YOUR AP TEXTBOOK IS NOT REQUIRED ON THURSDAY, 2 JANUARY 2014.

BE ADVISED THAT YOU WILL LOSE ONE-FULL LETTER GRADE FOR EVERY DAY YOU ARE LATE WITH UPLOADING YOUR MOST RECENT ASSIGNMENT TO TURNITIN.COM-RECALL WHAT WAS INDICATED IN THE CLASS CONTRACT YOU SIGNED-IN FACT-I INDICATED THAT LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!

Please be advised that you will not have a vocabulary quiz on Thursday, 2 January.

Civil Disobedience Vocabulary

Ethan Frome Essay Assignment for December Break

Ethan Frome Audio

http://librivox.org/ethan-frome-by-edith-wharton/
For your listening pleasure,while exercising at the gym, riding your bicycle through the city streets, catching rays at the beach, OR while reading the text-attempting to answer the assigned questions.

Ethan Frome Text

http://www.americanliterature.com/Wharton/EthanFrome/EthanFrome.html
NO EXCUSES FOR NOT COMPLETING THE ASSIGNED READING!

On The Duty of Civil Disobedience with annotations/hypertext links

JUST A REMINDER:

You must bring your TEXTBOOK to class on Monday, 16 December! This is considered a HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT! Failure to bring the textbook to class will result in a "0" and entered on Jupiter in the Homework Assignment category. Do not ask permission to go to your locker to retrieve it-PERMISSION to do so will be DENIED!

Please be advised that the score you received on The Great Gatsby essay was "calculated" based upon the rubric you examined during the writing of the in-class essay. As you know, the maximum of "95" is equivalent to an "A+". Not too many students received this score and not too many students received a "90" which is equivalent to an "A". Many students did indeed received an "85" which is equivalent to a "B+"-a respectable grade. Also, please be advised that I read EVERY word you write, I do not simply place a "check" or a "check +" on your paper and then randomly assign a grade equivalent. Furthermore, do not send me an email demanding to know why you may have received an "85" on an essay, expecting me to respond with specific details. Actually, I provided feedback involving the criteria I used to determine your grade. Recall, how I EMPHASIZED that all must follow the structure for this essay that was "outlined" for you on the PROMPT essay assignment sheet? Needless to say, those who did NOT comply with my directive did not write an "organized-structured-coherent" essay, and therefore, did NOT receive a "90" or a "95". You will have access to these essays next week so that you are able to recognize what must be done to receive a higher grade on essays.

Schedule for Week of 9 December:

Just a Reminder: TGG Essay-TUESDAY, 10 December-Bring your novel to class.

For Thursday, 12 December: Read David Denby's  High-School Confidential: Notes on Teen Movies on page 819 in your textbook. Be prepared for a quiz on the content of this essay. BRING YOUR TEXTBOOK TO CLASS!

SAT Vocabulary Quiz List 11 also on Thursday (SEVEN words from List 11 and THREE words from List 10)

5 Steps to a 5 500 AP English Language Questions to Know by Test Day (5 Steps to a 5 on the Advanced Placement Examinations Series) [Paperback


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The Great Gatsby Rhetorical Device Journal Scoring Scale

WOW! WHAT AN AMAZING SEMINAR DISCUSSION BY ALL OF THE STUDENTS IN G-BAND! My only regret is that the seminar was not video-taped so that I would have been able to use your class as a MODEL for other students and for other teachers... An EXEMPLARY engagement- certainly indicative of a college-level class. Thank you, G-Band! (Perhaps, you may even become my "favorite" class...)

Schedule for Week of 2 December:

SAT Vocabulary Quiz, Thursday, 5 December-List 10 (SEVEN words from List 10 and THREE words from List 9)

Monday, 2 December: (A, B, AND  G Bands) Review previous quiz with an emphasis on the rationale for supporting an answer with a focus on "rhetoric".

Tuesday, 3 December: TEST NOT AS A GROUP BUT RATHER INDEPENDENTLY! Chapters 7, 8, & 9 of The Great Gatsby (Questions will continue to focus on "rhetoric" and you will be required to bring your text(novel) to class, you will NOT be permitted to share with your table-mate.

Sadly, several students are still "cheating" on quizzes. Regrettably,  disciplinary action will now take place. Review class contract and the NYC DOE Disciplinary Code Handbook.

Wednesday, 4 December: Socratic Seminar (G Band)

Thursday, 5 December: Socratic Seminar (A and B Bands) SAT Vocabulary Quiz List 10 ALL BANDS. The Great Gatsby Essay Examination (G Band)

Friday, 6 December: A and B Bands-The Great Gatsby Essay Examination

The Great Gatsby Chapter 9 ppt

The Great Gatsby Chapter 8 ppt

Just returned home from a "fabulous" Junior/Soph Performance! Congratulations to all who performed. Diedrich has awarded you an A++ in all categories, but he is not a judge so his evaluation is meaningless. Please keep in mind that he has not picked a "winner" in years. Perhaps, he will be able to hear the cheers from where he resides when Junior/Soph is declared the winner! Senior/Fresh was impressive as well...

