United Nations International School Hanoi

Summer Reading Program Grade 11 Language and Literature

Higher Level & Standard Level 2014-15
An integral part of the UNIS English and World Languages Department is our focus on the
Independent Reading Program. We strive to emphasize free choice reading and
discovering texts and books that interest, inspire and challenge your thinking. Upon
returning in August you need to have completed the summer reading program for the
Grade 11 DP Language and Literature course.
Keep a record of the work for tasks 1, 2 and 3.
Reading Texts:
TASK 1: Read the following set text (this text will be used in the course):
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (on line versions:
http://www.publicbookshelf.com/fiction/great-gatsby or
http://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks02/0200041h.html )
TASK 2: Select two short stories from the website below and answer the questions
that follow. (This relates to PARTS 1 and 2 of the course: Textual Analysis)
Short Stories: http://flavorwire.com/272890/10-wonderful-short-stories-to-read-for-free-
online
The following essential questions should be applied to all stories:
1. How does the writer create mood, atmosphere, and character through language in the short story?
2. How does the setting, both time and place, impact the audience and the understanding of the short
story?
3. What influences in your own cultural context might possibly explain your reactions to a short story?
4. How are the values of a society or culture reflected in this literary work?
5. How should an individual confront change and adversity?
6. How do our views of the world connect with those of writers from other cultures?
7. How does a writer's culture impact the way he or she views the world?
8. Through written expression and literature, how do we share experiences with humanity throughout
the ages?
9. How do we perceive truths and insights into human nature through literature?
10. Is there evidence in the novel that the authors gender has influenced his or her writing? How would
the novel be different if the gender of the main character(s) was reversed?

United Nations International School Hanoi

TASK 3: Follow two of the blogs listed on the website below and be prepared to tell the
class about what they were about on your return. This may involve you showing them
the blog on screen and discussing it.

http://www.blogtopsites.com/

TASK 4: Internet Magazines choose two articles you have read from on-line magazines.
Copy them into One Note. They must be appropriate for other Grade 11 students to read
in the classroom setting and you will need to explain to other students what it was that
interested you about the articles.

Source: your choice but you will need to cite your source when you copy the article
into One Note.