1. AP Language and Composition

2. Designed to be the equivalent of a first-year college writing course. Requires students to become skilled readers and composers of written language in a variety of disciplines and rhetorical contexts. Students who are successful are avid readers of both fiction and non-fiction texts and understand the interplay of the historical, cultural, and social context of a piece of writing.

3. Differences in AP Language and AP Literature AP Literature uses the idea of “what does a work mean?” AP Language is focused on non- fiction and the controlling idea of “how does a work come to mean?”

4. Using rigorous college-level academic curriculum and standards, students explore concepts through Socratic discussion, analytical thought, and verbal and written expression in a variety of forms - expository, analytical, and argumentative from many disciplines and historical periods

5. However, words are not all. Students are asked to analyze how images such as graphics, cartoons, and texts published in electronic media relate to written texts and serve as their own alternative form of text themselves.

6. It is about research and informed outside knowledge, too. The informed use of research materials and the ability to synthesize varied sources to support a student argument is an integral part of the AP Language course and exam. Students are asked to formulate varied, informed arguments of their own.

7. AP Language Learning Objectives Students will be prepared for the AP Language and Composition exam, whereby they may receive college credit based on their scoring. The preparation for the rigors of the exam and for success in college classes is the paramount focus of this course.

8. Upon completing the AP Language course students should be able to: Analyze and interpret samples of good writing; identify and explain an author’s use of rhetorical strategies Apply these same techniques and strategies to their own writing Create and sustain an argument based on reading, research, current events, historical precedent, literature connection etc.

9. Demonstrate mastery of standard written English as well as stylistic maturity in their own writing. Produce expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that are driven by a complex thesis and developed with evidence from primary and/or secondary sources. Evaluate and incorporate reference documents into research papers driven by their own imaginative and nuanced argument.

10. Move through the deliberate stages of the writing process with ease and care.  Drafting  Revising  Editing  Review  Revision

11. The AP Language Exam: three hours – a timed test Approximately 60 multiple choice questions with one minute allotted for each question including reading time – 45% Three essays: rhetorical analysis, argument, and synthesis – approximately 40 minutes each including reading time – 55%

12. Do not feel overwhelmed First and foremost, most good readers and writers already do many of these things naturally but in a less formal context. A timed writing/reading environment becomes less daunting with practice. My experience has been that students of all levels who are committed to consistent preparation do WELL.

13. How can I prepare myself? Read, read, read… Fiction: quality college level texts Non-fiction: newspapers, Newsweek-type magazines, essays, editorials, speeches, columnists, Opposing Viewpoint section of the newspaper, etc. Listen: political speeches, interviews, quality newscasts including argument US and World current events: what issues are you aware of and follow. This is the year that history and language merge!

14. What should I be reading? AP Recommended Great Books for College-Bound Readers AP Recommended Great Books for College-Bound Readers AP Recommended Non-fiction Cultural Texts and Poetry for College Bound Readers AP Recommended Non-fiction Cultural Texts and Poetry for College Bound Readers

15. AP Language Grading Class Work– 50% Tests/Projects/Major Essays – 35% Homework - 15%

16. AP Language Writing Grading Scale 9.0 = 100 8.0 = 98 7.0 = 95 6.0 = 90 5.0 = 85 4.0 = 80 3.0 = 75 2.0 = 70 1.0 = 60 Multiple Choice Items: based on 100% scale

17. How do I decide if this class is for me? If you are currently a strong Pre-AP student and enjoy reading a balanced literary diet including non-fiction - this class is for you. If you are deliberately and intellectually prepared for class, understand the importance of homework as preparation, and maintain a consistent academic pace and rigor – this class is for you. If you like to analyze the world around you: reading, writing, and visual interpretation in terms of argument (point of view) – this class is for you.

18. If you enjoy the academic environment of higher level thinking and the company of other similarly attuned students – this class is for you. If you enjoy reading, writing, and thinking about complex and mature topics that defy the typical opposing arguments– this class is for you.