Infer or Imply
(View this video)
Just remember: Authors imply/readers infer/authors make implications that readers have to infer.

Imply means to send a message by hinting or suggesting something, without stating it outright. Infer means to “pick up” on and interpret an implied message.

 

The Multiple Choice Question

 Tackling Multiple Choice Passages

Realism ppt

Romanticism ppt

ATTENTION: Students in all of the Bands must bring their copy of The Great Gatsby to class on Monday, 18 November. If you neglect to do so, you will NOT be permitted to join a group to work on the assigned activity. Furthermore, DO NOT ASK TO GO TO YOUR LOCKER TO RETRIEVE IT-PERMISSION TO DO SO WILL BE DENIED!

ALL BANDS: Read Chapter 7 of The Great Gatsby for Monday, 18 November. You may OR may NOT have a QUIZ resembling those taken previously. You should always have read at least one-chapter ahead of what has been assigned.

Dear Parents: Please discuss with your child the seriousness of "cheating" (copying a classmates responses) during an assessment. Do not assume that your child would never engage in such reprehensible behavior. Frequently, I have been disheartened by those who do...

This week will be working on strategies to answer the AP Style Multiple Choice Questions related to our in-class text (The Great Gatsby)  and perhaps, even Ethan Frome! Surely, everyone has been reading this text without being specifically directed to do so. (See previous posts below.)


Thursday, 21 November: SAT Vocabulary Quiz List 9 (Max. Time=4.5 minutes)

The Great Gatsby Chapter 9 ppt

The Great Gatsby Chapter 8 ppt

The Great Gatsby Chapter 7 ppt

The Great Gatsby QUIZ Schedule:

Tuesday, 12 November: Chapter 4: ALL Bands
Wednesday, 13 November: Chapter 5: G Band
Thursday, 14 November: Chapters 5 and 6: A & B Bands
                                             Chapter 6: G Band

Engage in a "Close Reading" of the assigned chapters and review the power-points (see links posted below)

You will be allocated "FIVE" minutes for each quiz. This is NOT negotiable.

SAT Vocabulary Quiz: List 8 on Thursday, 14 November.

Do not forget about your rhetorical device posting to turnitin for each chapter. Do not wait until 11:59 PM on the assigned due date.
                                            

The Great Gatsby Chapter 4 ppt

The Great Gatsby Chapter 5 ppt

The Great Gatsby Chapter 6 ppt

The Great Gatsby Chapter 3 ppt

The Great Gatsby: Rhetorical Devices Chapter Upload Dates to www.turnitin.com
Chapter 3: Friday, 8 November
Chapter 4: Sunday, 10 November
Chapter 5: Tuesday, 12 November
Chapter 6: Thursday, 14 November           
Chapter 7: Saturday, 16 November
Chapter 8: Monday, 18 November
Chapter 9: Wednesday, 20 November
Plan accordingly, do not wait until the last minute!
NO EXCUSES FOR FAILING TO UPLOAD BY 11;59 PM ON THE DATE INDICATED/PLEASE DO NOT GIVE ME A NOTE FROM A PARENT EXCUSING YOU SINCE I WILL NOT ACCEPT IT!
NOTE: Too many of you are NOT referencing specific Rhetorical Devices in your passages/text selected; I am seeing too many basic literary devices identified with a minimal discussion/analysis.
Effective immediately, we will no longer be "listening" to the audio of the text. In addition, you will be administered quizzes for the assigned chapters on the dates indicated above. We will also allocated class time for other activities related to AP Language and Composition course content.
Failure to bring your copy of The Great Gatsby to class will result in a "0" for being unprepared for the class (consider it a "homework" assignment). DO NOT ASK TO GO TO YOUR LOCKER TO RETRIEVE IT/DO NOT RETURN FROM THE "RESTROOM" WITH YOUR TEXT IN YOUR HAND.

The Great Gatsby : Chapter 3

Review contents for Chapter 3 Quiz and for a Group Activity for this chapter. G-Band will take the "TEN" question Quiz on Wednesday, 6 November; A and B Bands will take the "TEN" question Quiz on Thursday. (Five Minutes for the Chapter 3 Quiz and Five minutes for the List 7 SAT Vocabulary Quiz.

The Great Gatsby Game

Wonders Never Cease...
Amazingly, in a Band that will remain nameless, "several" table-mates had "identical" incorrect responses (not just one or two words, but an entire phrase) as well as "identical" correct responses-when only one or two words would have sufficed- an entire phrase was copied from one another. Furthermore, students who were sitting at a table perpendicular to their table (at a "right-angle")  also copied responses from their classmates. Perhaps, these students thought that I would not grade the quizzes or that I had students grade my papers? Please be informed that I grade/read ALL papers and I do NOT have students grade papers! I wonder if these students are also cheating on examinations in other classes-perhaps-their teachers should be given a "warning" to be vigilant when these students are taking a quiz/test in their classes? Do this in college and you will be sent packing to return home, never to return to that institution...Imagine the "greeting" you will receive from your parents...

