English Language and Composition

AP TEST REVIEW

To prepare for the test…

Study your AP rhetorical flash cardsQuiz yourselfRemember, you need to know these words to answer multiple choice questions AND to write the rhetorical analysis essay.

Look at the prompts I have given you that we have not written in class. Think about how you would write those essays.

Review the MLA format to prepare for those questions on the multiple choice section

Look at essays I have graded and returned to you. What did you do well? What could you have done better?

Test Day

Several pencils #2

Several black pens—no white out allowed YOU MUST USE A PEN ON THE ESSAY PORTION OF THE

EXAM

Eat Breakfast!

BE HERE! BE EARLY!

. Multiple Choice Section: About 55 questions1 hour

2. EssaysSelf-paced (40 minutes each + 15 minute reading period)

Test Reminders3 Hours and 15 minutes

MULTIPLE CHOICE

Types of Multiple Choice Questions

1. The straightforward question2. The question that refers you to specific

lines and asks you to draw a conclusion or to interpret

3. The ALL… EXCEPT question4. The question that asks you to make an

inference or to abstract a concept not directly stated in the passage

5. The “killer” Roman numeral question6. The footnote question

Specific Techniques

Anticipate the right answer Figure out the answer BEFORE looking at the possible

choicesEliminate obviously wrong answers

Remember, you can write on the test Rhetorical strategy questions are usually straightforward Look for key words that make an answer wrong – cross it

out Watch for answers that are too narrow or too broad – be

wary of absolutesBe an ACTIVE READER – you know what this

means! Annotating is not optional!

Try to visualize the info as you read it – don’t try memorizing facts

Specific Techniques (continued)

Every 10 questions, check to make sure you are bubbling the right answer

Watch your time – don’t leave any unanswered

Mentally paraphrase sections as you read Skip hard questions and come back to them

Go back before moving on to the next passage

Skim the questions before reading the passage Skip ones that have specific line numbers

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Rhetorical Analysis

This essay ask you to analyze another author’s use of: 1.structure 2. purpose 3. style

Remember, you are writing about HOW they construct their argument, not merely what their argument is. Do not summarize!

Organizing Your Essay

When writing your introduction paragraph, get to the point quickly. Don’t use information from the prompt to “pad” your intro

Your body paragraphs should be all about what the writer said, how he said it, and why he said it the way he did for his purpose.

SAMPLE Analysis Questions

Analyze an author’s view on a specific subjectAnalyze rhetorical devices used by an author

to achieve his or her purposeAnalyze stylistic elements in a passage and

their effectsAnalyze the author’s tone and how the author

conveys this toneDiscuss the intended and/or probable effect

of a passage

SAMPLE Analysis Questions Cont.

Compare and/or contrast two passages with regard to style, purpose, or tone

Analyze the author’s purpose and how he or she achieves it

Analyze some of the ways an author recreates a real or imagined experience

Analyze how an author presents him or herself in the passage

Elements of Style (Rhetorical Devices)

1. subject matter2. selection of detail3. organization4. point of view5. diction6. figures of speech7. tone

Reading the Prompt…

Plan to spend a couple minutes carefully reading and deconstructing the question

Circle or underline the essential terms and elements in the prompt

If the prompt requires more than one element, you must use more than one!

A.P. = Address the Prompt

While Reading the Passage…

ANNOTATE

WARNINGS…

Avoid paraphrasing the materialUse TEXTUAL evidence – Be specificAnalyze the textual evidence— don’t just

summarize/paraphrase it – say something about it and how it relates.

Use transitionsVary your syntaxMake SPECIFIC analysis! (Avoid: “The autho

r’s diction”… “good syntax”… “keeps your attention”)

IMPORTANT:

Connect every strategy to the author’s idea or main point. e.g. ‘Dillard uses violent imagery such as

“crunching,” “bites,” and “splitting” in order to foreshadow her point at the end that people should shed their lackadaisical ways and live with passion.’

or e.g. ‘Words such as “bites,” “killing,” and “splitting,” foreshadow the intensity of her purpose.’

