Summer Reading: IB ENG 3 RISING (MR. Moore)
Hey everyone!
Please read Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel over the summer. Do not purchase a digital copy of the book, but instead a physical copy so we can color-mark and annotate the text. All you need to do is to have the book read by the time school starts. We will have a quiz on the novel a few weeks after we return. There will not be anything else assigned. If you would like, you can color-mark and annotate the novel, but this isn’t required.
Primarily, I just want you to enjoy your summer!
Here is a link to the book:
https://www.amazon.com/Like-Water-Chocolate-Installments-Romances/dp/038542017X
Theory of Knowledge Junior Year Summer Assignment (c/o 24)
- Choose one object that you have around your home or that you have found in the natural world that best answers the following question: What is knowledge? Write a no more than two hundred (200) word justification explaining why you chose this object and how does it answer the question.
- Acquire and read a copy of Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. In a journal excerpt, briefly describe at least five (5) anecdotes that you found enlightening or intriguing (at least one paragraph per anecdote). Explain why it appeals to you. Give each anecdote its own title or heading, and date each one.
Theory of Knowledge Senior Year Summer Assignment (c/o 23)
TOK 2 will continue to explore the concept of knowledge as a justified true belief with our focus on the external assessment: the TOK essay. In order to elaborate on our understanding, it is important for you to complete the following assignments prior to the first day of school.
- Familiarize yourself with the book Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. We will continue to use it in our discussions, and it will be instrumental throughout the year.
- Choose one of the “prescribed titles” from the list below and write a complete, original essay in response. Address the topic of your choice exactly as it is—do not modify it.
If you use any sources, you must give them credit through proper internal documentation and a works cited list at the end of the paper.
(Reprinted from Theory of Knowledge: Prescribed Essay Titles for May 2017)
1. “It is only knowledge produced with difficulty that we truly value.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
2. “Facts are needed to establish theories but theories are needed to make sense of facts.” Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge.
3. Should key events in the historical development of areas of knowledge always be judged by the standards of their time?
4. “In the production of knowledge, traditions of areas of knowledge offer correctives for how we produce knowledge.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?
5. Given access to the same facts, how is it possible that there can be disagreement between experts in a discipline? Develop your answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.
6. “Humans are pattern-seeking animals and we are adept at finding patterns whether they exist or not” (adapted from Michael Shermer). Discuss knowledge questions raised by this idea in two areas of knowledge.
Be sure to remember your guidelines:
* The essay must be typed and double-spaced, in a 12-point conventional font.
* The essay should be 1,400-1,600 words.
* You must submit a hard copy.
* Utilize the rubric found on the IB website (search for TOK 2020 essay rubric).