AP Lang: Feb. 22-26

This week will complete our first cycle through the three types of writing. By the end of the week, the students will have written one of each type of timed essay: argument, rhetorical analysis, and synthesis.

We will spend Monday dissecting and evaluating the argument essays they’ve already written; students will get their scores and will make plans for how to improve those scores prior to the next argument essay. At the end of the card marking, I’ll take the higher of those two scores for the grade.

Tuesday and Wednesday will be dedicated to synthesis writing practice. We’ll use six short pieces from our textbook that all address the question “Does T.V. make you smarter?”  and we’ll experiment with different ways to use multiple sources to develop your own, original stance.  On Thursday, students will write an in-class synthesis essay.

Friday will be a graded discussion of the unit readings from the week. This is the first of two (perhaps three if we have time!) in the card marking. Scores for the discussion will be averaged for an overall discussion score for the card marking.

A word on homework: you’ll likely not see as much homework this semester as you saw last semester since most of our writing is in class and timed. However, students seeking extra practice should look to our Google Classroom site. I will post weekly guided multiple choice practice for students who choose to do extra preparation for the test. Also, check in with your student about his or her first independent novel project. Students must complete one project (either the online book review or the advertisement poster).  Remind them that it will be the end of third card marking before they know it!

Also, please remember that scheduling forms are due to me on Thursday, February 25. Students need to make all of their course selections by Thursday so that counselors can schedule with them the following week. Please see last week’s blog entry for suggestions about next year’s English class.
​
Have a great week!