The Great Gatsby Chapter 3 Quiz: Wednesday, 6 November for G-Band/Thursday, 7 November for A and B Bands.

A and B Bands will take Quizzes for Chapters 1 and 2 on Monday, 4 November.

ATTENTION G-BAND STUDENTS: I am implementing a "new" seating chart that will become effective on Monday, 4 November. "Sorry" for the disruption of the "chemistry" that may now exist between you and your table-mate. Several students in your class have made it imperative that I initiate this action. (Please, no finger-pointing...)

The Great Gatsby audio AND text
(Just click-on this link/post title.)

Rhetorical Device Homework Assignment(s)

You will post your responses for each chapter to.turnitin.com by the date indicated. One full-letter grade reduction if submitted late!

Chapter 1: Due 2 November by 11:59 PM
Chapter 2: Due 4 November by 11:59 PM
Chapter 3: TBA

Your due dates for the remaining chapters will be posted soon.

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY! When a SAT Vocabulary Quiz is re-taken, your score will be averaged with the score on the first quiz (regardless of how "low" you scored).

Schedule for Week of 28 October:

Your usual SAT Vocabulary Quiz on Thursday, 31 October. Effective immediately, you will not be permitted to "re-take" a Quiz unless you present to me YOUR flash-cards that YOU have used to prepare for the quiz. I will inspect these "cards" for YOUR in  name-upper right-hand corner of each card)  (SAT Vocabulary Quiz: List 6)

You will be quizzed on the contents of the power-points/videos that appear below.

You will receive a reading schedule for The Great Gatsby on a separate handout. Expect unannounced/surprise quizzes on any given day and or time during the class Band.

The Great Gatsby: Form and Structure

The Great Gatsby-Listen to it Online

Flappers-The Roaring Twenties

 

The Great Gatsby Rhetorical Device Journal Assignment

The Great Gatsby and Ethan Frome Assignment

Just a Reminder for Tuesday, 15 October:

Rough Drafts for your Apology Speeches-one copy for me and one copy for you. We will begin the speeches on Thursday, 17 October. Do not report to class on Tuesday with an excuse for being unprepared!

For those students who did not take the List 4 SAT Vocabulary Quiz on Friday, 11 October, you will do so on Tuesday, 15 October.

Bring at least TWO pencils on Wednesday, 16 October for the PSAT. The school will NOT provide one for those who are neglectful.

I will make myself available after the last class of the day on Tuesday and Wednesday if you require assistance with the speech. Practice in front of your family, your friends, your pets, your bedroom mirror... (Name that rhetorical device.)

 

Socratic Citizenship: Plato's Apology (Yale University Lecture)

Please view this prior to Friday's class-simply click-on the title for this post.

How to Write a Reaction Paper or Reader Response
("Borrowed" from an introductory English class at the University of Texas)

How is it possible for Advanced Placement students to turn-in homework assignments without the "proper" headings for a designated assignment? All I have been receiving is a written response without the "title/heading" of the assignment! If this happens again, your paper will be returned with a "reduction" in grade. Include the title and author of the essay/article that has been assigned-along with your first and last name, your class Band, and the date of the assignment.

Homework: Due Monday, 30 September!
You must bring your Language and Composition textbook home for this assignment. Leave your textbook at home until directed to bring it to class.

Read Terrors Purse Strings  by Dana Thomas (109-111). You must click on the title of this essay to download and print. read "carefully" the directions provided in the "ACTIVITY" box on page 109. You must turn in your "annotated" copy (no highlighting) and your written response to what you were directed to do as indicated in the directions.

Grammar as Rhetoric and Style:
"Appositives"  (pages 269-276)
Complete Exercises #1 (272) and  #3 (274)-Skip a "space/line" after each response/sentence. (Do NOT upload assignment to turnitin.com.)

HOMEWORK DUE: Tuesday, 1 October
Read So-o-o-o-o-o Sorry: The Art of the Apology and write a reaction/reflection to Hebble's essay. (Any "revelations" that perhaps, you had not previously thought about...you may want to consider how she addresses you the "reader" and your subsequent responses-where in the essay did you pause to "reflect" and/or "reconsider" saying the word "Sorry". Do not ask me about the length of this response...OR say, "I am sorry Mr. Diedrich I do not have the assignment to turn-in". No need to upload to turnitin! https://s3.amazonaws.com/engrade-myfiles/4076737320983489/Soo_Sorry.doc (Just in case you experience difficulty opening the above link-title of essay.)

Schedule for Week of 23 September

Just a reminder: SAT Vocabulary List 2 Quiz (7 words from this list and 3 words from List 1)

Bring your textbook on Thursday, 26 September! Failure to do so will result in a "0" for being unprepared for class.

