2 Days To Go...

It is surreal that after eight months of anadiplosis, jingoism, and hypophora, that our class is coming to its conclusion.

Today's features were the components of the test: MC, synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argumentation.

As you know, process of elimination and close reading are the two most important tips for the MC portion. Make sure that you close read difficult passages and don't give up on a passage -- unless you have minutes left and need to pick a "letter of the day" to finish up. To prep for the MC, review your rhetorical toolbox and tone words.

For synthesis, make sure to incorporate a minimum of 3 selections of evidence in your argument. And, use that evidence to support YOUR claim and YOUR argument. I am emphasizing the second person to remind you that the topic sentences should still retain your point of view and perception of argument.

For rhetorical analysis, tie everything back to the author's purpose. And, when I say "purpose," do not just write the word. Instead, clarify why the author is writing (to garner sympathy from the audience, to inspire them to do well on the AP test). Review your rhetorical toolbox terms -- the same ones come up in multiple passages: anaphora, hypophora, pathos, ethos, logos, types of diction, types of tone, types of syntax, analogies, metaphors, parallelism, and REPETITION. Please spell REPETITION correctly.

For argument, center everything around your claim. Drop a counterclaim quickly and then use the rebuttal to bring in your last example of evidence. If you have the time and the love of the prompt, use clever examples to support the claim. Argument is about organization (claim, evidence, warrant, c/c, rebuttal, conclusion) and voice (diction, originality of example).

Remember, you are all 5's and capable of writing 5-level work. Our motto from Mr. Hiddleston rings true: "I try to convert pressure into excitement."Energy! Energy! Energy! REPETITION!