Embedded Files
Read Boldly. Question Everything.
Read Boldly. Question Everything.
Welcome to summer reading 2026! All incoming 9th through 12th graders will read Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury.
You can purchase a copy, borrow one from the library, read the book on Libby (using your Boston Public Library card), or on SORA (accessed through your Clever account).
You will also read an additional “choice” book from our list of challenged or banned books.
Your summer work will be focused on finding evidence in both your novels that either supports or disproves 6 claims. This assignment will prepare you for a debate in your English classes during the first week of school.
Directions: For each of the 6 claims:
Find a Quote: Look in Fahrenheit 451 and find 2-3 specific sentences or passages (your textual evidence) that relate to the claim.
Provide Commentary: for each piece of evidence, write 2-3 sentences explaining how it SUPPORTS (proves true) or DISPROVES (proves false) the claim. You must clearly show the connection between the evidence and the claim.
Connect to Your Choice Book: For a minimum of two claims, include one piece of evidence (a quote) from your chosen “banned” book and write commentary about how your book being banned supports or disproves the claim.
Claims
Claims
Claim1: The Protection Argument - Public schools and libraries should remove books that contain hate speech or offensive language to ensure everyone feels safe and respected.
Claim 2: The Freedom Argument - No one in a position of power should be able to decide what an individual is "allowed" to think or read.
Claim 3: The Reality Argument - Reading about "controversial" or "uncomfortable" things in books helps people prepare for the real world rather than hiding from it.
Claim 4: The Peace Argument - (The "Beatty" Perspective) Life is easier, and there is less conflict, when we get rid of controversial ideas that cause people to argue or feel bad about themselves.
Claim 5: The "Who Decides?" Argument - If the majority of a community agrees that a book is harmful or divisive, censorship should be an option.
Claim 6: The Critical Thinking Argument - A critical component of a robust democracy (or a well-functioning society) is the ability to disagree and debate “controversial” ideas.
Example
Example
Sample: Claim 1: The Protection Argument - Schools and libraries should remove books that contain hate speech or offensive language to ensure everyone feels safe and respected.
Have a great summer!
Ms. Reny, Mr. Cording, Teacher Chen, Ms. McChane, Mr. Jones
Page updated
Report abuse