Monday, 23 September: A/B/C Bands- Timed Write-Question 2-Rhetorical Analysis

Tuesday, 24 September: Introduction to "Argument" Question 3 on the AP Examination

Wednesday, 25 September: G Band: Argument continued

Thursday, 26 September: SAT Vocabulary Quiz-List 2 (Six minutes maximum) Chapter 3 textbook activities and subsequent homework assignments ("Yes, more than one...!")  Due Date: TBA

Friday, 27 September: A and B Bands-Introduction to the "Apology" Unit/Project

Dear Parents and Students: I am troubled about the number of students who have NOW approached me regarding their failure to turn-in the Summer Reading Project in its entirety. Amazingly, some did NOT turn-in any "component" of the Project and are NOW desiring to do so. Needless to say, I will NOT accept any "component" of the Project-we are now entering our third week of school-excuses for not completing the Project should have been discussed with me on Day 1 of class. Please check your child's grades on "Jupiter"- our school's on-line grade reporting program. (A Password may be obtained from the school's Parent Coordinator.)

Please Note: The weighted percentages indicated on "Jupiter" for each of the "components" for your Summer Reading Assignment will be "re-adjusted" early next week. Naturally, the numerical grade will remain the same-only its "weight" will change.

SAT Vocabulary Quiz Retake Policy: If you do "poorly" on any quiz or simply would like to re-take it for a higher grade, you may do so for only THREE occasions during the course of a semester! This must be done prior to your next scheduled quiz-which happens to fall on Wednesdays-for example-List 1 must be -retaken by Thursday, 26 September-not during the following week. Furthermore, if you are absent on any quiz day, you must see me immediately upon your return (even if your Band does not meet on that day) to make arrangements to take your quiz. Dear Parents: Students had since Day 1 of class to prepare for the List 1 vocabulary quiz so there is not any excuse for the low grade your child may have received.

Review of Rhetorical Analysis Part 1

Summer Reading Assignments: A Concern

Diedrich has been sitting in Room 404 drinking his coffee and listening to music while "grading"
your annotated texts and dialectical journals. Needless to say, he had the urge to "vent" and hence feels that he must take a "short" break from this task to share with you and your parents his disappointment regarding the quality of "work" submitted! Amazingly, too few students referred to the resources provided on the summer reading handout that certainly would have improved the grade they receive. He is no longer writing the question, "Did you refer to Adlers' How to Mark a Book? on the grade recording sheet you submitted. (A classic-just ask around.) Furthermore, you were given resources for completing the dialectical journals-with specific links-such as "AP Terms to Know" and others that apparently were not read or perhaps, simply disregarded. What concerns Diedrich most-although he has too many concerns to cite in this blog post-is that too many students turned in a text without any annotations-highlighting and/or notations in the margins [or just the "bare" minimum]-in several cases-the text could be returned to the bookstore and returned to the shelf! Since he has now "vented" and feels relieved to some degree, Diedrich is ending this post so he can walk across the hallway to Room 403 for another cup of coffee (his second if you are curious) and then return to the "task" of "grading" your summer reading assignments. (Please do not send Diedrich any emails about this situation-he may or may not address your "concerns" about the assignment you submitted on Monday, 16 September.) Note: POV

Please Note: I will not distribute a "handout" for this power-point/video. We will examine it "briefly" in class prior to our continued analysis of syntax.

 

Schedule for Week of 16 September:
I would like to thank everyone for making our first-week together an enjoyable and meaningful learning experience

B-Band Students: Please return the lunch forms on Monday, 16 September.

Your first vocabulary quiz (List 1) will be on Thursday, 19 September. (List 1 can be found in folder distributed on Day 1 of class and a link can also be found below.)

Bring your textbook to class on Thursday, 19 September. NO EXCUSES!

Monday, 16 September (A, B, & G Bands): We will engage in "Syntax" analysis. No textbook required today.

Tuesday, 17 September (ALL Bands): Lesson from above continued. We will also examine how Eisenhower uses Pathos in a speech (see pages 17-18). I will supply a copy of this speech. Bring a highlighter to class. Homework due Thursday: See pages 25-27-specific prompt for If the Japanese Can't Build a Safe Reactor, Who Can? "Hints" located at the end of the essay. No need to upload-just turn in a "hard-copy"

Wednesday, 18 September (G Band): Syntax Analysis with a focus on "Sentence Patterns"

Thursday, 19 September (ALL Bands): a "textbook" activity AFTER your List 1 Vocabulary Quiz.

Friday, 20 September (A and B Bands): See lesson above (G Band on Wednesday).

Prepare for your first TIMED WRITE (Monday, 23 September) by reviewing your resources and the sample student essays provided by the College Board for Question 2: Rhetorical Analysis.

