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...