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WSHS AP English Language and Composition (11th Grade):
Summer Reading List 2007

One of the objectives of the AP Language & Composition class is to help students demonstrate their global, national, as well as their local knowledge of the world around them.  Not only do we teach students how to write effectively and persuasively on a variety of issues, but we also introduce them to the various forms of rhetoric and persuasion authors use to convince the reader of his/her particular thesis.

 The AP Language & Composition summer reading assignment is designed to expose students to topics that relate to some of the core themes discussed throughout the school year. 

 Incoming AP Lang & Comp students must read The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass (92 Dou) in addition to one of the following books: 

 - Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser (394.1 Sch)

or

- A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson (916.4 Bry)

 Feel free to read both of the selections (but this is not required)!

 In September you will complete a series of analytical assessments on your two books. Having personal copies of the texts and taking notes while reading are strongly recommended.  Because AP Language focuses on analyzing style, rhetoric, and purpose, consider the author’s tone, purpose and how he achieves that purpose as you read. 

 Bring your books to class on the first day. 

 We also advise you to begin making a habit of reading the national, international, and  editorial sections of your newspaper daily, as well as some articles in one of the weekly news magazines.