AP Language and Composition

Designed to be the equivalent of a first-year college writing course. Requires students to become skilled readers

and composers of written language in a variety of disciplines and rhetorical contexts.

Students who are successful are avid readers of both fiction and non-fiction texts and understand the interplay of the historical, cultural, and social context of a piece of writing.

Differences in AP Language and AP Literature

AP Literature uses the idea of “what does a work mean?”

AP Language is focused on non-fiction and the controlling idea of “how does a work come to mean?”

Using rigorous college-level academic curriculum and standards,

students explore concepts through Socratic discussion, analytical thought, and verbal and written expression in a variety of forms - expository, analytical, and argumentative from many disciplines and historical periods

However, words are not all.

Students are asked to analyze how images such as graphics, cartoons, and texts published in electronic media relate to written texts and serve as their own alternative form of text themselves.

It is about research and informed outside knowledge, too. The informed use of research materials

and the ability to synthesize varied sources to support a student argument is an integral part of the AP Language course and exam.

Students are asked to formulate varied, informed arguments of their own.

When students are asked to bring the experience and opinion of others into their essays, they enter into a conversation with other writers and thinkers.

Other writers become the springboard for a student-centered interpretation that drives their essay in a dialogue with others.

AP Language Learning Objectives

Students will be prepared for the AP Language and Composition exam, whereby they may receive college credit based on their scoring.

The preparation for the rigors of the exam and for success in college classes is the paramount focus of this course.

Upon completing the AP Language course students should be able to: Analyze and interpret samples of good writing;

identify and explain an author’s use of rhetorical strategies

Apply these same techniques and strategies to their own writing

Create and sustain an argument based on reading, research, current events, historical precedent, literature connection etc.

Demonstrate mastery of standard written English as well as stylistic maturity in their own writing. Produce expository, analytical, and

argumentative essays that are driven by a complex thesis and developed with evidence from primary and/or secondary sources.

Evaluate and incorporate reference documents into research papers driven by their own imaginative and nuanced argument.

Move through the deliberate stages of the writing process with ease and care.DraftingRevisingEditingReviewRevision

The AP Language Exam:three hours – a timed test

Approximately 60 multiple choice questions with one minute allotted for each question including reading time – 45%

Three essays: rhetorical analysis, argument, and synthesis – approximately 40 minutes each including reading time – 55%

Do not feel overwhelmed

First and foremost, most good readers and writers already do many of these things naturally but in a less formal context.

A timed writing/reading environment becomes less daunting with practice.

My experience has been that students of all levels who are committed to consistent preparation do WELL.

How can I prepare myself? Read, read, read…

Fiction: quality college level texts Non-fiction: newspapers, Newsweek-type

magazines, essays, editorials, speeches, columnists, Opposing Viewpoint section of the newspaper, etc.

Listen: political speeches, interviews, quality newscasts including argument

US and World current events: what issues are you aware of and follow. This is the year that history and language merge!

What should I be reading?

AP Recommended Great Books for College-Bound Readers

AP Recommended Non-fiction Cultural Texts and Poetry for College Bound Readers

AP Language Grading

Lovejoy 50/50 grading template 50% daily grades, process papers,

presentations, reading quizzes, outside of class essay writing

50% AP timed writings – 40 minutes each, and practice Multiple Choice tests

AP Language Writing Grading Scale

9.0 = 100 8.0 = 90 7.0 = 85 6.0 = 80 5.0 = 75 (AP passing) 4.0 = 70 3.0 = 65 2.0 = 60 1.0 = 55 Multiple Choice Items: based on 100% scale

#1 Summer Reading and Annotation Requirement for AP LanguageIn Cold Blood

by Truman Capote

ISBN#:

0679745580

See assignment!

Summer Reading Annotation In Cold Blood Highlight often and in the margin label the listed rhetorical

devices and with detail note their effect or purpose! Imagery (5 senses) Juxtaposition Parallelism Antithesis Unusual syntax examples A excellent and detailed “Rhetorical Cheat Sheet”

with definitions and examples is available on Mrs. Pabst’s teacher Web Page via LHS or through the school counseling office.

#2 Reading and Writing Requirement: a yearly subscription to Newsweek magazine

Newsweek subscription: www.newsweek.com

weekly reading with summer assignment

#2 Newsweek magazine summer assignment Select a topic/area and for six different

weeks follow that same area of study. Cut out an article for each of the six weeks and group them together. Be prepared to make a 5-minute presentation on the evolving content or opinion in your area of selected interest.

For example…Newsweek is divided topically:

Politics Business Opinion Culture Money The Technologist On Science Perspectives The Last Word: alternating essayists Also: Education, Health, War, etc.

Choose one area of interest

Follow your same topic for at least six of the eight weeks over the summer and cut out the articles.

Analyze and evaluate how your topic or area is evolving as regards to, concerns, innovation, people, reaction to US or World events, or highlighting of ideas within the area under discussion.

Make analytical notes for a 5-minute presentation to be delivered within the first week of class.

Text to purchase for AP Language

50 Essays: A Portable Anthology

By Samuel Cohen

ISBN#:

0312446985 or

9780312446987

Text needed by the second week of school

What will I be reading and studying after In Cold Blood.

Non-fiction…no purchase necessary Newsweek: continued following of topics and

opinion/essay articles Walden: excerpts Emerson essays: excerpts Speeches: historical and current Essays: historical and current

Fiction Reading list from which excerpts may be drawnFiction…no purchase necessary To Kill A Mockingbird: excerpts The Things They Carried: excerpts O’Pioneers: excerpts Fahrenheit 451: excerpts Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: excerpts Lord of the Flies: excerpts East of Eden: excerpts

Drama selections as possible unit studies

Drama: no purchase necessary The Crucible The Glass Menagerie Death of a Salesman Much Ado About Nothing

What supplies will I need?

3-Ring Binder with Dividers and Pocket Folders1. My Homework 2. My Reading/Unit Study3. Writer’s Toolbox4. Rhetorical Analysis5. Argument6. Synthesis 7. Multiple Choice8. Vocabulary

How do I decide if this class is for me? If you are currently a strong Pre-AP student and

enjoy reading a balanced literary diet including non-fiction - this class is for you.

If you are deliberately and intellectually prepared for class, understand the importance of homework as preparation, and maintain a consistent academic pace and rigor – this class is for you.

If you like to analyze the world around you: reading, writing, and visual interpretation in terms of argument (point of view) – this class is for you.

If you enjoy the academic environment of higher level thinking and the company of other similarly attuned students – this class is for you.

If you enjoy reading, writing, and thinking about complex and mature topics that defy the typical opposing arguments– this class is for you.

If you are still undecided what should you do? Talk to your parents. If your overall classroom

experience and academic preparation for college mean more to you than an AP exam score – this class is for you.

Talk to Mrs. Pabst – D211. Show me a sample of your writing. Let’s discuss your concerns.

Try it. The first three to six weeks will give you a good indication of your ability to succeed.

How do I get started?

Do NOT procrastinate over the summer reading and through annotation of In Cold Blood. This may take more than one reading of the text.

Complete the Newsweek 6-week topical presentation assignment. Get your subscription now.

The class begins on the first day with your thorough understanding of these two assignments.

Purchase your 50-Essays textbook book early.

AP LanguageEverything’s An Argument!

See you in August