AP Free Response (ESSAY PORTION)

1. AP Free Response (ESSAY PORTION) English Language and Composition

2. What should I expect? • Section II = 3 essays in 2 hours 15 minutes • Counts for 55% of the exam • THREE TYPES of possible essay prompts • Synthesis (research) • Rhetorical Analysis • Argument (It’s possible that they’ll give you a combo analysis/argument prompt.)

3. Random Tips • Neatness does help • Think/organize before you write, and you’ll write neater • If it looks neater, looks like you know what you’re doing (some scratchouts are ok, too many makes you look bad) • Indent • looks like easier reading with more paragraphs • Write perfectly for the first two sentences • If it looks neat, the reader feels relaxed • Write with Pizzazz • Take some risks when you write • Write like you enjoy writing (descriptive)

4. Strategies for TIMING • 2 hours 15 minutes for three essays • 15 minutes of reading time at the beginning--can take notes, but can’t write the essays • Use this time to read passages for synthesis essay and even take notes for that one • Then two hours of writing time: They suggest 40 minutes per essay • So keep a watch in front of you to self-time

5. TIMING: 40 minute breakdown • 1-2 minutes reading prompt • Active reading, underline/circle • Important bkgrd about author/text • Assess which type of writing is expected • 5 minutes reading the passage • 1st time, read quickly to get gist • Then reread more actively, marginal notes OR TRY THIS WAY: • Read slowly/actively, using marginal notes • Reread to confirm that you got full impact • 10 minutes brainstorming • Mindmapping, outlining (key word), charting • DON’T SKIP THIS: Prepare to write, look to passage and your notes • 20 minutes writing • 3 minutes proofreading • Remember, these are considered rough drafts, so crossouts, additions, etc. are ok if legible

6. Passage Reading Tips • Underline, circle, (active reading) • Marginal notes: Paraphrase/put ideas in your own words by paragraphs • Pay close attention to punctuation, syntax, diction, pacing, organization • Read as if aloud, emphasize meaning and intent  hear those words in your head • Use your finger to underscore each line • Use all info including title, footnotes, author, date • Look for organizational and rhetorical devices • Look for thematic lines and details

7. 1. Rhetorical Analysis Essay Format for the prompt: • 1-2 sentences bkgrd about the author/ passage (letter, essay, speech, etc.) • Look at that closely, help you determine purpose/thesis • Then write an essay analyzing the rhetorical strategies the author uses to achieve his purpose. OR • Then write an essay in which you identify the author’s purpose and analyze how she uses the resources of language to achieve her purpose. OR • Then write an essay in which you analyze how the distinctive style of the passage reveals the purpose of the writer. OR • Then write an essay analyzing the rhetorical strategies the author employs to convey her attitude toward the subject.

8. Analytical Skills (same as multiple choice) • Follow sophisticated syntax • Respond to diction • Be comfortable with upper level vocab • Be familiar with rhetorical terminology • Make inferences • Be sensitive to irony and tone • Recognize components of organization and style: ORDER the writer chooses • Be familiar with modes of discourse and rhetorical strategies

9. Sentence structure Loose (basic with details at the end) vs. Periodic (basic with details at the beginning or in the middle ) Style Grammatical purpose Dominant technique Imagery Point of view Organization of passage Narrative progress of passage Conflict Irony Function of RHETORICAL: Technical ASPECTS TO CONSIDER (same as multiple choice)

10. Rhetorical strategy Shift in development Rhetorical stance Style Metaphor Comparison/contrast Cause/effect Argument Description Narration Specific-general Characterization Imagery Passage is primarily concerned with Function of Analytical elements(same as multiple choice)

11. Effect of diction Tone Inferences Effect of description Effect on reader Narrator’s attitude Image suggests Effect of detail Author implies Author most concerned with Symbol Inferential (same as multiple choice)

12. DON’T JUST IDENTIFY • This is rhetorical analysis, not just a list of rhetorical techniques • Be very clear that you’re explaining the effect of the techniques/devices • Consider the purpose/intention of the author and how that purpose is fulfilled with the techniques • Don’t just summarize what the author does. PROVE how the author achieves purpose with the techniques • Don’t write a 5-para. type essay with each para. listing a technique the author uses • Don’t summarize—provide excerpts/sentence/phrase quotes and explicate technique and effect

13. Sample wording to help you • The writer appeals to pathos/ethos/logos • Establishes his authority/credibility by • Provides an emotional/logical appeal… • Makes an emotional appeal by • Uses _____(cynical)_______ diction to • Uses diction relating to __(war)______. • Establishes ___(a critical)________ tone (do NOT just say an author uses diction or uses tone…duh) • Author’s diction enhances his point that… With the use of the word “blank” he…

14. 2. Argument Essay Format for the prompt: • 1-2 sentences bkgrd about the author/ passage (letter, essay, speech, etc.) • Look at that closely, help you determine purpose/thesis • Take some time to consider the implications of the quotation. Then write a carefully reasoned essay that explores the validity of the assertion, using examples from your reading, observation, or experience to develop your position. OR • Then write an essay in which you consider the extent to which that observation holds true for the United States or any other country. Support your argument with appropriate evidence. OR • - Then write an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies the author’s claims. OR

15. More prompt samples • Then write an essay in which you take a position on the value of such public statements of opinion, supporting your view with appropriate evidence. OR • Then write an essay in which you evaluate the pros and cons of the author’s argument. Use appropriate evidence as you examine each side, and indicate which position you find more persuasive. (BOTH A RHETORICAL ANALYSIS AND ARGUMENT ESSAY).

16. Make sure you… • Read passage carefully/actively • Demonstrate that you understand the argument the writer is making (esp. the nuances of it) • Produce clear, correct, analytic, and argumentative prose. • Effectively take a position • Include appropriate evidence

17. 3. Synthesis Essay Format for the prompt: • 15 minutes of reading/note-taking time: 6 or 7 passages to read/interpret, including visuals/chart • 40 minutes to write argumentative essay where you incorporate at least 3 of the sources (similar to research) • You need to develop your argument and then use the sources to support it; don’t just summarize the sources. • Synthesis “refers to combining the sources and the writer’s position to form a cohesive, supported argument and accurately citing all sources.”

18. Other Synthesis Essay info • Way to Cite: Pretty much any way works, just be consistent. • Easiest way: Put (Source A) at the end of the sentence. • Includes at least one example that is visual (picture, chart, graph, etc.) • Paraphrase info from it since you can’t use exact quote about a visual; explain significance • Use numbers, stats from it and then explain the significance of those numbers • Still cite both these with (Source B)

19. Visual