AP Language and
Composition
Ms. McArdle
Ms. Bragunier
Designed to be the equivalent of a
first-year college writing course
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Requires students to become skilled
composers of written language in a variety
of disciplines and rhetorical contexts.
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You are expected to come into this class
with a firm understanding of grammar,
spelling, and punctuation. At this point,
grammatical errors in your writing should be
nonexistent.
What type of writing will we be
doing?
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Students will mainly participate in
timed, in-class writing activities
focusing on the development of:
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Analytical essays
Argumentative essays
Synthesis essays
However, words are not all…
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Students will be asked to analyze how
images such as graphics, cartoons,
film and texts published in electronic
media relate to written texts and serve
as their own alternative form of text
It is about research and informed
outside knowledge, too
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The informed use of research materials and
the ability to synthesize varied sources to
support a student argument is an integral
part of the AP Language course and exam.
Students are asked to formulate varied,
informed arguments of their own.
This will mainly be demonstrated through
two major outside writing projects:
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A persuasive speech given to a large group
A thorough research paper
August through November:
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Analytical writing—how to analyze
stylistically and rhetorically what a
writer is doing in his or her work
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You will learn a variety of ways to
analyze text and learn a multitude of
devices in order to help you describe a
writer’s style and use of rhetoric.
What type of terms?
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Schemes and tropes, such as…
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Anastrophe
Antithesis
Aphorism
Apostrophe/Authorial Intrusion
Asyndeton
Cacophony
Caesura
Chiasmus
Circumlocution
December through February
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Persuasive and argumentative writing
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Fallacies
Induction/deduction
ethos, logos, pathos
March through June
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Synthesis writing
Research paper
How are essays scored?
AP Language
Writing Grading Scale
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9.0 = 100
8.0 = 90
7.0 = 85
6.0 = 80
5.0 = 75 (AP passing)
4.0 = 70
3.0 = 65
2.0 = 60
1.0 = 55
What else should I know about
writing?
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We will create and utilize a writing
portfolio that will be an integral part of
your midterm and final exam grade.
The portfolio allows for reflection, and
development as a writer and is a good
way to progress your growth.
What type of reading
assignments should I expect?
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We study primarily nonfiction and fiction
AMERICAN literature from a chronological
perspective.
Outside reading includes mainly novels and plays,
such as The Crucible, The Scarlet Letter, Maggie: A
Girl of the Streets, Huck Finn, The Awakening, The
Great Gatsby, Of Mice and Men, and The Kite
Runner.
You will be asked to read approximately 100 pages
of a novel/play a week, and can expect to spend 46 hours completing comprehension and analysis
questions on what you have read.
Additionally, we frequently give reading checks
(quizzes) that purposefully check to make sure you
are not relying on Spark Notes.
In class:
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We will read a variety of shorter works
excerpts, and poetry that will represent
different historical aspects of America
We will participate in group
discussions of thematic and stylistic
elements of your outside reading.
What about assessments?
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At the end of each unit of study, an
assessment, which is weighted heavily, is
given on the content studied.
This usually consists of…
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An objective test on the novel or play
An objective test on the in-class readings and
AP skills we have covered over the course of the
unit
A timed AP style essay related to the literature
studied
Basically:
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The course focuses on studying
American literature; however,
throughout the year, the skills needed
to successfully pass the AP test are
interwoven within the American
literature curriculum.
You will learn the AP skills by studying
the American literary canon.
Additionally:
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You will study 20 vocabulary words
(usually weekly) and be quizzed on
these words.
You will be graded on participation in
group discussions.
AP Language Learning Objectives
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Students will be prepared for the AP
Language and Composition exam,
whereby they may receive college
credit based on their scoring.
The preparation for the rigors of the
exam and for success in college
classes is the paramount focus of this
course.
Upon completing the AP Language
course students should be able to:
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Analyze and interpret samples of good
writing; identify and explain an author’s use
of rhetorical strategies
Apply these same techniques and strategies
to their own writing
Create and sustain an argument based on
reading, research, current events, historical
precedent, literature connection etc.
The AP Language Exam:
three hours – a timed test
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Approximately 60 multiple choice
questions with one minute allotted for
each question including reading time –
45%
Three essays: rhetorical analysis,
argument, and synthesis –
approximately 40 minutes each
including reading time – 55%
How do I decide if this class is for me?
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If you are currently a strong GT or honors
student and enjoy reading a balanced literary
diet including non-fiction - this class is for you.
If you are deliberately and intellectually
prepared for class, understand the importance
of homework as preparation, and maintain a
consistent academic pace and rigor – this class
is for you.
If you like to analyze the world around you:
reading, writing, and visual interpretation in
terms of argument (point of view) – this class is
for you.
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If you enjoy the academic environment
of higher level thinking and the
company of other similarly attuned
students – this class is for you.
If you enjoy reading, writing, and
thinking about complex and mature
topics that defy the typical opposing
arguments– this class is for you.
What should I do to prepare
myself for next year?
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Read the books on the suggested
handout.
Complete SAT critical reading and
writing practice sections on
collegeboard.com.
A General Overview of
American Literature
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Unit I: A Meeting of Traditions:
(Prehistory-1765)
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Native American Mythology
Puritanism
Unit II: Emerging American Visions:
(1765-1832)
Romanticism
Transcendentalism
Gothic Literature
A General Overview of
American Literature
Unit III: American Frontiers:
(1832-1930)
 Realism
 Naturalism
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Unit IV: Modern and Contemporary
Literature
(1930-Present)
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Disillusion of the American Dream
External conflicts in modern and
contemporary literature
Any Questions?