AP Essay Writing
DO
DO NOT
Decode the question by
underlining the key
points. What is it
asking?
Forget to address all
parts of the question
Take a few minutes to
organize your thoughts.
Give information that is
opinionated.
Sequence and structure
your writing.
Make up information.
Use artistic vocabulary.
Write legibly.
Add fluff or over state
the obvious.
Use words that are
vague or stereotypical
teenage talk.
Step 1
Develop a strong introductory sentence(s) that
gives the main idea. This should restate the
question with your big idea.
QUESTION: How a culture is perceived is often expressed in
depictions of the human figure. Choose two specific
representations of the human body from different cultures.
Discuss significant aspects of each culture that are revealed by
the way in which the human body is depicted.
INTRO: Through out time the human body has been a major
subject for artists. In response to cultural ideals or norms artists
have developed styles or conventions for depicting the human
form.
Step 2
Fully identify the first work. Title, Artist,
Period/Culture,… Date and Materials are helpful.
QUESTION: How a culture is perceived is often expressed
in depictions of the human figure. Choose two specific
representations of the human body from different cultures.
Discuss significant aspects of each culture that are revealed
by the way in which the human body is depicted.
1st Work: Khafre. Fourth Dynasty, old kingdom Egypt c.
2520–2494 BCE. Height 5’ 6 1/8”, carved stone, diorite.
Put it in a sentence that transitions smoothly from your
main idea.
EXAMPLE: One work that demonstrates this is the
sculpture, Khafre, Fourth Dynasty, old kingdom Egypt c.
2520–2494 BCE. carved diorite.
Step 3
State your point. This should tie your selection
directly to the question.
QUESTION: How a culture is perceived is often
expressed in depictions of the human figure.
Choose two specific representations of the human
body from different cultures. Discuss significant
aspects of each culture that are revealed by the
way in which the human body is depicted.
Main Point: Ancient Egyptian artists followed a
strict set of rules for portraying pharoah/king.
Step 4
Back up your response with at least
3 descriptive sentences using
vocabulary.
QUESTION: Discuss significant aspects of each
culture that are revealed by the way in which the
human body is depicted.
Main Point: Ancient Egyptian artists followed a
strict set of rules/conventions the
pharoah/king.
Back up: The king was always portrayed as young, viral and
serene without emotion as befitting a god.. Symbols, such
as the nemis, kilt and false beard identified him to his
people. His body when carved in three-dimensions was
portrayed held ridged and symmetrical either striding
forward or sitting straight, with no or few negative spaces to
prevent breakage, to allow for the permanence of the image
to house his ka (spirit for eternity) .
Step
5
Wrap it up making sure to tie it all
together…but don’t simply repeat!
QUESTION: Discuss significant aspects of
each culture that are revealed by the way in
which the human body is depicted.
Back up: Egypt’s obsession with continuity and stability,
and their complex views of the after life, and the needs of
the Ka demanded conventions for depicting the various
strata of society, particularly the king whose power and
continued life after death insured the continuity of the
empire. In the end Khafre’s Ka was insured his permanent
place in the after life by the artistic conventions used and
the media selected. Diorite is a very hard stone that
allowed the artist to create a very smooth polished surface
as well as very strong structure, ever youthful and without
blemish.
You try it…
I will choose the image for you…
Fully Identify
Main point
Back up
Wrap up
Remember the question: How a culture is
perceived is often expressed in depictions of
the human figure. Choose two specific
representations of the human body from
different cultures. Discuss significant aspects
of each culture that are revealed by the way
in which the human body is depicted.
Now on your own…
QUESTION: Artists often use their art to portray
power and authority. Choose two specific images that
portray power and authority in art from different
cultures (ANE, Egyptian, Greek or Roman.) Discuss
why and how the artist portrayed a sense of power and
authority.
With a partner, first discuss outline your response.
Next write your essay individually. Final essays are due
tomorrow 10/29