Friday, April 29, 2011

Letter: The Last Weekend Before the Exam

Scholars,

Strong session on Friday in both classes. Well done. (A-block: the bell cut us off in the middle of dealing with #14 and the (poorly chosen) word "rejoicing" in option D (the correct answer). In F-block Tori pointed out that reflecting back on #14 after answering #15 (A) was helpful in determining that although D is clearly not a satisfying answer for 14 it is the best of the available options.)

Monday I'll collect your work on the three sets and address questions about Set 3: "Soul & Body". If you haven't done Set 3 make sure you do it.

Also get started on the "Preparation for Question Three" forms. (Dig up the ones you completed during first semester and write up ones for any of the books we've read during the second semester that you might want to use on the exam: As I Lay Dying, Slaughterhouse-Five, Going After Cacciato, King Lear, novels & plays "of literary merit" that you have read as part of your independent reading and research project. (Ask me if you're not sure a book you've read is appropriate for question 3.) Make sure you turn in at least four "preparation for question three" sheets before the exam.

Monday, after addressing any lingering questions about the various multiple choice sets, we'll turn our attention to reviewing the three essays (poem analysis [Q1], prose analysis [Q2], and writing about a novel or play [Q3]). I'll return your King Lear Q3 essays to facilitate that review. (You bring any timed essays or timed essay information in your binder.) I'll also give you a sheet of timed essay writing tips. (Multiple choice tips are currently on the blackboard).

Last bit of news, some time this weekend I'll post links to previous blog discussions about As I Lay Dying and Slaughterhouse-Five. Bring thoughts and questions about the books to class next week. This weekend I'll also create a place where you can post your comments about the novel you're reading. (By the Monday after the exam -- May 9 -- I'll expect that everyone has posted at least 300 words about the novel. If you think the comments will help you prepare for the exam do it this weekend or next week. If not wait until next weekend -- after the exam.)

I'm going for a walk. Hope you're able to enjoy the day too.

all the best,
Mr. James Cook
GHS

post script:
For those of you taking the AP Language Exam too we'll meet again on Wednesday (4May11) after school. Please complete the multiple choice questions in the packet I have given you. If you have lost the packet you can find it here starting on page 14. We'll review the multiple choice questions and review the three essays (rhetoric analysis, argument, and synthesis). You can find samples of essays (called "Free-Responses" by the College Board) here.

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