AP Lang by the Numbers

Scoring Systems -When we talk about scores, there are two separate scoring systems that matter to you. What is my grade in class? What might I get on the AP Exam? -We try to structure class assessments in a way that aligns your class grade with a comparable exam score. -Because the two systems are very different, lots of numbers get thrown around. Please ask questions any time so that you understand expectations and consequences.

Formative and Summative Formative Homework Usually 5 to 10 points Makes up 40% of your grade Summative Timed writing essays Multiple choice exams Quizzes Mostly points Makes up 60% of your grade

AP Exam Score Scores range from 1 (low) to 5 (high). Score break points from 1-5 are not set until all the components of the exam are scored for that year’s students. In order to “pass” the test, you must earn a 3. This can possibly gain you college credit at university level.

Multiple Choice Section You will have one hour to read four or five passages and answer approximately 54 questions. If you get about HALF of these questions right, you can still score a 3 as your overall exam score. A 3 is considered passing, kind of like a C. We will do at least 5 full-length multiple choice tests in class. These will be summative assignments. However, getting half of the questions right, a 27 out of 54, is an F, so we have to convert that into an appropriate classroom score. When we enter these scores in the gradebook, we will add approximately 50 points to your number correct to obtain a score for the assessment. We will enter the assignment out of 100, but it will be scaled by.1, so it ends up counting as a 10 point assessment. Here are some samples.

45 (# correct from student A) +50 (# added to each score) 95 (in gradebook out of 100) Assignment scaled by.1. Counts as 9.5 out of (# correct from student B) +50 (# added to each score) 85 (in gradebook out of 100) Assignment scaled by.1. Counts as 8.5 out of (# correct from student C) +50 (# added to each score) 75 (in gradebook out of 100) Assignment scaled by.1. Counts as 7.5 out of (# correct from student D) +50 (# added to each score) 65 (in gradebook out of 100) Assignment scaled by.1. Counts as 6.5 out of 10.

Writing Section-3 Essays Synthesis -- use at least 3 out of approximately 7 given sources to defend your position on an assigned topic Argument – use student-generated evidence to defend your position on an assigned topic Rhetorical Analysis – analyze a passage to explain what an author purposefully used in order to achieve a specific purpose

Basic Paraphase of the Rubric 9 points – This is an exceptional essay. It uses a fresh approach, exceptionally relevant and detailed evidence, and particularly sophisticated diction and style. 8 points – This essay is deemed “effective.” The graders are satisfied that the student effectively supported his or her ideas using convincing evidence, and the diction and style are sophisticated. 7 points – This essay is “adequate,” like a 6, but it goes beyond adequate in some way. The argument may be a little more developed than a 6, or the diction or style may be somewhat elevated. 6 points – This essay is “adequate.” It does what it is asked to do. If you get sixes on your essays in class, you should be pleased. It is a solid score. The evidence used is satisfactory, and the diction and style are acceptable. 5 points – This essay is “uneven.” Often, a 5 essay has a section that works and a section that doesn’t. Possibly the evidence or logic is acceptable in some spots but faulty in others. 4 points – This essay is “inadequate.” The evidence is not used convincingly. Often, the writer has listed related facts or ideas but has not explained why they are relevant. The writing is generally clear, however. This student may have used average writing skills but may have not significantly answered the prompt. A synthesis score of 4 may indicate use of only 2 sources. 3 points – This essay also lacks evidence and explanation. It also may use a noticeably less mature writing style or especially vague diction. 2 points – This essay achieves “little success.” There are major problems. It may miss the point of the prompt or fail to answer the question. A synthesis score of 2 may indicate no citation of sources. 1 point -- This essay is undeveloped or is especially weak in explanation or writing skills.

Class Conversions So, if a 6 is a solid score, it wouldn’t work to base a classroom grade on this AP rubric. A 6 out of 9 is a D. However, we want you to know how you are doing based on the AP scale. Timed writings will therefore be scored by the AP rubric, and these scores will then be converted into classroom grades.

A 9 on the AP rubric will be worth 10/10 in the classroo m grade. An 8 on the AP rubric will be worth 10/10 in the classroo m grade. A 7 on the AP rubric will be worth 9/10 in the classroo m grade. A 6 on the AP rubric will be worth 8.5/10 in the classroo m grade. A 5 on the AP rubric will be worth 8/10 in the classroo m grade. A 4 on the AP rubric will be worth 7/10 in the classroo m grade. A 3 on the AP rubric will be worth 6.5/10 in the classroo m grade. A 2 on the AP rubric will be worth 6/10 in the classroo m grade. A 1 on the AP rubric will be worth 5/10 in the classroo m grade.

Course Challenges No memorization…all skills-based exam More subjective rubrics and exam questions Nearly 300 students – BUT….