how to write an excellent ap english language and composition essay 1. organization fully developed...

How to Write an Excellent AP English Language and Composition Essay

1. Organization Fully developed introduction Effective lead-in sentence Incorporates background information Clear thesis Clear topic sentences directly related to

thesis Clear and logical argument


Sophisticated use of transitions (not redundant in use of transitions)

Flows (word choice, punctuation usage, etc.) Paragraphs move forward in creating the

main idea Topical Conclusion that extends on main

ideas, not merely summarizing them


2. Content Original and opinionated thesis which

addresses the prompt Substantive response to the prompt Strong text references A plethora of evidence Clarity in choice of examples/evidence


Commentary connects with evidence and consistently demonstrates insight

Consistency in regards to evidence and thesis Reveal in-depth understanding of text;

explains evidence choices clearly Essay is thought provoking: basically, is

original and not a form piece of writing


3. Language/Style/Mechanics Powerful, specific, sophisticated vocabulary Vivid verb usage Words are cohesive and flow Complex and varied sentence structure No fragments, run-ons, or comma splices Virtually no spelling, punctuation, or minor

grammatical errors

Peer and/or Self Proofreading Response

1. Assignment/Topic: Does the piece fulfill the requirements of the assignment? How might the writer better fulfill them? Is the piece thought provoking? Why or why not?


2. Title and Introduction: Is the title appropriate for the assignment? Does the introduction gain the reader’s interest? Why or why not?


3. Thesis and Purpose: Does the piece fulfill the “promise” that the author has stated? Is the purpose clear? Does the draft address the purpose? Why or why not?


4. Audience: Who is the author’s intended audience? Describe their characteristics. How does the piece appeal to them? What does the writer expect from his/her audience? How do you know?


5. Persona: Does the author have a “voice”? Is it suitable for the piece, given the specific audience? Mark places where the writer’s voice emerges. Really, what you are looking for is personality within the piece.


6. Exigency: What is the problem (or context) that calls for author to take immediate action? What needs does this piece address? What issue is the author toiling with and helping us to understand?


7. Rhetorical Stance: Does the writer take a clear and consistent stance on the issue at hand? What words or phrases indicate this? How does the writer connect his or her cause to the interests of the audience? How is the author convincing?


8. Supporting Details: Which point is the author’s strongest? Which point is most interesting? List the points in order of strength. Which point(s) require more evidence, examples, or details? Are there and details or points that are irrelevant?


9. Paragraphs: Are the paragraphs clearly and fully developed? Are transitions effective, providing cohesion and flow? Is there any redundancy?


10. Organization: Is the form most appropriate for the topic? Is it suitable to the genre? Offer possible alternatives. Are the arguments in logical order (the strongest should be last)? Are the transitions between paragraphs effective? Offer some varying alternatives.


11. Sentence Structure: Does the author use varying sentence structure properly and at appropriate times. Does the author achieve emphasis through diction and sentence structure? Is the sentence structure effective?


12. Style and Linguistic Choices: Does the author use appropriate style for the piece? Does the paper have style, or does it lack voice and personality? Do they use a wide-ranging vocabulary? Does the author use active verbs? We will get to schemes and tropes a little later.


13. Tone: What is the tone of the piece? How do you know? Is it appropriate? Explain and provide examples.


14. Conclusion: Is the conclusion powerful and memorable? Does it merely summarize ideas, or does it elaborate on the main and key points presented in the piece? Does it express some sort of revelation or discovery the author had found by writing the piece?


15. Overall: What are the main strengths and weaknesses of the draft? Have you been impacted? Why or why not? Does the reader peak your interest in the subject? How so or why not? Has the piece fulfilled the writer’s expectations? How so?

how to write an excellent ap english language and composition essay 1. organization fully developed...

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