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...

Denby on High School Confidential

Upcoming Reading Assignment: (Two versions-one might be more readable than the other.)

High School Confidential

High School Confidential

Assignment: TBA