Sunday, June 5, 2011
Congratulations Grads
Grads, grades and papers with comments will be available in 2207 tomorrow (Monday).
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Responding to Psychological Trauma
How do we respond to trauma (brokenness, disconnection, ruptures, holes, lacks) and to unfulfilled needs, yearnings, hungers, desires? What do we think? What do we invent? Who do we plan? What do we do? How do our responses affect others' responses? Do we heal? Our selves? Others? How? Do we ease suffering? Do we exacerbate it? Do we become more vulnerable? Do we grow stronger? How?
In your response you might think about As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner or Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut in terms of these questions. How does the book you've read take on these questions? & what do you, personally, think about the way the book has taken the questions on? Refer to specific passages and scenes in work. Refer to patterns and other choices made by the author. Use all your lit analysis skills (your head) but also bring in your full self, including your heart.
If others have posted then read the posts. You might be compelled to respond.
If issues unrelated to the questions I've written above are the ones that press upon you most vigorously then write about those.
Whatever you write about I'm looking forward to illuminating and lively comments.
In your response you might think about As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner or Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut in terms of these questions. How does the book you've read take on these questions? & what do you, personally, think about the way the book has taken the questions on? Refer to specific passages and scenes in work. Refer to patterns and other choices made by the author. Use all your lit analysis skills (your head) but also bring in your full self, including your heart.
If others have posted then read the posts. You might be compelled to respond.
If issues unrelated to the questions I've written above are the ones that press upon you most vigorously then write about those.
Whatever you write about I'm looking forward to illuminating and lively comments.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
AP Lit Exam Eve
Varsity English Scholars,
You have practiced everything that might appear on the test. You know that you'll spend an hour answering 55 questions based on four or five readings. (You've practiced three take-home sets and one in class set.) You know that you'll spend two hours addressing three essay prompts: (1) poetry analysis (either one poem or a shuttle comparison), (2) prose analysis, (3) open question. You know you'll use pencil on the multiple choice section and pen on the essay section. You know that if you put together your best multiple choice performance and your best essay writing performance you'll get a three or higher.
Now what?
2. One thing you can control is how prepared you are for the question three essay prompt. Prepare at least four question three review sheets . Use any and all available resources to review narrative point of view, characters, plot, setting, symbols and motifs, themes. I'll collect the question three sheets tomorrow morning.
3. To prepare for the essays read over the handout entitled "Excerpts from 'Final Notes before AP Exam'" . This sheet contains some important reminders of strategies that should be in the forefront of your mind tomorrow morning.
4. (For people who are looking for something to do -- something more productive than worrying -- this afternoon and early evening.)
* For the multiple choice questions you might review the literary terms from the midyear exam: http://apenglishghs2011.blogspot.com/2011/01/midyear-exam-literary-vocabulary.html. You might review multiple choice strategies : use process of elimination, be on the lookout for misleading options, answer all questions on a particular reading before moving on though you might answer harder questions on a particular reading last, annotate (underline, circle, cross-out) text in the reading and questions.
* You might look at the Q1 (poetry analysis -- both single poem analysis and comparison analysis), Q2 (prose analysis), and Q3 (open question) essay examples in your binder .
* For Q1 single poem analysis check out "The Century Quilt" prompt from last year (2010). Here's the poem and prompt -- http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap10_frq_eng_lit.pdf -- and here are sample essays (a 7, 5, and 2) -- http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap10_english_literature_q1.pdf. I think by comparing the introduction of the 7 to the 5 you'll see the difference between a bold insight (7) and a general insight (5). You'll also see how the 7 connects the quilts meaning to the techniques used (the choices the poet makes).
* For Q1 comparison analysis check out the Keats and Longfellow comparison from 2008. (I gave you this back in December but if you don't have it it's here: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap10_english_literature_q1.pdf. And here are samples (an 8, 5, and 3): http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap08_eng_lit_op_q1.pdf. Notice the use of shuttle comparison in the 8. (We looked at this back in December.)
