AP Language and Composition 2016 suggestions for the exam Tamalpais High School

Multiple Choice Keep an eye on the time questions in 60 minutes = about 1 minute per question 5-7 passages (some may repeat) = 8 to 12 minutes per passage and questions All questions are worth the same number of points, so answer easy questions first and hard ones if you have time at the end. Check to see if you are on the right number on your Scantron every 10 or 15 questions.

1.Answer easy questions immediately and circle hard questions. 2.On more difficult questions, write in your book—mark eliminated choices 3.If you can narrow the choices down to two– go ahead and guess. Use process of elimination. You are not penalized for guessing. 4.Initial Read: Focus on big picture rather than narrow details. What is the main purpose of the passage? Look for the main idea, and then focus on details. Figure out subject, audience, and purpose first. 5.Don’t read questions before you read passages 6.Actively read: underline, brief notes

Question Categories Questions about rhetoric Questions about the author’s meaning and purpose Questions about the main idea Questions about organization and structure Questions about rhetorical modes

General Essay Information 2 hours 15 minutes for 3 essays: Synthesis, Rhetorical Analysis, Argumentative Do not (no contractions) use: “I/you” or “I think/I believe” or “In my opinion” Active not passive voice Be organized, clear and coherent Answer the essays in any order RESPOND TO THE PROMPT Don’t let a catchy opening slow you down. Whatever it takes, get to the point.

Synthesis Essay Read the prompt carefully and actively. Actively read sources looking for the argument Determine your argument and thesis Connect sources/evidence to your thesis Do not paraphrase sources. Embed the sources within your own arguments. Try to avoid using sources in only a linear manner. Build a logical argument through the use of the sources. Use at least 3 sources. Cite sources. Utilize varied syntax and diction

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Study rhetorical terms online at aristotleshawk Actively read the prompt and passage(s) Prepare to analyze: subject matter, selection of detail, organization, point of view, DICTION, syntax, tone, mood, atmosphere, pacing Give the effect of the strategy/technique, show its relation to the author’s purpose, and how it effects the passage, and what effect it may have on the audience Think SOAPS and Rhetorical Triangle Short introduction where you give the author’s purpose is ok.

Argumentative Essay Read prompt actively. Take a specific stand (agree, disagree, qualify) Support your thesis with logic and evidence Good evidence: facts, details, quotes, definitions. Examples, anecdotes, contrasts/comparisons, appeal to authority Write in the present tense Be confident and care what you are writing about

Argumentative Essay Continued Introduce: present the issue with a concrete image or anecdote; provide any relevant background info; define terms; state your thesis. Concede and refute: acknowledge the other side, but.... ; find weaknesses in the other side Confirm: Reasons and evidence; logical development of argument; ethos, logos, pathos Conclude: Refrain from repeating but provide additional appeal and restatement.

AP Language Support Slides Study the following

Tone Tone is the author’s attitude or stance toward the subject.

Tone DictionSyntaxIrony/satireImageryDetail

2 Types of Rhetorical Analysis ?s 1.How do the author’s rhetorical strategies contribute to purpose? 2.How do the author’s rhetorical strategies reveal attitude toward subject? (Basically asking you to prove the tone)

Shifts in Tone Tone can change within a piece—pay attention and point out when this happens. How do the tone shifts connect to purpose?

Connecting Tone to Purpose Look at author’s attitude toward different subjects within the piece & say how those attitudes aid overall purpose. Look at shifts in tone & explain how those aid purpose. Tone creates ethos or pathos?

Syntax How sentences are built “Word order” Punctuation, creation of stops and pauses Repetition Sentence length, sentence variety Subject-verb arrangement, clause arrangement and sentence construction.

