How and When:
My best advice is to take the assignment seriously, not because it will bring you wealth and fame, not because it will get you into the college of your choice, but becasue taking your work seriously is good practice for this course, for higher levels of thinking, for training your mind intellectually. Reading is what we do mostly in AP English Language. The best training for reading widely with greater comprehension is reading itself.
Get started immediately. Choose, for better or worse, the books you will read and stick with them. Do not change hoping to find easier material. If either or both books seem too difficult, continue reading and find supplementry material to help you understand. Check with the Oakland City Library - MAIN BRANCH to get assistance. Most books listed have critcal editions, helpful guides or separate criticism which will, if you pursue it hard, make understanding fuller, richer and easier.
Read every day! I used to read my most difficult material in the early morning since I need quiet and solitude to read and reflect. But not matter the time of day or place, be sure to read every day, not some days, or - worse - some day! Make reading something of a habit, a regular occurrence. I now read at night, often in bed, for twenty to thirty minutes or more. When I am sleepless, I get up and read. I read for fun, for information, for stimulation, to connect with people and the world, to figure out things, to be alone, to be sociable, to while away the time. So, read, read, read.
When you have questions, ask them The most successful students ask - maybe not the teacher but someone - and keep asking until they feel they understand. Ask your parents, your siblings, your friends, the librarian, the teacher, the neighbor - if needed the dog or cat! Ask! Avoid waiting, avoid stalling. Get that answer and stay on your way.
I have great confidence in you, though we have barely met, and know you will keep on working through the summer, reading every day, reporting on the appointed days, writing your paper in August. Keep up the good work. tj
