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 scratch outs 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)
Make your voice evident
No cheerleading
Better to say something sophisticated and imperfect than perfect but simple
It’s totally fine to write a qualified response (shows you understand the complexities and are actually thinking as you work)
“For the most part, _____________.”
“Despite ______________, ________________.”

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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: note the ORDER the writer chooses
Be familiar with modes of discourse and rhetorical strategies

8. RHETORICAL: TECHNICAL ASPECTS TO CONSIDER (same as multiple choice)
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

9. Analytical elements (same as multiple choice)
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

10. Inferential (same as multiple choice)
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

11. DON’T JUST IDENTIFY
This is rhetorical analysis, not just a list of rhetorical techniques
Don’t cite devices—have them lead your argument
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; discovering as you write is acceptable; this essay should reveal your process of interacting with text.
Incorporating words and short phrases explained in your words as opposed to dumping in long quotes

12. You can use anything from this Web of Rhetorical Analysis, not just the bottom line
Exigence
Audience
Purpose
Logos
Ethos
Pathos
Organization/Whole Text Structure
Imagery
Figurative Language
Diction
Syntax
*A reader can enter a text at any point/level to get to another point/level.

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.
Then write an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies the author’s claims.

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
Read a text and choose a compelling observation (find one of the points author is making) and consider the extent to which it’s true.
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.
(ALMOST BOTH A RHETORICAL ANALYSIS—evaluate both sides-- AND ARGUMENT ESSAY).

16. Make sure you… Read passage and prompt 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. IT’S YOUR ARGUMENT!
Synthesis “refers to combining the sources and the writer’s position to form a cohesive, supported argument and accurately citing all sources.”

18. Info about sources Have a “conversation” with the sources.
Consider what you would agree with, disagree with, dispute, etc.
Show points of similarity/differences
Don’t just blindly agree with everything or have the source be the argument.
Show that you are in control of the sources and the argument.
Not all sources are straightforward or credible; intelligent readers question the validity of the source; points for refuting; conversation or dialogue with source; setting up opposition can begin essay (i.e., blog, unpublished, encyclopedia)
One Strategy: Find one source you disagree with, and use it as your intro:
Many people believe that [blank]. Even experts [blank].
However, upon looking more closely, [your argument].
This avoids the 5-para essay
You’re exploring and are critical.

19. 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)

20. Visual

21. Stylistic Devices: Verbal Text v. Nonverbal Text
Diction/Syntax
Juxtaposition
Structure
Motifs
Emphasis
Incongruity/Irony
Tone
Numbers, captions
Placement
Org. of images, data
Recurring elements
Exaggeration/Repetition
Contrast
Tone

22. Questions to consider in analyzing visuals
What are the messages?
What choices does the creator make? What has been omitted?
What is the creator’s intention?
In what ways does the visual medium present the message that a written medium cannot?
In what ways does the visual medium enhance the written text?

23. Multiple perspectives of a chart (statistics)
What are the boundaries, indices, variables selected? What has been excluded?
Do the trends, assertions, claims remain consistent? Does chart account for variations?
In additions to more logical evidence of numbers, what other information (written) may help you to see the fuller picture of what evidence means?

24. How to look at a Distortion/Visual Satire
Exaggeration, caricature, hyperbole, mockery, overstatement, cartoon, photo
What is being distorted? Why?
What is implicit thesis of graphic?
What are the targets of distortion?
What effect does the juxtaposition or placement of imagery/text have on overall purpose?