English 9 Honors Summer Read: Fahrenheit 451This summer assignment is designed to help prepare Honors students for the challenges of an academic English class. The selections and activities were chosen because of their literary merit and because we think they will offer you a meaningful, summer-reading experience. By choosing Honors English, you have committed yourself to a level of rigor that will challenge you to be a close and thoughtful reader. Your exploration of the text will encourage you to explore motifs and literary devices that will become central to classroom discussion. We hope, as well, that you will make meaningful connections between the works and your own life because, as Frederick Douglass once wrote: “Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.”

This summer project will include multiple activities: Reading and responding to the text Creating a personal interpretation of a central motif

Activity 1: Reading and Responding to the Text 50%Your first task is to do a careful reading of the novel. As you finish each reading assignment, you will respond to a selected passage from that portion of the text. A sample response is provided to help you gauge the quality of the work you should be doing. There is also a rubric to help you determine how your work will be graded. Because we are assigning only one literary work, it is our hope that you will read the novel thoroughly and thoughtfully. The writing assignments are designed to help you think critically about what you are reading. While audio support can be helpful as you read, please do not listen as an alternative to reading the novel. Interacting with the text is an important part of your reading experience, AND it would be difficult to complete the writing assignments without first reading. In addition, please do not consult outside sources for critical help. Successful completion of the project requires a commitment to original thought.

Activity 2: Creative Extension 50%Your second task gives you an opportunity to highlight some of your unique talents. Perhaps you are a master of graphic design, sculpture, photography, music, poetry, film making, or another form of artistic expression. Here’s your opportunity to interpret a motif of the novel from a personal perspective. The possibilities are limitless. Here’s your chance to think and work out of the box!Grading and Deadlines: All components of the summer project should be completed by the Friday of the first full week of class. This deadline applies to ALL STUDENTS whether they take English in the fall or in the spring. Late projects may be accepted IF parent communication merits an extension. Activity I (reading and responding to the text) and Activity II (the Creative Extension) will each comprise test grades, not to exceed 10% of your first

What would a world without books be like? A world where no one asks questions, where no one has time to think or reflect? Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 imagines a dystopian world where reading has become a dangerous pastime and virtual families have replaced actual relationships. Once, Guy Montag took pleasure in burning books. When he begins to question his life calling, he finds himself on a dangerous path where everything

literally goes up in flames.“A book is a loaded gun in the house next door…Who knows who might be the target of the well-read man?” Ray Bradbury

marking period average. Though we prefer that you type your responses directly into the template provided for you, if you choose to handwrite your work, please use pen and be sure to write legibly. If responses cannot be deciphered, they cannot be graded. Use the rubrics and models to guide the caliber of your work.

Note: Many students prefer to purchase a new or used copy of the book so that they can mark the text as they read. If, however, you would prefer to borrow a school copy, please contact Mrs. Pryor at cpryor@fcps1.org, Mrs. Major at jmajor@fcps1.org, or Mrs. Strong at sstrong@fcps1.org. The complete text of the novel is available online at http://www.svsd410.org/cms/lib05/WA01919490/Centricity/Domain/536/451-entire%20book.pdfVisit the Fauquier County Public Schools website under English and Read or refer to Ms. Major’s, Ms. Strong’s, or Ms. Pryor’s teacher pages in order to download all assignments and templates after June 3rd.

Activity II: Creative ExtensionInterpreting a Central Motif

Now that you have read Fahrenheit 451, brainstorm some of the central motifs of the novel. A motif is an image or idea. A possible motif of this novel, for example, is loss of innocence. Make a list or a graphic organizer that identifies at least 8 possible motifs of the novel (i.e. ideas that Ray Bradbury explores in a significant manner).

Select ONE MOTIF that you feel is particularly important and develop a tangible product (some form of visual art, a film, a song, a literary work, a sculpture, a dramatic monologue, an interpretive dance to music, etc.) that you feel illustrates the significance of this motif in the novel. Ideas above are only suggestions. Use your own creative quotient to come up with something that you feel best captures and communicates the motif that you choose to illustrate.

To accompany your project, please type an explanation that identifies the motif, the intended impact, and the means by which you hoped to accomplish that effect. (This can be submitted separately with the project and does not need to be incorporated into the artistic expression.)

This activity will comprise 50% of your summer assignment. (See the rubric below for grading criteria.)

Assessment Criteria Rubric: The project . . .

______ is turned in on time and includes preliminary planning (list or graphic organizer of motifs) 20% (Do you have evidence of required planning and was your project turned in on time?)

_____ conveys and reflects an understanding of a significant motif of the novel 20%(Do you understand what a motif is and are you able to identify a central motif of this particular novel?)

______utilizes a creative medium that successfully conveys that motif and its importance 20% (Did you select a medium that effectively communicates a central motif and its importance in the novel?)

______ demonstrates exceptional effort and care in execution 20% (Does your project reflect a high level of commitment and care? Is it carefully executed?)

______ demonstrates a high level of critical thought and analysis 20% (Does your project reflect critical and analytical thought about the role of this motif in the novel?)