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Summer Reading Assignment
2008-2009 Academic Year
All Incoming Freshmen
Book Information
Title of Book:~~~~~~~~~~~~ Things Fall Apart
Author:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Chinua Achebe
ISBN:~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 0385474547
Assignments/Rationale:
This work, first published in 1958 depicts Nigerian tribal life before and after colonialism by the British. It is considered a hallmark work of history for the lessons of African colonialism it teaches to those of us living in the modern world that must confront the economic, social, and physical problems that exist in Africa today. As an introduction to the course, it is meant to familiarize students with the concepts of colonialism, imperialism. The book will also serve to establish Africa as a continent of both trouble and promise in our modern age.
2 Assignments to be completed during Summer Vacation:
(WORTH: 1 Quiz Grade, 1 Test Grade)
A. 2-parts. Define the following words and use them in a complete and complex (multi-clause) sentence. For each word, you must write at least 1sentence.
Imperialism |
Colonialism |
Sacrilege |
Pacification |
Indignity |
Desecration |
Idolatrous |
Deterred |
Imminent |
Discordant |
Superfluous |
Resilient |
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B. Fill out the graph below by describing life in Kenya (as defined in the book) before and after British Colonization.
Then use the graph to answer the questions in a well- developed five-paragraph essay.-This may be typed or handwritten.
How did the arrival of the British colonists change life in Umuofia?
Before the Colonists |
After the Colonists |
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Preliminary Outline-Use the basic outline below to form the basis of your essay.
I.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Paragraph I-Introduction
a.~~~~~~ Decide whether you think the changes mentioned in the book were mostly good or mostly bad. State your opinion as the thesis statement
(this is the sentence in your introduction which states the main point of the paper). Summarize your reasons for your opinion.
II.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Paragraph II
a.~~~~~~ Write about Umuofia before the colonists arrived. What was life like there? Use details from the chart.
III.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Paragraph III
a.~~~~~~ Write about Umuofia after the colonists had been there for a while. How does life change for the family and for the entire village?
IV.~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Paragraph IV
a.~~~~~~ Explain why the changes were good or bad.—This is where you defend your thesis in detail.
V.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Paragraph V-Conclusion
a.~~~~~~ Summarize your main points and conclude by answering this question:
After reading this book, do you have a better understanding of tribal life in Africa and the effects of imperialism on native cultures?
How has your understanding of these effects changed?
Due Dates
You should bring both assignments to school with you on the first day of school. We DO NOT accept late assignments.
Test-To be completed at the beginning of the 2008-2009 Academic Year
In addition to the work you do over the summer, during the first week of the new school year you will take a test with both objective and open response questions.
We will have a short review session in class in preparation for the test.
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