1. Mrs. Kate Hendrix Madison Central High School
Constructed Response
Mrs. Kate Hendrix
Madison Central High School

2. How to Write Better and Win Friends

3. Buddy, Buddy Use last names (not first names) Keep the tone formal
DON’T USE 1ST PERSON OR 2ND PERSON.
Many of you were calling Mr. Douglass “Fredrick” and Mr. Lincoln “Abraham.” Um. Yeah.

4. Know Your Stuff
Make sure that the literary device you refer to is actually the one you cite.
Understand your argument before trying to support it
Spell people’s names right (DOUGLASS not Douglas, for example!)
Personification, ethos/logos/pathos, and alliteration were biggies

5. Form and Function
Paragraphs should have no fewer than 3 good sentences.
Use correct grammar and punctuation.
There/they’re/their. ‘nuf said.
Commas follow introductory phrases and dependent clauses

6. Argue Like a Pro Include a clear thesis statement in your introduction
Give details…Show, don’t tell
Use strong words correctly.
Avoid words like “thing” and “a lot.”
Use strong examples that illustrate your argument.
Incorporate quotes into your sentences…
Don’t say “This essay will explain…” or “I will tell you why…”

7. Wait…Incorporate quotes INTO my sentences?
Stay tuned Pre-AP children…this is one of Mr. Harrell’s pet peeves when students arrive in his AP Language class!
But how?