AP Language and Composition 2013-2014

Welcome Back  AP Language and Composition is all about the art of finding and analyzing the language choices that a writer, speaker, reader, or listener employs to make his/her content meaningful, purposeful, and effective for its intended readers or listeners. In AP Language and Composition, you will be asked to look carefully at a variety of writing and examining its use of rhetoric.

What does that mean? Essentially, you will be examining how the writer uses specific words, sentence structure, and strategies to try and make their point. Your goal is to figure out WHAT they’re trying to say and HOW they said it. You will also be asked to apply what you’ve learned about writing style into your own writing and becoming a stronger writer that knows how to persuade and argue.

“The Power of Words”

“The Power of Words” TPS: How does this video tie in to our course? Remember, we’re an AP Language and Composition class.

AP Language and Composition Syllabus- Signatures? What to Expect- Questions? Exam Course Goals

APLAC Exam: Friday, May 9th Section 1 (45%): 55 multiple choice questions You will receive 60 minutes to complete the questions Section 2 (55%): 3 essays You will receive a 15 minute reading period 120 minute writing period

Course Goal #1 Obviously, to pass the AP Language and Composition exam  2012 pass rate: 50% 2012 National pass rate: 59.9% 2013: 51%/54% Our pass rate goal: _______

Course Goal #2 To prepare you guys to be proficient readers and writers as you embark on your journey towards college AP Language and Composition is considered a college writing course by the CollegeBoard (the lovely folks who administer APs and the SATs) A lot of what we do will be what you’re asked to do when you get to college

Example 1: Self Composition I like libraries and bookstores for the company that they provide. I love spending time at airports, people watching. I hate hospitals, the heat of summer, and narrow-minded, inconsiderate people. Children and dogs intrigue me, in that they possess a certain innocence and simplicity most people lose with age. I like to eat and I like to run, but not necessarily in that order. I love my family and friends, even if I don't get to see them everyday; they are truly my foundation. I admire artistic people, but don't have an artistic bone in my body. I like rain. Teaching is my first and foremost passion, with traveling in a close second.

Example 2: Self Composition I like libraries, bookstores, and airports because they provide company. I don’t like hospitals or hot weather or narrow-minded people. I like children and dogs because they’re innocent. I like eating and running. I love my family and friends because they are my foundation. I admire artistic people but I’m not artistic. I like rain. Teaching is my first priority and traveling is a close second.

Differences between Ex. 1 & Ex. 2? TPS:

Examining for DIDST DICTION IMAGERY DETAILS SYNTAX TONE I like libraries and bookstores for the company that they provide. I love spending time at airports, people watching. I hate hospitals, the heat of summer, and narrow- minded, inconsiderate people. Children and dogs intrigue me, in that they possess a certain innocence and simplicity most people lose with age. I like to eat and I like to run, but not necessarily in that order. I love my family and friends, even if I don't get to see them everyday; they are truly my foundation. I admire artistic people, but don't have an artistic bone in my body. I like rain. Teaching is my first and foremost passion, with traveling in a close second. DICTION IMAGERY DETAILS SYNTAX TONE -Power of three -Use of grammatical elements -Juxtaposition of elements -Contrasts -Sentence structure

Homework: Self Composition In 10 sentences or less, compose a piece about yourself using our style elements (diction, imagery, details, syntax, tone). DO NOT write as though you’re writing to a friend- try and practice taking on a different “voice” to describe yourself. DUE MONDAY: Be as creative & artistic as possible