AP Free Response AP Free Response (ESSAY PORTION) (ESSAY PORTION) AP Free Response AP Free Response (ESSAY PORTION) (ESSAY PORTION)

English Language and English Language and CompositionComposition

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

1. Synthesis (research) 2. Rhetorical Analysis 3. Argument

(It’s possible that they’ll give you a combo analysis/argument prompt.)

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 ______________, ________________.”

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diction Syntax Imagery Figurative Language

*A reader can enter a text at any point/level to get to another point/level.

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…

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.

OR – Then write an essay that defends,

challenges, or qualifies the author’s claims.

OR

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.

OR – 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).

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

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.”

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.

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)

Visual

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

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?

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?

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?