If you are not sure which English class you will be taking this fall, please call the school at 415-564-1063. Students enrolling late in the summer should discuss with a school representative to find out what their summer reading requirement will be.
All students (except for ESL I/II students) will have a History assignment to complete in addition to the English work. All summer assignments will be factored into the student’s first Progress Report grade.
New and Returning American Students
Freshmen, Sophomores
Sophomores, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis & the Golden Compass, Phillip Pullman
Assignment Please read the book assigned for your grade level. You can find it at your local bookstore, or at Amazon or Barnes & Noble online. Take notes as you read and be prepared to take a test on the material. Write a 500-word reflection on the book. It should be typed and double-spaced. It should contain your thoughts about something that you found interesting in the novel. It can also focus on a character’s react to a situation, a connection to your own life, a lingering question you have, or anything that shows that you actively through about the story. Bring a printed copy of your response on the first day of class.
Juniors, Seniors
Book #2: Slaughterhouse Five, Kurt Vonnegut
Please purchase the books early. You may experience difficulty finding them if you wait until the last minute. Amazon.com carries these titles as do most local bookstores. Be sure to read carefully and take notes. Be prepared to take a test on the material of both books during the first week of school.
Assignment Write a commentary of about 450 words, typed and double-spaced. Comment on any aspect of the book you find interesting.
College Counseling
Seniors must also research colleges that they are considering, and bring in the application (with the essay question) on the FIRST DAY of school. A minimum of three applications is required. We will be working on college essays upon your return from summer.
New and Returning International Students
International students needing ESL classes are placed into two groups: ESL I/II for beginning to intermediate English learners, and ESL II/III for intermediate to advanced English learners. Each group has two English teachers. Students who find these assignments too challenging should email the school at admin@wissf.org. We recommend that all international students take intensive English classes during the summer.
ESL I/II – Beginning to Intermediate English
ESL I/II students have one assignment but must bring two copies of their work for the first day of school.
Assignment Write a one-page description of one place you stayed or visited this summer. Write a short composition of about 200-400 words that describes the place and some things that a visitor might be interested in: places to see, food, nightlife, weather, environment, natural and historical sites, etc. Please bring two copies of your assignment.
English II/III A – Intermediate to Advanced English
ESL II/III students have two assignments, one for each semester; students must complete both assignments.
Assignment Choose a topic which is of interest to you, and which has been in the news lately. This could be a national or international issue, or a topic in the arts or sciences. Find three articles of at least 500 words (10 paragraphs or more) about that topic in different papers, magazines or websites. Highlight or underline any new words and look them up. Then write a one-page response where you give your own opinion of the topic, and also explain how that article influenced your opinion. Bring the response and copies of the articles to class.
ESL II/III B – Intermediate to Advanced English
ESL II/III students have two assignments, one for each semester; students must complete both assignments.
Write an essay responding to the prompt: “My favorite hobby is…” Your essay should be 1-2 pages typed, double spaced. You should use descriptive adjectives, first-person pronouns and correct grammatical tenses to describe your favorite hobby, how you engage in it, and why it’s interesting to you. Bring a printed copy of your essay on the first day of class.
Please call us at (415) 564-1063 or email us at admin@wissf.org if you have any questions.