* For Q2 prose analysis check out the prompt from earlier in the year when you were asked to analyze how Bertha is characterized in a passage from Jane Eyre . All Q2 essays ask you to explain how meaning is conveyed by the techniques the author uses. And here you can check out last year's Q2 prompt (on page 3) -- http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap10_frq_eng_lit.pdf -- and here an 8, 5, and 2. In the 5 notice how it begins with a clear, bold insight linking technique with meaning. Notice how its analysis is present but inconsistent and underdeveloped.
* For Q1 check out this webpage where a teacher has listed all the AP Q3 prompts from '70-'08: http://homepage.mac.com/mseffie/AP/APOpenQuestions.html. Read the prompt closely, identify the key words, choose a book of literary merit, plan how you'd use the book to address key parts of the prompt. You might practice a few so you feel confident.
I'm excited that we're finally on the eve of the big day. You've done a lot of work. You've spent hours on reading, rereading, writing, rewriting, discussing, and listening. Honor the hours of work you've already put in by spending of bit of time this afternoon or tonight reviewing what you need to review in order to feel confident tomorrow morning.
Thank you for all your hard work all year. I'll see you in room 2210 at 7:30 tomorrow morning.
all the best,
Mr. James Cook
You have practiced everything that might appear on the test. You know that you'll spend an hour answering 55 questions based on four or five readings. (You've practiced three take-home sets and one in class set.) You know that you'll spend two hours addressing three essay prompts: (1) poetry analysis (either one poem or a shuttle comparison), (2) prose analysis, (3) open question. You know you'll use pencil on the multiple choice section and pen on the essay section. You know that if you put together your best multiple choice performance and your best essay writing performance you'll get a three or higher.
Now what?
1. Make sure you sleep and eat . No heavy meals. No all night studying. The bulk of the preparation is done.
2. One thing you can control is how prepared you are for the question three essay prompt. Prepare at least four question three review sheets . Use any and all available resources to review narrative point of view, characters, plot, setting, symbols and motifs, themes. I'll collect the question three sheets tomorrow morning.
3. To prepare for the essays read over the handout entitled "Excerpts from 'Final Notes before AP Exam'" . This sheet contains some important reminders of strategies that should be in the forefront of your mind tomorrow morning.
4. (For people who are looking for something to do -- something more productive than worrying -- this afternoon and early evening.)
* For the multiple choice questions you might review the literary terms from the midyear exam: http://apenglishghs2011.blogspot.com/2011/01/midyear-exam-literary-vocabulary.html. You might review multiple choice strategies : use process of elimination, be on the lookout for misleading options, answer all questions on a particular reading before moving on though you might answer harder questions on a particular reading last, annotate (underline, circle, cross-out) text in the reading and questions.
* You might look at the Q1 (poetry analysis -- both single poem analysis and comparison analysis), Q2 (prose analysis), and Q3 (open question) essay examples in your binder .
* For Q1 single poem analysis check out "The Century Quilt" prompt from last year (2010). Here's the poem and prompt -- http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap10_frq_eng_lit.pdf -- and here are sample essays (a 7, 5, and 2) -- http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap10_english_literature_q1.pdf. I think by comparing the introduction of the 7 to the 5 you'll see the difference between a bold insight (7) and a general insight (5). You'll also see how the 7 connects the quilts meaning to the techniques used (the choices the poet makes).
* For Q1 comparison analysis check out the Keats and Longfellow comparison from 2008. (I gave you this back in December but if you don't have it it's here: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap10_english_literature_q1.pdf. And here are samples (an 8, 5, and 3): http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap08_eng_lit_op_q1.pdf. Notice the use of shuttle comparison in the 8. (We looked at this back in December.)
* For Q2 prose analysis check out the prompt from earlier in the year when you were asked to analyze how Bertha is characterized in a passage from Jane Eyre . All Q2 essays ask you to explain how meaning is conveyed by the techniques the author uses. And here you can check out last year's Q2 prompt (on page 3) -- http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap10_frq_eng_lit.pdf -- and here an 8, 5, and 2. In the 5 notice how it begins with a clear, bold insight linking technique with meaning. Notice how its analysis is present but inconsistent and underdeveloped.
