In-coming 9^th Grade

English I Pre-AP

Summer Reading 2008

Welcome to Ball High School!

You are required to read To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.  Be prepared to take a test over the novel the first day of school.  There will be no “trick” questions, but you will have the opportunity to show us how closely you can read and how much content you can remember.  You want to do your best and impress your teachers from day one.  Graduation is only four years away, and it will pass by more quickly than you think.  YOU could be Valedictorian of your graduating class at Ball High, but it starts with freshman year!

Answer the following questions in complete sentences, typed or hand-written.  Try to use evidence in quotes from the novel whenever possible.  This is your opportunity to not only display your strengths as a writer, but also to show that you are a conscientious student that turns work in on time.  If it is not ready the first day of school, points will be taken off per district grading guidelines. We look forward to meeting you and your family.  Enjoy your summer!

1.         Describe what kind of person you think Boo Radley is, and tell why you believe in your opinion.

2.         Comment on the educational system described in the rural South of the 1930’s.

3.         Discuss Scout’s fights with Cecil and Francis.  What do their comments suggest about Maycomb as a community?  What does Scout’s response reveal about her?

4.         How would you describe Atticus as a parent?  Use specific details to support your position.

5.         What talent does Atticus have that greatly impresses Jem and Scout?

6.         Why does Atticus say Mrs. Dubose is the bravest lady he has ever known?

7.         What occurs in Calpurnia’s church that demonstrates a difference in the Black and White communities in Maycomb?

8.         Explain what Mr. Cunningham may have been feeling after Scout talked to him at the jailhouse?

9.         What punishment does Atticus give Jem after Jem refused to leave the jailhouse mob scene?

10.       Scout says that Maycomb County Courthouse was rebuilt to “preserve every physical scrap of the past.”  What does this suggest about the attitudes of the people of Maycomb County?

11.       Why does Atticus emphasize the lack of a medical examination for Mayella Ewell after she is beaten?

12.       What is the significance of Mayella’s right eye being blackened and bruised?

13.       What does Tom Robinson say happened at the Ewell’s?

14.       Why does Tom help Mayella?

15.       What does Jem forget to consider when he is expecting the jury to find Tom innocent?

16.       How does the Black community respond to Atticus’ efforts in defending Tom?

17.       Why does Bob Ewell threaten Atticus after the trial?

18.       After Tom’s death, Bob Ewell says, “One down, two to go.”  What does he mean by this?

19.       Describe two ways Scout demonstrates her growing maturity in Chapters 30 and 31.

20.       Atticus Finch has been described as a true American hero.  Discuss the reasons for this description.