AP English/Language Essay 2015_16
How do the ways in which we use language reveal who we are?

You will be considering over the next few days how to construct research questions,
claims, and a thesis. Then you will finalize a topic for this essay and begin to gather
evidence. You must use at least four sources for this essay. Remember, though, that this
is YOUR argument. The sources should not take over the essay. You should include a
mixture of at least 8 citations, but you don’t have to have a particular number from each
text. Make sure to cite all sources parenthetically. You may include a combination of
text and visual sources, but two sources, at least, must be text sources.

In addition, you must read one of the following essays. Either of these may count as one
of the four sources. If you don’t use it, you have to at least include it in the annotated
bibliography.
“Mother Tongue”
Amy Tan
“Politics and the English Language”
George Orwell

The annotated bibliography and your thesis are due _____________. Each annotation
should include 2 graphic organizer-type entries. In addition, you have to reflect on how
you are planning to use the source. I need to know that you have interacted with your
sources. I’ll grade this separately, but I’ll keep it until I grade the final draft of your
essay.

The rough draft for the essay is due _______________.

The final draft will be due on Turnitin.com by midnight _______________. I will be
available to chat with you about your essay up to 24 hours before it is due.

I would suggest beginning with a narrative of some kind to establish a personal
connection. Then provide the thesis.

Organize according to the pattern established by your thesis.

Reestablish some kind of personal connection in the conclusion.

You must include a Works Cited page. You must use NoodleTools. See me if you need a
tutorial.