Sentences Function grows out of form. When you need to make a succinct point, often a short, simple sentence will do so effectively. A short, simple sentence can suggest to a reader that you are in control, that you want to make a strong point. Why might you use a compound sentence in your writing? If you are trying to show how ideas are balanced and related in terms of equal importance, a compound sentence can convey that to the reader. Several compound sentences in a row can tell the reader that you are the kind of person who takes a balanced view of challenging issues.

Periodic Sentence Leaves the independent clause to the end of the sentence. Delays the main idea—why? That morning, after a turbulent flight and some exciting experiences, we reached Edmonton..

Cumulative Sentence Begins with the independent clause, then adds a series of modifications, qualifications and details. Extends the sentence—why? I slowed still more, my shadow pacing me, dragging its head through the weeds that hid the fence.

Sentences: Writers use loose and periodic sentences to effect changes in meaning. Readers use them to understand meaning more clearly. Recognizing and creating loose and periodic sentences enable the reader and the writer to make wise decisions about varying sentence structure for emphasis. The structure of the sentence also affects the pacing of a text. A loose sentence moves quickly, and a periodic sentence works with delay.

When analyzing syntax, name what you’re talking about: 1.A specific punctuation mark creating a pause or stop. 2.Repetition of a word, phrase or construction. 3.Parallel structure 4.Long sentences, short sentences, variety of the two 5.Declarative sentences 6.Periodic sentence 7.Cumulative sentence 8.Others: Rhetorical Questions, Alliteration

Words to Describe Syntax Terse Lyrical (pretty, poetic) Complex Choppy Varied Balanced Direct

Diction

Diction: choice of words, especially with regard to correctness, clarity, and effectiveness. Word choice is the most powerful element of style for you to understand. If the directions in the prompt do not give you any specific techniques to analyze, always address diction---you won ’ t be wrong. When analyzing diction, look at individual words and ask – What feeling do these words create? – Does this feeling fit the speaker’s purpose, audience, and occasion? – Why is the author using these specific words?

Diction Pay attention to: The weird words—the uncommon words, or the familiar words that are used in a surprising way. Words that hit—that pack a lot of emotional punch because they are unexpected or blunt.

Diction and Tone A word about Tone. Tone = the author’s attitude toward his or her subject. – Is the author celebrating the subject? – Is she condemning the subject? – Is she simply curious about the subject? – Is the tone formal/academic? Is it more conversational?

Diction and Tone DictionTone The author’s diction reveals his/her tone. The author’s tone decides his/her diction.

Diction Diction can vary in a few ways: 1. Formality 2. Degree 3. Connotation (what a word suggests in addition to its meaning). 4. Concrete vs. Abstract

Formality Formality: (formal vs. conversational) Crib vs. Home vs. Domicile *Which one you use depends on the occasion, audience, and tone of your writing. Archaic diction = intentionally using old- fashioned words to give a sense of historical importance. Ex. Someone using “Four score and seven years ago” in a speech today.

Degree His efforts were good. His efforts were admirable. His efforts were exemplary. Each word gives a different sense of degree.

Connotation What is the difference between the two words: Cheap Inexpensive

Connotation What is the difference between the two words: Determined Stubborn

Concrete vs. Abstract Diction Concrete = Able to be touched or seen; tangible. Abstract = Something that only exists in one’s mind; not able to be touched. Ex: We must rely on hope and love. (Abstract) We must rely on our hands and muscles. (Concrete)

“Tropes” = special diction Ex: Metaphors Clichés Symbolism Personification Idioms/slang Euphemisms Other types of figurative language

Discuss why an alternative, similar word would have been less effective given the author’s purpose. Put an adjective in front of “diction:” – The author uses [formal, inflammatory, suggestive] diction. Put a verb after “diction:” – The author’s diction [reveals, suggests, shocks] ________.

Sample Diction Paragraph Topic Sentence: The author ’ s diction heightens the power and force behind the snake as it responds to the man, first placidly, then aggressively.

Last Words Be healthy: sleep and nutrition Remain Calm Good Luck Wish I could be there with you. Have fun.