Writing+Essays

=Essays in Advanced Placement English Literature= = = No matter what mode of writing you submit, all must of course have a thesis (controlling idea), all paragraphs must support the given thesis, and all must have a sense of completeness. When running out of time on a timed writing, a quick conclusion can consist of a look back at the title of the piece and theme.

Types of Writing that will Take Place in AP Lit Class

 * Outside essays submitted to [|www.turnitin.com]
 * Practice paragraphs completed in and out of class
 * Timed, in-class essays

Modes of Writing Expected on the AP Lit Test

 * Literary analysis
 * Poetry analysis
 * Novel or Drama analysis (No, you cannot bring a novel to the test. You must have lines from a few novels memorized)

The BEST AP Lit essays tend to have...

 * a thesis that does NOT list devices
 * a thesis that does NOT repeat the prompt or even key words from the prompt
 * an intro that provides an overall interpretation (theme and tone) of the text
 * organically organized body paragraphs that are well-developed
 * a convincing, persuasive tone that strives to prove that his or her interpretation is not only reasonable and valid but insightful
 * apt, specific evidence
 * varied syntax
 * appropriate, concise, formal diction
 * no lower-level problems with conventions

Supporting Links:
Look at the advice that Mr. Ward from Urbana High School tells his students about timed writings.

I will build the rest of this page as the school year progresses.