As we are continuing our AP exam preparation over the next week, today I first reviewed the elements and techniques to include in the AP argumentative essay. After looking over an AP practice prompt, I discussed how personal observations and testimonials could validly support a thesis on student use of cell phones. We further noted other forms of evidence such as fiction, current events or trends. JP then worked on a timed exercise to complete an argumentative essay .
We reviewed the techniques and elements to incorporate in the AP argumentative essay. I placed these elements on the board and discussed how to adapt these elements to the synthesis essay.After we reviewed the status of Matthew's editing and revision work on the essays from prior practice tests, Matthew began drafting an argumentative essay from Practice Test 2 which he will complete this evening.
Today's session focused on strategies to answer the AP Comp multiple choice questions. We reviewed two practice tests JP had completed for homework. As JP encountered some difficulty with the composition questions, I addressed first why his responses were not the best choice and second how to choose a better answer. Specifically, we addressed 1. how recognizing the intended audience will help answer questions about adding or deleting information to a sentence, and 2. how removing qualifying language broadens the scope of the claim and reduces credibility . We further examined how to determine the relationship between paragraphs by internally summarizing the main point of each paragraph and noting how the writer proves each claim i.e. by example , definition, or contrast.
In preparation for next week's AP exam ,Matthew in class and for homework is completing practice exams. Today, we reviewed and discussed his second practice synthesis essay on the benefits ( or not) of Meatless Monday. I first assisted Matthew in editing his thesis so that it asserts a clear position on the issue. Next, we discussed my edits which eliminated the sentences that were mere summaries . I then provided model sentences that demonstrated how to cite the text as supporting material for a thesis. As we developed ideas, Matthew indicated he recognized how to restructure the essay and the sources to create a stronger argumentative essay. He will complete his revisions for homework.
As JP is still having difficulty preparing a thesis and organizing the synthesis essay, I placed a model first paragraph on the board followed by an essay outline which identified which source material supported the thesis I drafted. JP then copied my introductory. paragraph and from that was able to compose a thesis that did more than merely repeat the argument of one of the given sources. I further demonstrated how to readily use the source material even in the opening paragraph .
We then discussed the general outline I had placed on the board to make sure JP understood what source or evidence to next incorporate into his essay. JP will work on this essay over the weekend as well as complete the other AP practice essays so that we can next week address any further concerns he has before the AP exam.
Today's session focused on crafting the AP argumentative essay. After I reviewed Matthew's draft -which he had completed for homework- I again noted the very good tone and diction. As the introduction paragraph was sparse , I first drafted and shared a model paragraph demonstrating how to use a short anecdote to introduce the thesis . We then worked through the body paragraphs and noted the strong commentary but the absence of evidence . I discussed types of evidence that could logically flow into the commentary and pointed out where within the paragraph the evidence could be incorporated . Last, we examined the difference between the AP argumentative essay and the synthesis essay, which are both argumentative but sourced differently. Matthew indicated he understood how to bolster his draft synthesis essay and will be working on a second synthesis essay and a revision of his argumentative essay over the weekend .
We reviewed Matthew's practice test synthesis essay and rhetorical analysis essay during today's session. I addressed the need to add improved citation source and details to the synthesis essay and demonstrated how to edit the thesis of the rhetorical analysis essay by focusing on the speaker's purpose and specific audience. We then discussed what type of evidence to include in the argumentative essay . As this practice essay raises the controversy of removing cell phones from students, we explored how personal observations and experience can serve as evidence for this topic. We will continue doing practice exams until the exam date of May 14.
