[ARW Autumn homepage: http://arwcpc.blogspot.com/]
ARW Summer Reading Assignment
Introduction
One very good way both to maintain and improve your level of English during the long summer vacation is simply to read. Indeed, the more you read the better. The ELP therefore requires all students to read in English during the holiday. You will also complete a short writing assignment before your first class in Autumn. You may choose to read anything you like, fiction or non-fiction. The only requirement is that you read a book or books, not magazines, newspapers or Internet material. You may read classical literature, popular fiction, science, politics, etc., even something connected with your intended major here at ICU. The choice is yours. We want you to both enjoy reading and also pursue and develop your own interests.
The Summer Reading List
To help you choose a book or books you might like to select from the Summer Reading List (If link fails, try: http://tinyurl.com/6fbatd). The list is there to provide suggestions and guidance. You do not have to select from the list though it is a good starting point. The principle behind the list has been variety, both in terms of subject matter and level of difficulty, the aim being to present a list containing something of interest and accessibility to everyone. Hopefully you will find something of interest. If not, you may wish to look at the many lists of 'great' books on the Internet (for example, on www.bestwebuys.com) or even ask your professors outside of the ELP to recommend a book. Above all, you should pursue your own interests; books you find interesting, informative or simply entertaining.
Some of the books on the list are long; others quite short, some difficult, others relatively easy. It is useful to remember, however, that 'long' does not always equal 'difficult', and 'short' books are not always 'easy'. Use your judgment. Where a book is easy you may wish to read several books, particularly books in a series like Harry Potter or James Bond. If after selecting a book you wish to select a different book, you may do so. Additionally, with demanding works of non-fiction, you may wish to read selective chapters, returning to the same book in the future.
Choosing a book
If you are to enjoy your summer reading, choose your book or books carefully. The following may help you make an appropriate choice.
1. Read through the Summer Reading List. If you find a book you think may be of interest, find out more about the book. Look on the Internet for comments e.g. Amazon.com. See if there is a copy in the ICU library.
2. Go to a bookstore and look at the books on display. Choose a book that looks interesting. Read the back cover. Look at the table of contents and flip through the book.
3. Choose something at your level. Read a page or two. Do you understand most of what you read?
4. Ask your friends, classmates and teachers what they have read, what they find interesting and entertaining.
5. If there is an author you know and like, look for more books by the same author.
6. If you and your friends are choosing a book in a series, you can each choose a different book and then exchange with each other. Save money!
Buying Your Book
You are responsible for finding and buying your book(s). You should do this as soon as possible, especially if you order on-line. You may find the following useful:
Shopping On-line
http://www.amazon.com/ (often cheaper and quicker than Amazon Japan)
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/
http://bookshop.blackwell.co.uk/In Tokyo and Locally
The following are good places to purchase new books:
1. Muruzen (Nr Tokyo Station)2. Kinokuniya (Shinjuku)
3. Biblos (Takadanobaba)
4. Takashimaya
Secondhand Books
1. Blueparrot http://www.blueparrottokyo.com/
(One minute from Takadanobaba station) Will buy the books back from you.
2. Good Day Books http://www.gooddaybooks.com/
(3rd Floor Asahi Building, Ebisu)
3. Bondi Books http://www.bondibooks.com/
(In Jimbocho. Small but good for novels.)
Assignment
During the first week of the Autumn Term each student will be required to lead a 15 minute discussion on one summer reading book of your choice.
Basic requirements:
* Email Owen (james@icu.ac.jp) between 6/16 - 6/20 if you need help to understand this assignment (I am not available during the holidays)
* Your book (with text markings)
* Two structured paragraphs: 1) Summary & 2) Discussion (Would you recommend this book? Why?)
* Reasons are supported by evidence, including examples from your story, with transitions.
* Three great discussion questions (Please see Guide to Writing Good Discussion Questions & Guide to Discovering the Theme of a Novel (wd07)
* ~ 300 words total
* Student information top left (i.e. name, section, etc)
* Title
* Type
* Save (you will need your work later)
* Print & bring to first class
Some Final Advice
i) Some of you may be tempted to read a book in Japanese translation. This will not benefit your ability to read in English. One of the purposes of the summer reading requirement is to maintain the level of ability you have developed during the first term.
ii) Spread your reading throughout the summer, perhaps 30 minutes everyday. Do not try to read a whole book in the last week before your return to ICU. Reading is an enjoyable and informative activity, something that ought to be a regular part of everyone's daily life. Enjoy yourself over the holiday.
Read, as much as you like.
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