1. How to do AP essay prompt #3:
The Open-ended Essay Prompt
AKA
Select-a-novel-or-play prompt

2. Re-write the prompt.

3. Select novel or play. Follow directions of prompt.
Do not use epic or long poem unless the prompt mentions as option.
Do not use musicals.
Stay in 16thcentury-21st century except for classic Greeks such as Sophocles.
Use adult books only.
Do not use Young Adult (YA) books such as The Hunger Games.
Choose a literary work that is appropriate for the specific prompt.
Spend no more than 6 minutes choosing and doing prep work.

4. Connect prompt + thematic statement.

5. Direct Reply Thesis Paragraph
What are you going to prove?
What are you going to use to prove it?
 Why/how is this proof important to a theme of the novel?
What is the connection of sentence one to sentences three and four? (para. One)
 Is it possible to disagree or question the premise of your argument? Why or why not? How?

6.    Direct answer  1. State general direction of statements to be made later about theme 2. Use examples of imagery and characterization later to demonstrate how author uses devices or theme  Beginning of argument   Some would argue then and now that her style is not sophisticated. This is a good argument.   This student identifies the significance of H’s sophisticated style as a way to honor her culture.  The student offers a final statement of significance that directly connects to the first sentence and the prompt.

7. Prompt + thematic statement
A critic has said that one important measure of a superior work of literature is its ability to produce in the reader a healthy confusion of pleasure and disquietude. Select a literary work that produces this "healthy confusion." Write an essay in which you explain the sources of the "pleasure and disquietude" experienced by the readers of the work. Avoid plot summary
An absurdist play is a roller coaster ride for the audience. The general disharmony of language and action both confuses and pleases the audience with its unpredictability and novelty. “The Sandbox” is paly that produces this healthy confusion because it provokes the audience to
think deeply about the façade of modern life and question its assumptions.

8. Sample Prompt and thesis
Essay prompt:
Sample thesis paragraph:
Explain how an author uses devices of language to reinforce a theme of a novel or play.
The use of elaborate metaphorical language and dialect contributes to Hurston’s idea that individuals must embrace their own culture to have an authentic life. She employs stylistic devices and imagery to demonstrate the distinctive culture and authenticity of black life.  Hurston celebrates her culture through the sophistication of her style.  Ornamental language is the only way the story could be told if it is to honor her culture.  The skillful use of the language to create the novel is Hurston’s own best proof of embracing her culture.

9. Provide evidence. How? Why? So? So what? Because . . . Prove. Specify.
Close reading for details
Wealth of Evidence = 9
How?
Why?
So?
So what?
Because . . .
Prove.
Specify.
Examples ????????????

10. Connect thesis to every paragraph.
Your essay is like a necklace.
Start with thematic thesis.
Select the links of evidence for each paragraph.
Add evidence to each paragraph.
Connect every paragraph to the preceding paragraph with the transition s of ideas and words.
Connect every paragraph to the thesis (theme).
End where you began with final reference to theme.