Reading makes a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact man.

Sir Francis Bacon (1561 - 1626)

Friday, January 07, 2011

END OF SEMESTER

AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE Argument Essay Mr. Garland

Assignment:
Write a 600-800 word persuasive essay in which either defends, challenges, or qualifies one of the old AP prompts attached.

The first draft of this essay will be the following:
1.) A clear concise thesis statement which specifically answers the prompt and outlines your argument.

2.) A 60-80 word abstract of eight major points of discussion which include:
An even mix of viewpoints for essays which seek to qualify
At least two opposing points for essays which seek to defend or challenge

***** Pick the best examples (best means that the examples really fit the argument AND that you know enough about them to use them well), not just the first ones to pop into your head.
It doesn't matter if you defend, challenge, or qualify as long as you do it well.
The purpose is to persuade the reader that your argument is sound and reasonable. The reader wants "specific evidence" – two important words, often overlooked. The courtroom does not want the hypothetical or the theoretical. Use personal experience, observations, or readings. Evidence should represent variety.

3.) At least two rhetorical devices which you plan to include in your essay

Once this has been approved and graded, and only then, should students move forward with the final draft, which like previous essays should be typed or written in black ink.

OTHER DUE DATES:
1/21- Three Revised Timed Writings with the originals
1/21- Reading journal for second five weeks
1/21- Class notes for the second five weeks
1/21- A final draft of the Argument essay

NOTE: WE WILL BE DELETING THE RHETORICAL DEVICE LIST ASSIGNMENT, listed on your syllabus, FROM THIS QUARTER.

Our work schedule for the rest of the semester will be:

Friday 1/7 Lab time
Monday 1/10 Lab time
Tuesday 1/11 Lab time
Wednesday 1/12 Lab time
Thursday 1/13 Lab time
Friday 1/14 Exam Review

Normally all late papers are penalized one full grade for every day the essay is late, but since this final draft is due on the last day of the semester no late papers will be accepted.