SUMMER HOMEWORK

*****Note: This letter was written to students entering the 8th Grade in the fall. Those entering 7th grade in September should only follow the ENGLISH portion of the letter (the latter half)*******

Have a Great Summer!

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May 27, 2009

Dear 7th graders and 7th grade families:

Here’s the summer homework assignment for your class. We collaborated to put together an assignment that will prepare students for the standardized tests they will take next year and for the 8th grade in general. For the test prep assignment, students need to purchase The Princeton Review Cracking the SSAT & ISEE 2009 Edition. This book is available at most major bookstores, as well as online.

TEST PREPERATION
Because students will not be taking the specialized high school test (SHSAT) or the ISEE/SSAT until later in the fall, it makes the most sense to focus on expanding vocabulary, solidifying basic math skills, and continuing to read and write during the summer months. Students taking high school entrance exams should plan to study test taking strategies closer to the test date so the material is fresh in their minds (either in a test prep class, at MCS, or on their own). Everyone is welcome to use this book to do practice problems, however (SSAT chapters 5-10 and ISEE chapters 15-20). Practicing the ISEE questions may help students prepare for the CTP IV, which students will take during the September/October farm weeks, as both tests are written by ERB. We will also use the Princeton Review book next year in high school placement class.

In the Princeton Review book (students can write their answers in the book) –
Vocabulary
□ Read pp. 22-31
□ Complete the 13 Word Webs on pp. 32-45 (you can use the word parts index on pp. 74-76)
□ Make flashcards for any words you didn’t know in the Word Webs
□ Read the words in the Hit Parade (pp. 47-73) and make flashcards for words you don’t know

Math
DO NOT USE A CALCULATOR – THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE TEST
□ Read and complete the 24 Practice Drills and 2 Review Drills in pp. 56-103
[Some of these problems will be review – some may be new information.]
□ Correct the drills using the answer key in chapter 3 (pp. 106-111)
□ Read and complete the Multiple Choice section in pp. 390-410
[This section will help you practice for the CTP IV.]
□ Correct your answers to Multiple Choice Practice Drills 1 & 2 using p. 510
□ Read the Quantitative Comparison section in pp. 434-436. Complete Practice Drill 10 on p. 436 and Drill 12 on pp. 439-40.
[This section will help you practice for the CTP IV.]
□ Correct your answers to QC Practice Drills10 and 12 using p. 511.

Optional: Reading and completing Practice Drills 3-8, 11, and 13 in the ISEE math section (pp. 410-444) would be a helpful boost to your math test taking skills. If you have time, and especially if you are taking the ISEE, these exercises are highly recommended.

Practice Test – ISEE OR SciHi
The more test questions you do, the more prepared you will be when you take the test. You should take your practice test after you have done the above math and vocabulary studying, so that your score reflects your new knowledge. Please take the practice tests as though you are in a real testing situation, so you can work on your pacing. Time yourself, take the test in one sitting with short breaks between sections, and carefully fill in the bubbles on the answer sheet. Choose one OR the other depending on which schools interest you more. Students may choose to do both.

□ Princeton Review Upper Level ISEE Practice Test – chapter 21, pp. 607-644 (including the essay) [Please correct your test using the key on p 720.]
OR
□ Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (copy included) [Please correct your test using the answer key provided.]

PLEASE TURN IN YOUR PRINCETON REVIEW BOOK WITH COMPLETED WORD WEBS AND CORRECTED MATH SECTIONS, YOUR FLASHCARDS, AND YOUR CORRECTED TEST ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.


ENGLISH

Part I: Read a minimum of four books (one classic, one realistic fiction, one sci-fi or fantasy, and one free choice) to a maximum of infinity. (Read as much as you can.)

For each book:
1) Write a one-page response to the book, including strongest scenes, favorite characters, specific opinions, and interesting analysis. Your response should answer one of the following questions:
• How did the main character(s) change in the book?
• What was the biggest surprise in the book (plot, character, etc.)? Explain the surprise. Why was it so surprising to you?
• What was your favorite aspect of the book (character, action, tone, humor, writing style, etc.)?
• How does the book relate to you (your experiences, feelings, perspectives)?
2) If you read more than four, please keep a running list of the books’ titles and authors (you don’t have to do the above). Please do not read A Catcher in the Rye, The Crucible, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind or A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Part II: Read at least 6 articles from magazines and/or newspapers that generally include vocabulary that you aren’t familiar with (The New York Times, Time, National Geographic, The Economist, etc.). Identify words you don’t know in each article, look up definitions, and create sentences using each word. Write each definition and example sentence on an individual index card. Those cards will be put on our Summer Vocabulary Wall on the first day of school.

Part III: Everyone should buy and read this year’s community book, A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park. We will discuss this book as a 5th floor during the opening days of school.

PLEASE TURN IN YOUR 4 RESPONSES TO TOM ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL.

Wishing you all restful and stimulating summers. You’re a fabulous 8th grade already!

Carol, Tom, and Cynthia