The First Writing Prompt!

I don't know why I am so excited by a first writing prompt - is it the chance to see what each of you bring to the AP Lang table? is it the means to starting timed writing prompts and focusing you on the best pathway to communicate your ideas? is it just sitting her watching you all write all day? Actually, to answer the last question, that part is really boring! Overall, I think my scintillating spirit today stems from having something to do now! While evaluating (not grading - notice the diction choice there) does take time and focus, it is one of my favorite parts of AP Lang & AP Lit.

A lot of you have mastered, semi-mastered, or attempted high school level writing. Now, you have the opportunity to learn how to become a college-level writer, inviting all the individual talents to each prompt. I have witnessed students without any prior practice of rhetorical analysis go on to score nines on those essays as the class progresses. It's really up to you how you progress. I am fortunate to have taught and taken this class 7 times, which means this is my 8th go-around. At this point, I have a plethora of tips and tricks that are available for your improvement. You just need to take feedback and use it for the best!

I was reading an essay by actress Ellen Barkin this weekend, and she mentioned her favorite quote, a Native American one: "It's not the climb up the ladder that defines who you are, but the climb down." At some point - or multiple points - you will not be perfect, you will have flaws, you will have to humble yourself in the face of a reading or a prompt. Then, you figure out a way to climb back up that ladder with more balance, understanding, and determination.

Tuesday will be our first block classes of the year. Craziness! We will be spending time with your toolbox and its terms (bring your index cards if that applies to you), looking at what rhetorical analysis is from scratch, and working with a short story to apply elements. For some of you, this may be an eye-roll "I know this already"; for some of you, this may be a reminding review to finalize your understanding; for some of you, this may be a significant introduction to rhetorical analysis. Whatever the case, you are all in it together and striving to improve with each day.