Summer Assignment

Introduction:

Welcome to AP English Language and Composition (affectionately referred to as APLC)! The APLC course is designed to provide content and instruction that correlates with an introductory college composition course. Because of this, you will be expected to act, think, and work at a higher level in accordance with course objectives. While a primary focus for this class is to prepare for the AP English Language and Composition Exam in May, we will also develop skills related-to but extending beyond said exam. Much of our time will be spent developing your ability to read, think, and write critically by focusing on rhetorical analysis, argumentation, and synthesis. The goal is that by the end of the year you will have a strong understanding of what great writers do to effectively present their arguments to a target audience while also learning how to utilize those same skills in your own writing.

In order to ensure that we have the time needed to cover extensive content for this course while also practicing the different components of the AP exam, you are expected to complete the following summer assignments. These have been designed to prepare you for the first area of focus for the school year (rhetorical analysis), provide opportunities to explore important issues related to course expectations, and establish a base assessment for your reading and analysis skills.

I am looking forward to meeting and working with you next year as we take your English skills to the next level! If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about these assignments, feel free to touch base with me prior to the end of the school year in room 210 or via email now and throughout the summer at mmayra1@isd77.org.

Best,

Ms. Mayra

Assignments:

All assignments are due the first day of class (Tuesday, September 8th).

Glossary of Rhetorical Terms: Define each term and either research or create your own example. Your glossary must be handwritten in pen. You will be quizzed on these terms (in sections) during the first several weeks of class.

Recommended resources for most of these terms.

• www.literarydevices.net
• www.literarydevices.com

What is Plagiarism? Lesson: Because of the easy access to information via the Internet, plagiarizing has become more and more of an issue among students. In an effort to clarify what constitutes as plagiarism and explain the consequences of plagiarism in the APLC classroom, you will complete a plagiarism lesson prior to the start of the school year. This should allow all of us to start the year off on the same page and with clear understanding of plagiarism and its impact.

Essay Analysis: Our first major area of focus will be rhetorical analysis: the practice of critically reading an author’s work to determine its purpose and to identify the various strategies used by the author to effectively present this purpose to his/her audience. You will be asked to read, annotate, and analyze one essay to practice these skills and establish a base at the start of the year.

Independent Reading: If you were enrolled in the district last year, you know that we have implemented a reading initiative to provide more opportunities for you to develop your reading habits and stamina through required independent reading. Over the summer, you should read at least one book from either the honors reading list or APLC fiction/nonfiction reading lists. [Choosing to read more than one book from this list is recommended but not required.] You will create a book talk presentation on this text during the first couple weeks of school.

DUE: Tuesday, September 8th, 2020