The AP English Language and Composition Exam
Review previous examinations-(Question 1-Question 2-Question 3) and Read the student responses as well as the score the student received from the AP Reader. Do you agree OR disagree with the score of a specific essay? Analyze the rubrics before you decide.

The Language of Composition book companion site

URGENT! B BAND STUDENTS MUST RETURN THEIR LUNCH APPLICATIONS BY FRIDAY, 13 SEPTEMBER!

"Yes, I know what you are thinking? But I only received them on Thursday, and I was "misinformed" about the deadline for return."

The "incentive" offered still exists.

ATTENTION! ATTENTION! ATTENTION!
 G-BAND-G-BAND-G-BAND
(Epizeuis)
If the student who borrowed the textbook for use on Wednesday, 11 September-does not return the text to me in 404 by 0800 hours on Thursday, 12 September-G-Band-the entire class will be required to bring the textbook to class on Monday, 16 September for a Book Inventory Check-this will continue on each and every day of the week until the book is returned!

Turnitin

www.turnitin.com/  Submissions:

Class ID: 6717956

Password: Aristotle

Weekly Vocabulary Quizzes

ATTENTION AP STUDENTS FOR THE 2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR

SAT VOCABULARY QUIZZES

Beginning with our second week of school, you will take a Vocabulary Quiz. For our first quiz (List 1), you will study all THIRTY words on this list-but you will be tested on only TEN of the words. (TEST FORMAT: MATCHING) However, for your second Vocabulary Quiz you will study ALL of the words for List 2-but you will only be tested on SEVEN of the words from that list AND THREE of the words from List 1. Let me clarify-for our THIRD Vocabulary Quiz-you will study ALL of the words for List 3-but you will only be tested on SEVEN of the words from that list and THREE of the words from List 2. We will follow this procedure throughout the year until you are tested on each of the lists which appear when you click on the link above: "SAT VOCABULARY QUIZZES."

I recommend that you make-up Flash-Cards for each list and store them in a shoebox for your review. Furthermore, you probably should download and print these lists and place them in your required three-ring binder for this class.

PLEASE NOTE: THE SAT VOCABULARY QUIZZES WILL HAVE A "WEIGHT" OF 12% FOR EACH MARKING PERIOD WHEN "JUPITER" CALCULATES YOUR GRADE.

One Look Dictionary will provide assistance with the pronunciation of the words-you will "hear" how a specific word is pronounced. (Click on "one look.")

College Board Score Reporting Services

Multiple- Choice Re-Score Service
(Scroll down to bottom of page-you may also request your free response essay booklet.)

AP Scores: What You Can Do...

For those students receiving a "2" or a "3"-if you think you may have erased any answers on the "bubble-sheet" and/or left stray marks-you may desire that the College Board "hand-score" your answer sheet for a fee of $25.

Unfortunately, your essays will NOT be re-scored, but you can request to have them sent to you-also for a fee.

Also, keep in mind that some of you informed me that you did not answer all of the multiple choice questions and that you "finished" early.

I realize that some of you are disappointed with your score so you may decide to do what I suggested.

AP Results

FYI: You now have access to your AP Scores(s)-sign-on to College Board for access. Unfortunately, "educators" will NOT be able to view the results until Wednesday, 10 July. Please share your excitement with me via email: KDiedri@schools.nyc.gov

Henrietta Lacks and HeLa Cells: Impact on Biological Research and Informed Consent

(View this lecture to obtain insightful and background information.)

                                                               

Just a Reminder: Recall what you were told is going to take place on Tuesday, 4 June? You were told that you will have a QUIZ over Chapters 19-26 and that you will have to complete the reading of the text. Do not be confused about the post dated 29 May-that assignment directed you to complete the reading of the previous chapters by Thursday-which referred to 30 May.

ATTENTION INCOMING STUDENTS for September 2013:

Kindly use the following link to "Create a New Student Account" on turnitin
Class ID: 5905318
Password: Leon1830

This is mandatory for ALL students-you are "enrolling" yourself...

ALL CLASSES: You must complete the reading of Chapters 15-18 of The Catcher in the Rye for Thursday's class. Furthermore, you should complete the reading of the entire text for Monday, 3 June. Expect a quiz! No Complaints, PLEASE! You are in a "college-level" class and sadly, some of you have not realized this yet...

NOTE: There will be no more "Root-word" Quizzes.

Please Be Advised:

Per Administrative Directive-ALL Teachers are mandated to administer an "End-of-Year" Assessment. English 5/6 students will be given an Ethan Frome essay examination during the week of 3 June. AP English students will be given a Catcher in the Rye essay examination during this same week as well.

Schedule for Week of 27 May:
For Tuesday, 28 May-you must read Chapters 9-14 of  The Catcher in the Rye. Be prepared for a TEN question quiz over these chapters. Your Root Word Quiz has been postponed until Friday, 31 May.