ARGUMENTATIVE/OPEN-ENDED

ESSAY

The Basics

2 Possibilities: A given text to support, qualify, or refute; or a broad issue upon which you must take a side

If you are responding to a text, be sure you understand the position taken by the author

Take a specific stand – you may qualify the claim, but be specific in what you support and what you don’t. You may also support or refute the prompt

When supporting a prompt, you must include your own original ideas – don’t just parrot the prompt.

The Basics (cont.)

Clearly and logically support your claimArgue your point(s) rationally despite how you may

personally feel Remember, this is an essay not a diatribe

Relevant anecdotal and/or outside information is good Connecting your experience to broader, more objective

evidence is better Good to develop an ‘authorial voice,’ but be mindful of your

audience (triangle!)

As always, be sure you ADDRESS THE PROMPT!

EXAMPLES OF GOOD EVIDENCE FOR YOU TO USE IN YOUR RESPONSE

Facts/ statisticsDetailsQuotationsDialogueNeeded definitionsRecognition of the oppositionExamplesAnecdotesContrasts and comparisonsCause and effectAppeal to authority

Classical Argumentative Scheme

Part 1: Introductory Paragraph-catch interest-present the issue or topic with concrete image

or anecdote-provide any relevant background information-define pertinent terms-state claim

Classical Argumentative Scheme Cont..

Part 2: Concession and Refutation-ignoring the other side is dangerous-find weaknesses within the opposing reasons,

facts, testimonies, etc.-“yes,” is the concession; “but” is the refutation-you still must demonstrate that your claims

are more valid-you may concede or refute in the

introductory paragraph or through the body paragraphs as you bring up additional points

Classical Argumentative Scheme Cont.

Part 3: Confirmation Paragraphs-the most important and longest section of

the argument-provides the reasons and the evidence of a

writer’s claim-shows the logical development of the

argument-should include both logical reasons and

evidence but also emotional appeals to human needs or values

-incorporate other modes of discourse to further develop your writing

Classical Argumentative Scheme Cont.

Part 4: Concluding Paragraph-wrap up the argument-restate the claim-provide a new appeal to needs or values-enrich with additional commentary-voice a final plea for readers to take action or

to change thinking-refrain from repeating any information

SYNTHESIS ESSAY

What is the Purpose?

The College Board wants to determine that you can:-Read critically-Understand texts-Analyze texts-Develop a position on a given topic-Support a position with appropriate evidence from

outside sources-Incorporate outside sources into the text of the

essay-Cite sources used-And most importantly, THINK for yourself

Source Possibilities

Six or seven documentsShort worksAt least one visual, non textual

(charts, cartoons, tables, etc.)Black and white printOpposing viewsYou are invited to join the conversation

Points to Remember

YOU are choosing your view and using the sources to support that view

Weaker writers have a tendency to paraphrase and list - don’t do that

Use at least three sources Use them naturally

Cite/ attribute sourcesHave a conversation with the texts –

don’t merely report what they have to say Like in the open-ended prompt, you are welcome

to support, qualify, and refute the sources!

Points to Remember (continued)

Judge the validity of the sourcesEssays starting with an anecdote tend

to score higher – if possible, refer back to it later in the essay

You are welcome to add examples of real life scenarios and facts if they help prove your argument

The vast majority of the essay needs to be YOUR thoughts

As always, make sure you are answering the prompt

The test is 3 hrs and 15 minutes long. You have one hour for the first section, multiple choice. This section consists of 52-58 multiple choice questions over 4 or 5 passages, mostly nonfiction. (45% of score)

Your have a fifteen minute reading period and then 2 hours to complete the 3 essays. The essays are prose analysis, argumentation, and synthesis. Sometimes a double passage requires you to compare and contrast 2 pieces based on rhetorical strategies. (55% of score)

Pay close attention to the connotation of words

Pace yourselfAnnotateRemember HOW not plot summary