AP+Lang+Summer+Assignment

A Whole New Mind
**Welcome to AP English Language & Composition.** I’m so excited about working with all of you again this year! 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.

**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.

** How Will You Grade the Summer Assignment? ** I will calculate the summer assignment in the first nine weeks average. With each task, I've posted a rubric so that you'll know exactly what is expected. 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 and have fun and hang with friends 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: eharmon@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 Is the Assignment?**

Your summer assignment revolves around the book //A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future// by Daniel Pink. You’ll need to purchase your own copy of the book. It’s currently [|$8.62 at Amazon]. If purchasing the book is a problem, please contact me, and I can secure you a copy.

Purchasing your own copy allows you to mark up the text, and this text is full of rhetorical devices you’ve been learning in pre-AP. It's also full of ground-breaking ideas. As you read, notice the author’s style–his choice of words, his syntax, his devices, his organizational structure.

Also, note the arguments he makes. What is his central argument? What other arguments does he make? How does he support his [|claim](s)? With what types of information? From what sources? Does he build logical, compelling arguments? How does he use [|pathos]? Do you agree with him? How would you respond to his arguments?

As you read, I encourage you to mark up the text (if it’s your copy). Highlight interesting passages. Write questions, connections, comments in the margins. Note rhetorical devices.

You have ** four tasks ** in response to Pink's book to complete for your summer assignment:
 * What Exactly Do I Do? **


 * 1) Write a Blog Post: Due June 24 (50 points)
 * 2) Participate in an Online Discussion: Due July 15 (30 points)
 * 3) Submit a Reading Response Journal: Due July 29 (30 points)
 * 4) Write a Synthesis Essay: Due August 8 (75 points)

= Links: =
 * Blog Post
 * Online Discussion
 * Reading Response Journal
 * Synthesis Essay