Please be advised that if you do not bring the text to class-you will NOT be permitted to join a Cooperative Learning Group! Furthermore, you will NOT receive the same grade on the written activities if you are NOT participating in the answering of the questions AND if you are DOMINATING-preventing others from participating! I find it puzzling how the same students all year long simply do NOT participate in whole-class and/or small group discussions. How are you going to "survive" in a college classroom?

For those students absent on Friday, 24 May: You will NOT join a group-you will form a "new" group with other students who were absent.

After the quiz, you will have approximately 12 minutes to complete the activity for Chapters 4-8 before beginning the Chapter 9-14 study guide.



The 2013 Free Response Questions are now available for you to download-if desired. Student sample essays and rubrics are not yet available. For a fee, you can request that your written responses be sent to you.

The Catcher in the Rye audio link

I am looking forward to seeing everyone in class on Monday and Tuesday, sharing your reactions and offering me "feedback" on what I can do differently to prepare the "new" group of students for the exam beginning in September.

For those students taking the AP US History examination, remember to bring a watch with you, along with pens and pencils. I know everyone will do well!

Root Word Quiz: Friday, 17 May.

We will begin the reading of The Catcher in the Rye  the week of 20 May.

You will return your text book on Friday, 17 May.

Click on this link: The Catcher in the Rye

Kings in the Back Row: Meaning through Structure-A Reading of Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye

"I wonder why Diedrich posted this link to some essay about the text we are reading? He will probably give us specific information about what he wants us to do with it-other than to just engage in a close reading-I bet we will have to submit a written response/reaction... For fun, I am going to read it now and annotate it as I read so I will be prepared for the assignment."

 

Soon, you will have completed your AP Examinations for this year. Imagine, it actually comes down to that one exam...BUT you should not think of it like this since the knowledge you acquired in all of your classes will certainly be applied to your college classes-so all of your efforts will be rewarding.

This week the only review day will be on Tuesday, 7 May to discuss your MOCK exam essays. Review what I have posted on this blog and other resources you have-perhaps the handouts you have maintained in your notebook. I AM AWARE OF THOSE STUDENTS WHO HAVE not MAINTAINED THE REQUIRED LOOSE-LEAF BINDER.

Incidentally, several students actually plagiarized the "Considering the Lobster" assignment even after previously submitting the response paper on "PLAGIARIZING"! I will speak to them soon. TURNITIN.COM WILL CATCH YOU-CHEATERS DO GET CAUGHT-EVENTUALLY!

Dear Students: I realize "thanking" everyone for completing BOTH sections of the AP Language MOCK examination may NOT sound logical and perhaps, even peculiar to some, but I sincerely appreciate your efforts and time that you have devoted to my MANDATED requirement. Sadly-and-unfortunately-several students "opted-out" of this opportunity-and/or simply decided to complete only one section of the examination-even after I announced an addition of several other dates/times to the original calendar that appears on a link posted below. Imagine, several of your classmates NOT engaging in this opportunity? I guess that they will just have to wait until Friday, 10 May at 0730 to take the AP English Language and Composition Examination for the FIRST time! The opportunity to take any part of the MOCK examination is no longer being offered!

Here are some documents that you have seen already and some that you haven’t. You might want to review them and also some student sample essays. Good Luck on the Test!!!! I know that everyone will do well…

What AP Readers Long to See

Rhetorical Strategies for Essay Writing

Tips on Writing Rhetorical Analysis Essays

Precis review for rhetorical essays

Synthesis Essay Writing Tips

Synthesis-what-it-aint

Microsoft Word – AP Multiple Choice Stems

Strategies to Approach Multiple-choice questions

Punctuation Patterns Joining Ideas and Parallel Structure

 

Remember how I have said before that rhetorical devices are a part of your everyday life, you just hadn’t really stopped to look at them AND that it is NOT crucial that you voice the correct nomenclature-only that you are able to provide the commentary that will impress the AP Readers?. Well, here is a fun editorial on our culture of metaphors, published in the New York Times. You can go right to the New York Times page http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/12/opinion/12brooks.html?_r=1

 

Root Word Quiz # 7 (pot-simil): Tuesday, 30 April

ATTENTION: Friday's (26 April) Analysis Essay Review session is cancelled and will be rescheduled for a day next week. HOWEVER, if you have not yet fulfilled the MANDATORY requirement to take the AP MOCK EXAM, you may report to Room 404 immediately after H-Band to do so.

Analyzing Arguments:

Consider the Lobster assignment sheet

Consider the Lobster text

Upload this assignment to turnitin. com by 0800 hours on Monday, 29 April. You must also turn-in a "hard-cop"y of the assignment as you enter the classroom-do not ask to use the printer in the back of the classroom.

