Dear 2004-2005 Pre-AP English II Students and Parents,

It is with great pleasure that I present to you the summer reading requirements for students enrolled in Pre-AP English II for the 2004-2005 school year. This year, you will read two books: Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya, and Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. I am making arrangements with the Borders bookstore on Lovers Lane at Greenville to order copies of these books. The prices of the books are $6.99 and $1.50 respectively. Each student should obtain his or her own copy of these books.

The selections I have chosen are by authors who appear on the AP Exams. I have made every effort to pick selections that are interesting to students and that, I hope, will be enjoyable summer reading. As a college level course, the literature in AP English III is somewhat controversial. If there is any story I have assigned which you find objectionable, feel free to contact me at either my email address, han.solo@prodigy.net, or through the main office at school. I will be checking in at Woodrow over the summer if you need to contact me. Please leave a message at 972-502-4400.

The students are required 1) to read the novels and 2) complete an analysis for each for their cumulative AP binder. The length of these analyses will vary depending upon the level of work of the individual. The students should bear in mind that these are study guides for the AP exam itself; therefore, every effort should be made to analyze the texts as thoroughly and completely as possible. Finally, the students will be tested over the novels on the first day of the second full week of school. I have attached a copy of the Novel/Drama Analysis form that Woodrow’s AP English Department uses. While I will not grade the content of the notes that students keep on the novels, I will require they be completed as an all-or-nothing daily grade by test day. The students will, however, find their notes invaluable study tools for the test. As with all tests in my class, there will be no re-tests on the summer reading.

Enjoy the reading. Have a good summer, and I look forward to seeing you next year.

Sincerely,

Patrick McGhee