HW 5/1: Brown Workbook Writing Prompt

Here's a little twist on practice writing a 40-min essay.  I'd like you to FIRST read p. 114-122 in Dr. Vogel's brown AP workbook, and after considering what others have said, write your own essay -- the one you think should have been written. 

Suggested writing time: 40-60 min. 

Suggested length: 3-4 handwritten pages

Skills to practice:

1. AP: Answer the Prompt!
2. AP: Analysis, Please!  -- focus on tone, style, syntax; get down to the "word level"; demonstrate "flowchart" thinking (WHAT-->HOW-->SoWHAT?)
3. Embrace complexity: consider using an "although" statement or other similarly binary thesis statement
4. Use quotes: a substantial number or "apt and specific" references to the text; integrate phrases; use some quotes as "sentence finishers"; consider including editing punctuation and citations [ ] ... / (Line 32)
5. Reveal what the passage says and does, how the writer does this (diction, syntax, tone, etc.), and why it matters (or so what?)
6. Show off a little: now is the time to show that you know how to use a variety of sentence beginnings; how to use the active voice/active verbs; how to use fancy punctuation and stylish ways to combine sentences to create clear, concise, accurate prose; and how to employ rich, specific vocabulary -- you can do it!

Traps to avoid:
1. Avoid simple, empty restatements of the prompt (such as the line "the author uses tone, diction, and syntax to create meaning")
2. Avoid generalities
3. Explain what is on the page, but don't overstate things just to sound dramatic -- precision counts in your analysis
4. Don't overlook the obvious: if a character is repeating herself, say so, and explain it; if the narrator is being sly or sarcastic, say so and use it; if a character is monologue-ing as a series of rhetorical rhetorical questions, then say so, and explain why it matters