AP Lang: Nov.16-20

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As I warned you last week, we will be knee deep in the muck and mud of writing this week. I’ve told the students that they need to channel their inner water buffalos (see last week’s post if this makes no sense to you) and dig into making their essays great.

There are two main goals for this essay.  

1. I want the students to understand how to develop a consistent, logical, and convincing argument essay.
2. I want the students to be able to do this relatively independently.  No rough draft due dates, no outline checks, no Maguire tapping them on the shoulder hounding them to get it done.

For many students, #2 is the biggest challenge. For me, it’s the most important one.  #2 is all about academic maturity. It will prepare them for the type of academic mindset they will need in college. If you can help me out by encouraging them to keep at their essays next week, I’d really appreciate it.

Monday through Thursday will be dedicated to Writing Workshop. Each day the students will have a new focus--quality examples, transitions, voice, meta-commentary--and will use their They Say/I Say texts to help guide their revision. I will be available all of those days to give specific feedback and guidance to students who ask for it. Encourage your students to be prepared self-advocates. If they are ready with a rough draft on Monday, they will be in great shape.

These essays will be due the Monday we return from Thanksgiving break (November 30), but I am encouraging the students to have them completed prior to break. They’re even welcome to turn them in prior to leaving if they would like have them off their plates completely.

Along with essays, students will continue their work with close reading. There are no new unit texts to read this week; rather, students will be preparing for the next unit reading assessment. They will have a practice test that we will work on throughout the week to give them chances to prepare.

Let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you at conferences! 

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