Holden?

44. How did Phoebe surprise Holden?

45. What was Holden's reaction?

46. Why did Holden sit on the bench in the rain even though it was coming down in buckets?

47. How did Holden explain his catcher in the rye daydream?

Grade 12

Lord of the Flies Study Guide Questions

Directions: answer the following in complete sentences.

Chapters 1 & 2

Identify:

Ralph

Piggy

Simon

Jack

Sam and Eric

Maurice

Roger

"The Littluns"

Henry

Johnny

 

How do the boys happen to come to the island?

Describe the conflict between Ralph and Jack.

How do the boys use the conch as a symbol of authority?

Why does Jack hesitate when he lifts his knife to kill the pig, and what does he promise will happen next time he meets a pig?

Who are the hunters, and what is their job?

What does a Littlun think he has seen in the forest/

How and why do the boys make fire?

Who provide the source of fire?

How is Piggy different from Ralph?

Chapter 3-4

Describe how Jack has changed. Why has he changed?

Describe Simon.

Describe the place Simon goes at night.

After Maurice and Roger destroyed the Littluns sandcastles, roger stalks the young boy named Henry. When he begins to throw stones, why does he just throw them near him, instead of directly at him?

What causes the hunters, who promised to keep the fire burning, to neglect it and allow it to go out?

Why does Jack paint his face/

What "invention" does Piggy want to make?

Chapter 5-6

What changes are occurring in Ralph?

What issues does Ralph raise at the assembly?

Compare Ralph’s treatment of the Littluns with Jack’s.

What is Simon saying when he is saying he thinks the beast is within the boys themselves?

What do Sam and Eric tell the boys they have seen? What is it actually?

Why do Ralph and Jack decide to go and find the beast?

Why doesn’t Simon tell the boys what he knows about the beast?

Chapter 7-8

How does Ralph react when the pig comes charging down the path?

What did the boys see on the mountaintop?

How does Ralph’s decreasing self-confidence show in his words and actions?

Although he is not able to get the boys to vote Ralph out of office as chief, Jack manages to overthrow Ralph’s authority anyway. How?

Jack suggests a way to keep the beast happy. What is it?

Describe Simon’s strange encounter with the Lord of the Flies.

Who or what is the Lord of the Flies?

Chapters 9-11

What does Simon find when he finally reaches the beast?

What happens to Simon when he returns to the group and why?

As a result of the storm with its high winds and high tides, what happens to the bodies of Simon and the parachutist?

What does Jack plan to steal from Ralph and Piggy?

What will Jack do if someone interferes with him?

Jack wants to keep the idea of the beast alive. Why?

What happens to the conch and Piggy?

What are Jack’s plans for Ralph?

What course of action does Ralph take at the end of chapter 10?

Chapter 12

What is Ralph’s reaction when he encounters the pig skull?

Driven by fear and hunger, Ralph manages to make contact with Sam and Eric who are standing guard at Castle Rock. Of what do they warn him?

In what ways does the tribe to hunt down Ralph?

What or who saves Ralph in the end?