* For Q1 check out this webpage where a teacher has listed all the AP Q3 prompts from '70-'08: http://homepage.mac.com/mseffie/AP/APOpenQuestions.html. Read the prompt closely, identify the key words, choose a book of literary merit, plan how you'd use the book to address key parts of the prompt. You might practice a few so you feel confident.
I'm excited that we're finally on the eve of the big day. You've done a lot of work. You've spent hours on reading, rereading, writing, rewriting, discussing, and listening. Honor the hours of work you've already put in by spending of bit of time this afternoon or tonight reviewing what you need to review in order to feel confident tomorrow morning.
Thank you for all your hard work all year. I'll see you in room 2210 at 7:30 tomorrow morning.
all the best,
Mr. James Cook
Monday, May 2, 2011
AP English Literature and Composition Essay Link
As promised here's the link to the AP Central AP English Lit & Comp Exam page. (If you're looking for the "tragic figure" prompt. It was question 3 in 2003. If you're looking for the "question minus the answer" prompt. It was question 3 in 2004.)
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.
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.
Friday, April 15, 2011
"What's Going On" Is Not Just a Song by Marvin Gaye
With trips to Europe and colleges, with illnesses and field trips and distractions of all kinds, you might be wondering "What's going on in AP English?"
Here's your answer...
1. Your education essay is due tonight (Friday) by pumpkin time. Put your essay in the comment box here.
2. Work on the AP multiple choice packet. Finish sets 1 and 2 by Monday, April 25. (Those of you who left for Europe earlier this week got a slightly different packet.) Take the work seriously. Do what you think will be most beneficial. If you want to time yourself and treat it like a test do that. If it will help you most to look up unknown vocabulary and unknown terms do that. If you want to collaborate with a peer do that. (I will check that you have completed the work.)
3. Create a thesis and a plan for your independent reading and research paper. I spoke with nearly all of you this week and look forward to discussing your theses and plans after vacation. (I will want to take a look at your thesis and plan.)
4. After vacation we're going to read one work book together. A-block has decided to read As I Lay Dying and F-block was split evenly 8 v 8 between As I Lay Dying and Slaughterhouse-Five. Take your pick. Some of you wanted to get a head start so I gave you books on Friday. If you weren't in class on Friday but want to get a head start check out the Sawyer Free Library: here for As I Lay Dying and here for Slaughterhouse-Five. After vacation you'll have 10 days to read before the exam which will mean 26 pages/day for As I Lay Dying or 22 pages/day for Slaughterhouse-Five.
Here's your answer...
1. Your education essay is due tonight (Friday) by pumpkin time. Put your essay in the comment box here.
2. Work on the AP multiple choice packet. Finish sets 1 and 2 by Monday, April 25. (Those of you who left for Europe earlier this week got a slightly different packet.) Take the work seriously. Do what you think will be most beneficial. If you want to time yourself and treat it like a test do that. If it will help you most to look up unknown vocabulary and unknown terms do that. If you want to collaborate with a peer do that. (I will check that you have completed the work.)
3. Create a thesis and a plan for your independent reading and research paper. I spoke with nearly all of you this week and look forward to discussing your theses and plans after vacation. (I will want to take a look at your thesis and plan.)
4. After vacation we're going to read one work book together. A-block has decided to read As I Lay Dying and F-block was split evenly 8 v 8 between As I Lay Dying and Slaughterhouse-Five. Take your pick. Some of you wanted to get a head start so I gave you books on Friday. If you weren't in class on Friday but want to get a head start check out the Sawyer Free Library: here for As I Lay Dying and here for Slaughterhouse-Five. After vacation you'll have 10 days to read before the exam which will mean 26 pages/day for As I Lay Dying or 22 pages/day for Slaughterhouse-Five.
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