Welcome to E319
Unlocking the Mysteries of 319
AN INTRODUCTION
TO THE AP
MANTRA
MANTRA
 A word or sound repeated to aid in
concentration in meditation.
 A statement that is frequently repeated;
a characteristic formula or refrain.
A guiding principle.
The 319 Student’s
Guiding Principle…
When reading a piece of
literature or writing an
AP essay ALWAYS . . .
You’ll notice this
word is bolded,
italicized, and in all
caps. What might I
being telling you as a
writer?
Answer the question
by offering a
holistic interpretation of the
complexities of the work in
light of the author’s intent.
Nothing could be simpler, right?
Hello?????
Okay, maybe we
should unpack that a
bit.
Perhaps an example
would help…
Question:
What does Chapter Nine
(Marita’s Bargain) of
Gladwell’s Outliers reveal
about the author’s
perceptions of the U.S.
Education System?
AP MANTRA: Part I
1) Answer the question
Your opening sentences
should include a direct
and specific answer to the
question and all implied
sub-questions.
Direct Question
What are Gladwell’s
assessments of the education
system in our country?
Sub-Questions
 What IS the system?
 What’s good about the system? What’s bad?
 What authority (if any) does Gladwell have
on the topic?
 How valid are the author’s points?
You must develop an
argument about/concerning
Gladwell’s argument!
AP MANTRA: Part II
2) Offer a holistic
interpretation
Your support/response
MUST consider the entire
work or excerpt
Show What You Know
 DO NOT ISOLATE THE ISSUE!
 While this question is focused on
chapter nine, you must consider
how chapter nine works in the
larger scheme of the text.
 A SUPERIOR argument reveals
complex and creative
connections.
AP MANTRA: Part III
3) Your response should address
the complexities of the work
Superficiality has no place in AP
writing. Consider the language,
rhetorical strategies, argumentation,
literary and figurative devices, and
metaphorical levels of the piece.
A BASIC Definition of Rhetoric
Using language
effectively to please
or persuade.
AP MANTRA: Part IV
4) All elements should be
examined with an eye toward
the author’s intent
What is the purpose of the piece?
What is really being said here?
What meaning/significance exists
beyond the text?
Universality and
The Unstated Argument
 Your thinking must move beyond
the surface level in order to begin to
examine the central argument of the
text.
 The Three Is of Argument
 Intent
 Impact
 Implication
HOMEWORK
 Memorize the AP MANTRA

When reading a piece of literature or writing an
AP essay ALWAYS . . . Answer the question by
offering a holistic interpretation of the
complexities of the work in light of the author’s
intent.
 This is your TICKET
tomorrow!
IN THE DOOR
APPLIED PRACTICE
 Answer the question… show me what you know
about argument, thesis statements, formal writing.
 Support your argument… provide two pieces of
support from the text with analysis. Again, show me
what you know about selecting support and
developing analysis.
 Your work will look like a glorified outline…no need
to develop transitions.
Formatting your Answer
 Answer
 Support
 Analysis
 Support
 Analysis
I want to be able to
SEE a shared
responsibility in
terms of completing
this work…switch
off “scribe” duties!
Collaborative Groupings (1st HR)
 Grp 1: Cameron, Michael Z., Rhea
 Grp 2: Sarah B., Siyu, Michael W.
 Grp 3: Derek, Dahuy, Evan
 Grp 4: Lauren, Melanie, Morgan
 Grp 5: Gurpreeet, Bhargavi, Alex
 Grp 6: Brinda, Katelyn E., Kate R.
 Grp 7: Emilie, Jenna, Gina, Hollis
 Grp 8: Erin, Sarah M., Aaron, Matt
Collaborative Groupings (4th HR)
 Grp 1: Nihmotallahi, Jinsun, Aiqi
 Grp 2: Hanna, Jenna, Emily
 Grp 3: Lindsey, Koryn, Palak
 Grp 4: Mark, Brian, Hyo
 Grp 5: Grace, Brittany, Megan
 Grp 6: Ryan, Anthony, Reilly, Justin
 Grp 7: Daniel, Roshan, Lauren, Sai
Collaborative RE-vision (re-seeing) Work
 STEP 1: Exchange papers with your assigned group (next slide).
 STEP 2: Read and discuss the work you receive.
 STEP 3: Provide feedback on BACK of work.
What works in the writing and WHY is it successful?
(Two elements—BE SPECIFIC)
 What needs work and HOW can it be addressed? (Two
elements—BE SPECIFIC)
 STEP 4: Return work. Then, revise your own
writing…this needs to be done in a different color ink.
DON’T scratch anything out (I want to see where you
started), but use arrows, circles, etc. (any means that work
for you).
DUE AT THE END OF THE PERIOD!

Make sure all names are on work!
Collaborative Revision Work Groups
 1st Hour
 1,
3
 2, 4
 5, 7
 6, 8
 4th Hour
 1,
3
 2, 4
 5, 6, 7*
*--Carousel
exchange so each
group has another
group’s work!