Students who are applying fundamentals of writing on timed writings are generally earning top half scores Thesis that addresses the prompt Effective topic sentences that build on thesis Thoroughly developed paragraphs with a clear organizational strategy Commentary that connects evidence to topic sentence/thesis
Students who are not applying these fundamentals are earning lower scores AP graders are looking for proof that you are good enough at this stuff that you wouldn t really benefit from being in a freshman comp class If the fundamentals of your writing are off, you will not earn a top half score
Keep in mind that you need to show that you are a good writer in addition to answering the question for a top score An adequate answer provides your perspective on the topic and demonstrates your ability as a writer
A thesis statement should be a fairly direct sentence that states your position on the prompt Rhetorical analysis Gives purpose of the piece you re analyzing Does not list devices. For Pete s sake. Argument essay Takes a position on the issue/idea Does not list reasons you have taken this position Synthesis essay Takes a position on the issue Does not list sources or give reasons to support position
Focus on author s purpose Avoid filler language (uses various strategies, devices, and appeals) You are evaluating the author s use of the rhetorical web You are a detective uncovering the clues about how the author built his or her essay in order to achieve a purpose expose their tricks!
NO YES Kelley passionately argues against the horrors of child labor. Kelley sways her audience to take a stand against child labor by earning women s suffrage. Kelley charges her audience to take action against the shame of child labor. Kelley uses pathos and ethos to argue against child labor. Kelley s diction, syntax, and figurative language show that she is against child labor. Kelley uses rhetorical strategies to argue PowerPoint created against by and child labor.
ARGUE. ARGUE. ARGUE. In other words, this is not an expository paper BUILD your argument in your planning Use a RANGE of devices and strategies Present a RANGE of evidence to support your argument You are using the rhetorical web You are on Dancing with the Stars, but instead, it s Arguing by Yourself, and you are flashing your mad argument skills to earn the top score. Be on fire about this topic!
NO YES Humorists undoubtedly play a vital role in our society. Although humorists have a place in our society, their role is not necessarily vital. The importance of the role of humorists in our society is currently overrated. Humor in the forms of political satire and verbal irony plays an important role in our society. Humor at the expense of another person is cruel and unacceptable. Our society is filled with humorists who both entertain and enlighten the population.
Blend the ideas in the sources with your own thoughts to develop a strong position Include the sources, but do not use them to organize your essay Position-driven, not source-driven If your ideas are all from sources, your score will be lower You are a chef, transforming the ingredients provided in the sources into a delicious and unique essay cook up something fascinating!
NO YES Success is having the time and opportunities to follow your dreams. Success, much like beauty, lies in the eye of the beholder. The current American standard of success has fatal flaws. suicide. The stories of Chris McCandless, John Muir, and Henry David Thoreau show what success is. This paper will discuss what success means. Success is understanding that imitation is
The opinion that controls the content of the paragraph Should be a meaningful sub-idea of the thesis, not a list or random collection of topics Should never be factual or contain a citation
Kelley builds her argument against child labor by evoking emotion in her audience through imagery. Kelley s rhetorical questions also draw her audience into the fight against child labor. Kelley s references throughout the text to items of clothing help implicate her audience in the horrors of child labor in PowerPoint order created to draw by and them to her side.
Kelley uses ethos to argue against child labor. Kelley uses diction and rhetorical questions to argue against child labor. Kelley tries to get her audience to see that child labor is bad.
Eight sentence and/or majors minors are a go (or your can step up) Stepping down (paragraphs with fewer than two examples developed) is not a good option Paragraphs need development of ideas to show that you have control over the elements of effective writing Paragraphs with three, four, or five sentences are probably not developing ideas with enough depth for a top score (Brief) intro, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion should be the goal If you have only two body paragraphs, they need strong development Depth of argument is the goal here, not lots of examples
Be in CONTROL. Brainstorm LOTS of ideas (an outline is not brainstorming, folks). Pretend you will get a prize if you come up with the most powerful and impressive ideas. Write thesis and topic sentences. Make an outline that includes specific evidence and strategies (how YOU will use e/p/l and address the opposition). Do not start to write unless your argument is PowerPoint clear created in your by and mind.
First, we will look at argument prompts We will look at the first one together and spend ten minutes brainstorming, writing a thesis and topic sentences, and outlining ideas. Tomorrow, we will do a rhetorical analysis practice together. Then you will do two of each on your own. If you will be out, please email me and I can send you the prompts so you will be ready for Friday/Monday s timed writings.