AIM English 8 Summer Homework 

Name: _________________________ Date: ________________________ Period: ___________________

Welcome to AIM English 8! We’re excited to have you! As part of your commitment to advanced coursework, you will
need to take some time this summer to read Marjane Satrapi’s ​Persepolis ​and complete three assignments which are ​due
on the first day of school! ​The first assignment is vocabulary log, where you will need to define 20 terms. The second
assignment is annotations. You will be expected to have thorough annotations throughout the whole book. The third
assignment is accompanying questions which will check your understanding and thoughts on the book. There will be no
right or wrong answers with this. Please read and review the examples of each assignment ​before you begin the work​.
Each assignment will be graded separately and will impact your grade! Please come prepared on the first day to discuss
the book. We will be writing an analytical essay on this book, so be sure to complete every assignment for
comprehension! Should you have any questions, feel free to email either of the AIM English 8 teachers.

HAGS!
Rashida Sethuraman
rsethuraman@shadowcreekmiddleschool.org
(Team 8/1)

Michelle Westwood
mwestwood4@shadowcreekmiddleschool.org
(Team 8/4)

Vocabulary Log: ​Below is a list of twenty words that may be helpful in completing this summer assignment and may
help you better understand the text. It is highly recommended that you complete this portion prior to reading so you may
have a better understanding of the text as you read. To ensure a common understanding, when researching your words,
choose the definition that you deem is a best fit for this text. Use a two-column notes format to log definitions for each of
the following terms. There will be a vocabulary quiz on August 20, covering every term.

Decadence Avant-Garde Prophet Celestial Imperialism

Putsch Secular Rabble Rheumatism Frivolities

Cadaver Clandestine Effigy Subversive Diabolical

Guerillas Proletariat Emanates Chador Flagellate

Example:

Migrant A worker who moves from place to place to do seasonal work

California A western U.S. state; added as the 31st state in 1850

Annotations: ​As you read, annotate or mark the text to aid your understanding and analysis of the text. The purpose of
annotating a text is to track your thinking in writing so you can revisit it later in class discussions and when writing your
Argumentative Essay. Focus your annotations on the sense of community the main character may feel. Use the annotation
guide below to guide your annotations. You may make your annotations directly in the text, or if you are borrowing a
book, you may use sticky notes. ​Make sure you are constantly engaging with the text! ​Annotations will be checked on
the second day of school.

Annotation Type Explanation

Ask Questions The reader asks critical questions about the text that expands on the ideas presented in the
section of the text or that clarify an element of the story.

Paraphrase The reader puts ideas presented in their own words, while keeping the meaning.

Make Connections The reader makes connections between the text and themselves, the world, or another text.

Share Opinions The reader evaluates characters, plot elements, themes, etc. presented in the novella and
offers a personal perspective or critique.

Recognize Confusion The reader recognizes when he/she lacks understanding of the text and needs to pause for
clarification. Similar to asking questions!

Share New Thinking The reader expands on an idea presented in the text and brings new points of discussion to
the table.

Thoughtful Reflection: ​Now that you have finished the novel, reflect on the following topics! Remember this is only
your opinion and you will not be graded on how you react… however be sure to use complete details and evidence when
necessary to receive the full points! You may either write out or type your responses!
1. How did growing up in Iran affect Marjane's ability to socialize with other cultures?
2. Marjane rarely talks about her friends for more than one chapter. Why do you think this is?
3. Marjane often uses humor to cope with difficult situations. Is this always the best course of action? Are her
actions ever inappropriate? What other ways might she use to cope?