AP Language Essay 1: Media Violence

It’s time for your first AP Language essay already. This first formal piece is due on Saturday at 1:00 for Periods 5&6 and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. for Periods 3&4.

Some information you might find helpful:

Turnitin Info

Password for all classes: pogreba

Class Numbers

  • Period 3: 5487713
  • Period 4: 5487717
  • Period 5: 5487720
  • Period 6: 5487724

Enjoy!

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Synthesis Essay Thoughts

Some general observations to consider:

  • Focus on macro-level analysis without getting caught up in the weeds of small-scale details. For instance, when the sources talk about the wasted time from single transactions, turn that into an argument about economic inefficiency and waste.
  • Make sure that your diction is elevated and your arguments sophisticated. Your papers too often slipped into lower level diction and arguments that were too simplistic.
  • Give your introductions a bit more energy. Engage the reader with a STAMPy tale.

Resources

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AP Lit and Lang in the Homestretch

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We’re almost there. Just a week left for AP literature and two for Language. As you get ready for the tests, the most useful places to visit are going to be the test review pages.

Check them out:

The AP Language rhetorical terms quiz for this Friday is located here. The AP Literature terms for Tuesday are located here.

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Five Perfect Paragraphs Sample Response

Antithesis in Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death

Patrick Henry, a Virginian revolutionist and politician, presented his most renowned oration, Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death, to delegates of the 1775 Virginia Convention. During this time, the American colonies were controlled by Great Britain. After several decades of political tension between the colonies and Britain, disputes regarding military revolution arose between colonists loyal to Britain and those wishing to rebel. Although almost half of the colonists were eager to break away from Britain, a powerful minority was unwilling to assume active roles in the struggle. Patrick Henry condemns this passive behavior, arguing that those who are aware of detrimental injustices have the responsibility to take action against them. He begins his speech by recognizing the position of the colonies in international affairs and comparing Britain’s control to slavery. Henry denounces the practice of hopeful waiting; he believes that ignoring the “painful truth” will “transform [the colonists] into beasts.” His use of antithesis shows the foolishness and weakness of those who are able to take action but choose not to. He challenges the audience not to become “one of those who, having eyes, sees not, and, having ears, hears not.” This rhetorical device shows the futility of passive support; Henry argues that those who engage in passive support of the revolution are wasting revolutionary potential. The use of this rhetorical device in Henry’s oration is a representation of his central argument against apathy. Henry believes the war has already begun; he believes that the question is whether or not to support the colonies in military rebellion. The speech ends with the claim that the colonies will be victorious if they take an active stand against oppression. Henry’s speech was successful in creating military action; it is known for convincing the Virginia government to send troops into the American Revolutionary War.

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Wilderness Literature Test

  1. 1.How does John Muir’s view of the environment differ from that of Aldo Leopold?
  2. A number of the environmental pieces refer to an instinctual connection/attraction to nature. Using at least two examples, discuss the ways in which our authors suggest that we connect to nature on an instinctual level.
  3. In “Man’s Place in the Universe,” John Muir articulates a vision for how human beings should view their place in nature. What does he believe? Use example from the text.
  4. Using at least three sources, make an argument for what should be done to the national parks.
  5. Using at least three sources, make an argument that either society or individuals are the most important factors in changing our attitude about the environment.
  6. Either defend or critique Rachel Carson’s call for the elimination of DDT.
  7. Chief Seattle asked, “what is there to life if a man cannot hear the lovely cry of the whippoorwill or the arguments of the frogs around a pond at night?” and Emerson argues that the solitude of nature is essential for the soul. Using these and at least one more source, discuss the argument that nature is necessary for a healthy soul.
  8. Explain Aldo Leopold’s idea of the Land Ethic.
  9. How does Henry David Thoreau use his examination of nature to explain human behavior?
  10. A number of the pieces refer to the concept of time and its relationship to environmentalism. Analyze this argument, using at least three pieces.
  11. Use at least three pieces to demonstrate how satire can be effectively used to advance the argument for the environment.
  12. Using at least three authors, one of whom should be Emerson, discuss how the power of nature serves to put human life and troubles in perspective.
  13. Edward Abbey’s defense of the natural world differs greatly from the other authors we’ve studied. Identify some key arguments that set him apart from the rest.
  14. Either defend or critique Rachel Carson’s call for the elimination of DDT.
  15. Which of the philosophers and authors that we studied were best embodied by the life of Alexander Super Tramp. Use at least two.
  16. One of the major critiques of environmentalists is that we have redefined progress in a damaging way. Using at least three authors, discuss this critique of “progress.”
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