Dear Parents: I have offered students the opportunity of taking a MOCK AP examination for both the Multiple Choice and Essay sections, with the option of selecting dates (3 given for each section) after- school and on Saturdays. (Please refer to the post below for the link to the calendar.) Sadly, several students from each class have NOT responded to this opportunity-perhaps, your child is one of these students-who indicated that they would not be able to comply since they are involved in extra-curricular activities, tutoring, and/or employment. I just wanted to bring to your attention that this opportunity was offered as well as the opportunity to attend after-school tutoring, specifically focusing on the three different essays your child will have to write. Realizing that after you speak to your child regarding this missed opportunity, I will permit your child to take Section I (multiple choice)-answering 54 questions with a 1 hour time limit this week-either on Monday-Tuesday-or Wednesday only!

Please take the time to read other posts on this blog and question your child on whether or not he/she has done the same.

NOTE: This resource has been previously posted, but sadly, too many students did not review this information that may make the difference between a "3" and/ or a "4/5" on The AP Examination. (Resource was also displayed on Smart Board in class!)

Just a reminder: The "practice/review" sessions are NOT mandatory. What is "reviewed" during these sessions will NOT be introduced during your class sessions.

Root Word Quiz # 6: Tuesday, 16 April.

This week (15 April), we will review the "Synthesis Essay" using the "fishbowl" procedure in making a claim that Defends, Challenges, and Qualifies a given argument.

AP English Language and Composition Mock Exam (MANDATORY) and Tutoring Schedule

A "tentative" schedule-for your convenience-ample notice will be given when additions and/or "deletions" occur.

Schedule for Week of 8 April

Root Word Quiz # 6: THURSDAY, 11 April.

Timed Write: Friday, 12 April (Analysis-Question #2)

NOTE: This week we will be reviewing strategies for Question #2 on the AP Examination.

Soon, I will be posting and distributing the tutoring schedule for our exam. If you miss a specific session-that session will be repeated the following week. Our sessions will begin at 1515 hours and end at 1700. This will provide you with the opportunity to attend the 37.5 minutes of tutoring in your other subject areas. Teachers will be meeting  on Monday, 8 April to compose a "master" tutoring schedule.

Please be advised that ALL students MUST take a MOCK examination. To accommodate everyone, I will provide several dates and times-there simply will NOT be an excuse for failing to take advantage of this opportunity that is REQUIRED in most schools throughout our democracy.
Furthermore, to lessen the burden of having to sit for the full 3 hours and 15 minutes to complete the entire examination, I will provide specific times for Section I (Multiple Choice)- 1 Hour to complete approximately 55 questions and for Section II (the three essays)-2 Hours and 15 minutes-hence-each section will be offered on different days spread-out over the next 2 - 3 weeks. Our first scheduled Mock session for Section I will be on Thursday,11 April at 1515 Hours. We will discuss other times this week since I know that many of you are taking College Now. Also, be advised that there will be Saturdays scheduled as well-along with other days to accommodate those who have religious an/or other obligations.
weeks.

AP Free Response Bookmaps

For those of you who have NOT discovered the assignment due on Friday, 5 April, you must click-on "Older Posts" to do so. Surely, by now I do not need to inform you about how to naviagate through the class blog?

AP Online Score Reports for Students

 

Please view the first 7 to 10 minutes of this presentation from a Yale University Professor, You will certainly note what I have been emphasizing the entire school year about using specific quotes (textual evidence) in support of your Claim/Argument.
Many of you may desire to listen to her entire lecture.

 

 

Since the Week of 1 April consists of only three class-sessions for A and B Bands and only two class-sessions for G-Band, you will not be given a "Root Word Quiz" this week. However, I do expect you to view the presentation delivered by Dr. Sandel (Episode 1) from Harvard University. (See posting below.)

NOTE: I would like to schedule a "series" of dates for a "Mock" AP examination. This might be a "problem" since many of you are participating in the College Now Program and will be attending tutoring sessions from your other AP teachers. Previously, I had only met with students for tutoring, but I have discovered that most AP English Language and Composition teachers have done both. For the past-two years, when I conducted tutoring on a Saturday, approximately 25 students attended. We will discuss the possibilities when you return from the Spring Break. (Recall:1 Hour -60 minutes- for Session I: Multiple Choice and 120 minutes-2 Hours for the THREE essays-not including the 15 minutes to read over Question 1, 2, and 3.)

*Read the instructions contained in this booklet. You will hear the Proctor give these instructions on Friday, 10 May at 0730 Hours. AP English Language and Composition Exam

"I wonder why Diedrich has posted these resources?"

A Rhetorical Device Review Game
A Review of Logical Fallacies
Style
Rhetorical Analysis: Critical Reading
Words that Describe Language

What AP Readers Long To See...

The AP English Language and Composition Examination Home
      Page
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_information/2001.html

I decided to post this link again even though everyone has spent a considerable period of time analyzing the previous questions and sample student responses, along with the AP Reader's Commentary. (Although, based on the questions that I have been asked, I have my doubts that not EVERYONE has visited this site.)

