I'm curious about what books people usually read during their high school years. Could you tell me about some of the novels or works you've studied in high school English classes? Are there any must-read books you'd recommend to prepare for college?
There's quite a wide variety of literary works that are typically assigned in high school English classes. Here's a list of some common and notable books that many students read during their high school years:
1. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
2. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
3. 1984, by George Orwell
4. Lord of the Flies, by William Golding
5. Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
6. Animal Farm, by George Orwell
7. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
8. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne
9. The Odyssey, by Homer
10. Romeo and Juliet, by William Shakespeare
11. The Crucible, by Arthur Miller
12. Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
13. Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley
14. Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens
15. Macbeth, by William Shakespeare
16. Hamlet, by William Shakespeare
17. Death of a Salesman, by Arthur Miller
18. The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
19. Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
20. The Things They Carried, by Tim O'Brien
Keep in mind that assigned readings vary by school, teacher, and curriculum, so your experience might differ from others. It's worth noting that some schools, especially those with Advanced Placement (AP) English classes, may assign more challenging and diverse texts to prepare students for college-level coursework.
There isn't a one-size-fits-all list of must-read books to prepare for college, as preferences and requirements will depend on your major and interests. However, familiarizing yourself with some widely-read novels, plays, and essays might help you excel in college English and humanities classes. Additionally, exploring various genres and topics can help you broaden your understanding of literature, sharpen your reading comprehension, and build communication skills. You might also consider reading materials related to your intended major to better prepare yourself for college coursework.
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