Frequently Asked Questions

It's summer break. Why do I have to read?!

Reading--during any time of the year--can help you grow personally and academically.

Here are five other terrific reasons for college-bound students to read during summer break: 

• It improves performance on standardized tests, like SAT and ACT.
• It keeps students from losing what they've learned so they are ready to get back into the groove when school starts.
• It gives students the opportunity explore new points of view and to learn new things.
• It prepares students for the next year's English course.
• It prepares students for college-level work which will require reading across all subjects.

After you have finished your assigned summer reading, don't stop! Feel free to read more than one book off of the summer reading list, pick one off of the College Board's Top 100 list of books for College-Bound readers, or just find something that interests you at the library or bookstore.

Why did you pick these books?

These books were selected using the same criteria that the English department uses to select all books for inclusion in the curriculum. However, as these are books assigned for summer reading, special consideration has been given to the degree to which the works will appeal to students. We want you to enjoy reading this summer!

Will there be a test?

Yes. Students in standard and honors English will take an assessment on the summer reading book(s) as early as August 14. Reading online study guides or watching film versions of the book will not prepare you for this assessment. Be sure to read the book. The goal of this assessment is to demonstrate the students have read the book and retained key ideas; therefore, the format of this assessment may be modified if it is administered via distance learning. 

In addition, you will participate in discussions and other learning activities related to summer reading during the first few weeks of class. 

Please see the AP Summer Reading FAQs for more information about the assessments for AP Summer Reading.

Why do honors students have an extra assignment?

The summer reading assignment reflects the difference between the Standard and Honors English courses. Throughout the year, Honors English students will read additional texts and complete additional and more rigorous assignments. 

Help! School is about to start and I just enrolled. Do I still have to do this assignment?

It depends on when you enroll at Corvian and whether you are taking Standard or Honors English. Please see below for our policy.

Students in STANDARD level English classes who enroll on or after August 5, will be excused from this assignment. 

​Students in HONORS level English courses who enroll on or after August 5, will be excused from the Standard assignment (choice book), and will have a two weeks from the date of enrollment to complete the Honors summer reading assignment. 

Students in HONORS level English courses who enroll on or after September 8 will be excused from both the Standard and Honors portions of this assignment.

Students in AP level courses who enroll on or after August 5 will receive a three week extension.

​Students will not be granted summer reading extensions or exemptions due to schedule changes.

Do I have to purchase my book ON Amazon?

Links to Amazon have been provided for your convenience only. The school is not paid any referral fees for purchases from Amazon. You may purchase your book(s) from any seller that you choose. While Amazon does offer competitive prices, you should be able to find these books at other local bookstores including Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million, and even used at 2nd & Charles.

Is it cheating to listen to the audiobook?

Audiobooks are great! But, in order to use them effectively to prepare for English class,  you need to read along as you are listening to the audiobook. This is a great way to enjoy the book and it is also a powerful way to improve fluency and reading comprehension. Try it!

What should i do if i have other questions?