What's the Right Thing to Do? (Click on this post title.)
  Harvard University JUSTICE with Michael Sandel

The Moral Side of Murder?
The Case of Cannibalism

Watch this Episode 1 video and listen to the discussion. Pay attention to the Professor's commentary and student responses. Feel free to click on the links to join in the discussion-also, respond to the survey question. We will be discussing similar issues-see reading assignment posted below. Inform the class if anyone "replied" to your post...

The Queen vs. Dudley and Stephens (1884) [The Lifeboat Case]

We will engage in a seminar discussion in response to the above reading. DATE: TBA

I recommend that you also read the following:

Principles of Morals and Legislation, Jerry Bentham (1780)
(Diedrich thinks that this is a "fascinating" read...)

While viewing this presentation, try making connections to Question # 3 (Argument) on the AP English Language and Composition Examination. We will refer to "utilitarianism" as we discuss issues in class in the form of Defend(Support), Challenge, and/or Qualify both as a whole-class debate and in small group presentations.

Looking for Something to do with so many days off from school?

Get a head-start on this assignment: (Approximately 20 pages of reading.)

Friday, 5 April: Read these two stories: "Something Borrowed" by Malcolm Gladwell and "Cheating Upwards" by Robert Kolker from New York Magazine. In a reaction/response of approximately two to three pages (double-spaced), explain 1) one idea you read from each article that you agree with and explain your reason for doing so; and 2) one idea from each article that either surprised you or that you disagree with. Naturally, provide specific details along with your commentary. Upload to turnitin.com by 0800 hours on the morning of 5 April. No excuses for failing to do so.

Click on this link for Cheating Upwards  (I did a "cut and paste" to make it easier for you to read.)

NOTE: I suggest you identify similar statements made by each writer as well as specific quotations each writer uses to illustrate these statements. Keep the topic of "plagiarism" in mind as you read each text. THIS IS NOT A RHETORICAL ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT!

A CONCERN: How is it possible to submit an assignment without providing specific quotes/comments attributed to the writer of a text? I am disappointed that several students "overlooked" this aspect in making the "connection" between Denby's "High School Confidential..." and Mean Girls. Amazingly, not one quote attributed specifically to Denby!

Unless you present to me a "complete" draft of an assignment during tutoring the day before it is due, I will NOT assist you! Dear Parents: Several students reported for "tutoring" the day before the last assignment was due with ONLY a "rough" draft of the introduction completed-a "rough" draft that appeared to have been completed in two-to - three minutes! Please keep in mind that students had a week to complete this assignment and that the majority of students
who reported to me for assistance had the entire assignment completed. Perhaps, your child is one of these students who proscrastinate, expecting to receive a "high" grade on poorly written essays/responses in a college-level class?









who reported to me requesting to look over their frafts had the asignment complted-the entire assignment word-

Critical Reasoning for Beginners

Note: Clicking on the above link will reveal video and audio files for this subject.

The Nature of Arguments
(A video that everyone should view.)

Schedule for Week of 18 March

Root Word Quiz: Next 15 meaningful word parts-THURSDAY, 21 March. If you will not be present, take it on Wednesday.

Denby's High School Confidential and Mean Girls  assignment due on Tuesday. Your assignment must be "uploaded" to turnitin by 0800 hours Tuesday morning-you must submit the hard-copy to me as you enter the classroom-Do not ask permission to use the printer in the back of the classroom! Please be advised that this assignment is NOT a rhetorical analysis of Denby's essay!

NOTE: Since too many students have not been visiting the AP Language and Composition Course Home Page, I am working on an activity in the form of a Scavenger Hunt for an assignment for you to complete for the upcoming vacation.

Contradictory Premises
    Disagreeing Agreements

Watching Mean Girls in AP!

Now that you have watched these "cutouts of high school royalty" crash through their high school creating angst-filled drama wherever they go, it is time to ANALYZE what is going on.
Remember the rhetorical triangle, context, and purpose. Though several Saturday Night Live alums have roles in the movie, Tina Fey(1) takes the film far beyond the typical SNL star vehicle(2). What is she doing in relation to Denby's article? How does this movie fit in with what we have read and discussed (High School Confidential)? Go beyond matching up characteristics of the movie to the article (essay by Denby) to a real rhetorical analysis (Refer to the "answers" for "Questions on Rhetoric and Style") This will assist you in making specific references to the text of Denby's essay.

Your homework this weekend (Due 3/19 (TUESDAY)-uploaded to turnitin.com by 0800 hours) is to analyze this film in terms discussed above. No more than THREE double-spaced pages.
(1) she wrote the screenplay (2)way deeper, but not nearly as funny as Tommy Boy

* In order to facilitate the above-you will also be required to DOWNLOAD AND PRINT a copy of DENBY'S essay. Then, you will ANNOTATE High School Confidential using the suggested"ANSWERS" listed under "Questions on Rhetoric and Style". This-along with your "hard-copy" of the essay for Mean Girls and High School Confidential will be handed to me as you enter the classroom. DO NOT ASK TO USE THE PRINTER IN THE BACK OF THE CLASSROOM...