Summer Assignment

Welcome to AP English Language & Composition. 

I’m excited about working with a new group of students.  I’ve created this page as a resource for students and parents. Here you’ll find links to detailed instructions and resources you’ll need to complete your summer assignment.

You may want to begin by printing the one page hand-out to hang on the fridge. Having a visual reminder might help ward off procrastination!

Why a Summer Assignment?

The purpose of a summer assignment is to torture you. Just kidding! Actually, my intention is to keep you reading, thinking and writing, and to begin to build a community of learners. Collaboration–literature circles, online discussions, in-class discussions, group projects–is a huge component of the AP English Language class. Only when we feel comfortable with each other can we begin to really open up to one another and engage in deep, meaningful discussions-discussions that lead us to ponder issues in the larger world, to debate current issues and ideologies, to pen compelling arguments. If the summer assignment is successful, it will begin to build productive relationships. It will also allow you the opportunity to become comfortable with some of the technology we’ll be using all year.

How Will You Grade a Summer Assignment?

I will calculate the summer assignment in the first nine weeks average. You must submit all assignments on or before the deadline dates. A five point per day penalty applies to any late assignments. Summer is a time to relax and enjoy family time, so I have given you one deadline per month to allow you time to travel without having to worry about AP assignments. Plan around your calendar. If you know you will be gone on a deadline day, be sure to plan accordingly and submit the assignment early. If you have any problems or special circumstances, be sure to send me a note: lhuff@batesvilleschools.org.

Failing to complete all of the summer assignments indicates a lack of commitment to the AP English Language course; thus, students not completing all of the summer assignments will NOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE THE COURSE.

What’s the Assignment?

 You have three basic tasks:

  1. Locate three student blogs, and write an essay evaluating the blogs. See detailed instructions here.
  2. Locate, subscribe to, and regularly read three RSS feeds of opinion/editorial writing.  For each, write a blog post describing and evaluating the feeds. See detailed instructions here.
  3. Read A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future by Daniel Pink; keep a reading response journal, and participate in an online discussion via the class blog. See detailed instructions here.

When Are These Assignments Due?

Submit all work required for each assignment on or before the three deadline dates below:

  • Task One (Blog Essay): Friday, June 27
  • Task Two (Three Blog Posts): Friday, July 25
  • Task Three (Discussion & Journal): Friday, August 8

Please note, these are deadline dates. Feel free to work ahead and complete assignments early!

What If I Have Problems?

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I’m only an e-mail away. I check my e-mail and comments to this blog frequently and will be happy to help if you’re confused or encounter hurdles. I ask only that you not procrastinate and create a crisis that–if you had given yourself time–wouldn’t have a been a crisis.