AP Language: Nov. 30-Dec. 4

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving with your families! We spent a lot of time with both sides of our family, but I still managed to squeeze in grading the Unit 3 Reading Tests that students took the day before break. I’m so glad I did because the improvement was exciting to see. On the Unit 2 Reading Test, the average score was a 23.7/30.  On the Unit 3 Reading Test, the average score was a 27/30!!! WOW!! Hard work and practice are paying off in AP Language.  That said, there were a few students who didn’t improve or didn’t improve as much as I would have liked. If your student is one of those, now is the time to come see me. There is one more test that can replace this score in January.  Students need to see me before school or during AA so we can start to figure out how to improve their skills.

This week begins our Unit 4 study of Gender.  We will read a number of essays that explore our expectations for each gender. Which roles does society expect men and women to fulfill? How have those changed over time and how do they continue to change?  The readings for this unit often spark some very lively discussions. I encourage you to ask your students about the class readings this week.

Three important notes for this week:

1. Wednesday is the second chance for students to write a rhetorical analysis essay. This was the essay students wrote in Unit 2 where they analyzed commencement speeches. On Wednesday, they will be given a new text to analyze.  All students will complete a draft of the analysis essay in class; those who wish to revise it for the chance to replace the Unit 2 essay score will have one week to do so.
   
2. Friday we will begin our work on the final type of writing we cover in this class: Synthesis.  Synthesis essays are research-based argumentative essays. Topics will be given and brainstorming will begin on Friday. Students who tackle these essays early should have no problem completing them prior to break.  Essays will be due when we return from winter break.
   
3. A party! Even in AP, we need to celebrate and have a little fun.  On the Wednesday prior to winter break, we will be celebrating our reading accomplishments this semester and setting some goals for the New Year by making some Reading Resolutions. If you’re willing to help out by sending in some snacks, please click here.  If you’re missing the days of elementary school parties and you’d like to help me out with some crafty decorations, please send me an email. I’d love some help making this reading celebration extra fun for the students!
   

Have a great week and enjoy the rest of this chilly Sunday. I’m off to Kensington for a hike with the cub scouts :)

​