AP/Dual Credit English IV Summer Assignments

AP/Dual Credit English IV Summer Assignments
"Nor have I ever seen,
Out of all the men on earth, one greater
Than has come with you; no commoner carries
Such weapons, unless his appearance, and his beauty,
Are both lies." from Beowulf

It is, indeed, a privilege to have inherited a rich tradition of epic literature in spite of the
entrapments with which it came. This summer, I ask that you prepare yourself for the study of
British literature by beginning with one of its earliest pieces, Beowulf. I have designed
assignments that will allow you to practice your skills in preparation for SAT exams, as well.
Assignments are due on Wednesday, September 3, by 5:00 P.M. You may submit your work any
time prior to the deadline electronically by my email or on paper. When our class begins in the
fall, I will let you know what electronic platform we will use (Edmodo, BB, Cengage, etc.). If
you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me or email.
Hey, and congratulations on your Senior Year! I hope it is marvelous!
[email protected]
903-724-9502

Assignments and Instructions

1. Learn the plot of Beowulf. Because it is written in Old English, we have to read
translations and summaries. You need to know what happens in the story. Beowulf is a
poem, but it tells a story. Go to www.shmoop.com or www.sparknotes.com to read the
plot summary.

2. In your own words, retell the plot. This is your opportunity to be creative. There are no
limits on format (comic strip, video, poem, song, music video, do you get the idea?)-just
include ALL major plot details (either somebody, wanted, but, so or first, next, then,
finally). The possibilities are endless. Can you work in groups? YES!!!!!! Why wouldn’t
you?

3. Answer the discussion questions on Beowulf in complete sentences.
4. Complete SAT Word Study for all 55 words.
5. Write both essays. You may type or write the essays by hand.
6. Find some poetry that you like, and bring it to class to share. Do not let yourselves be

victims of my choices alone!
7. Think about your college and career plans. These are not decisions you want to make

sitting in a classroom. Think now, while you have time. Investigate programs and
universities.
8. Enjoy your summer!

Beowulf Discussion Questions

1. Frustrated pride may lead to spite, just as loyalty may lead to vengeance, and
eagerness for glory may turn into greed. Explain how at least two of the creatures
Beowulf battles represent an extreme and dangerous form of warrior values and
behavior.

2. Is Beowulf a believable character or, is he “too heroic?” Explain your answer.

3. Compare the way the epic commemorates Beowulf with the way our culture
celebrates its heroes.

Essay Questions
Each essay should address the topic completely and should be at least 4-5 paragraphs in length.

1. Describe a significant experience achievement, risk, or ethical dilemma you have faced
and its impact on you.

2. Choose a character in fiction, historical figure, or creative work that has had an impact on
you, and explain.

SAT Word Study

For each of the following words, perform a word study. A word study is an academic
investigation of a word that requires you to provide:

1. Word
2. Definition
3. Prefix (if there is one)
4. Suffix (if there is one)
5. Root word
6. A picture or symbol that illustrates the word
7. A sentence using the word or form of the word correctly.

You may format this task as you please, but do not attempt to smash the work onto this page
(Yes, someone was that dumb). Digital images or hand-drawn images are fine. In the classroom,
we usually create these on a grid or window-pane foldable, but it is up to you!

1. Abdicate
2. Conjugal
3. Loquacious
4. Derogatory
5. Pandemic
6. Aberrant
7. Bibliophile
8. Apoplexy
9. Viability
10. Ambivalent
11. Predictive
12. Dubious
13. Inference
14. Refractory
15. Homogeneousness
16. Capitulate
17. Duplicity
18. Mellifluous
19. Transmutative
20. Interlocutor
21. Presentiment
22. Philanthropist
23. Equanimity

24. Tentative
25. Discordant
26. Polymorphous
27. Inclination
28. Quiescent
29. Cognizant
30. Heterodox
31. Impediment
32. Egregious
33. Anomaly
34. Recede
35. Concurrently
36. Defamation
37. Providence
38. Innocuous
39. Contravene
40. Anachronism
41. Hereditary
42. Magniloquent
43. Benediction
44. Ambiguous
45. Litigate
46. Cryptography
47. Dejected
48. Luminous
49. Reductive
50. Indoctrinate
51. Degradation
52. Eugenics
53. Fidelity
54. Elucidate
55. Pandemonium