Ap english Language and Composition Summer Assignment To

Our intensive course in the writing of expository, argumentative, and rhetorical prose emphasizes coherent organization, logical progression of thought, and effective use of language. Proficiency in writing can best be attained cumulatively with each assessment reinforcing and extending the skills of the previous one. As a result, the first portion of the course is structured around a sequence of assignments using the various strategies of exposition, description, narration, and structured analysis.

This course will culminate in refining the finer points of argument and persuasive rhetoric. To reach this goal, our literary perspective needs to adjust to the real world of non-fiction and its constructs so that we can concentrate on how authors employ diction, tone, imagery, audience, and purpose.
Summer Assignments:

We are asking you to expand your cultural literacy through this summer assignment by reading ONE of the following works and completing an essay on it:

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  Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
  
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  As I Lay Dying, William Faulkner
  
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  Girl, Interrupted, Susanna Kaysen
  
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  Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, Susan Cain
  
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  Concussion, Jeanne Marie Laskas
  
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  Outliers : The Story of Success, Malcolm Gladwell
  

These books are readily available in most local bookstores or on Amazon.com. E-book versions are also a good option. Many area public libraries also have copies of the books.

We would like you to tackle a topic related to the book in one typed 450-word essay (described on the next page) to be turned in the first day of class.
Summer Assignment Essay:
Directions: Choose the topic below (only ONE) that corresponds with the novel/non-fiction work you selected on the first page. As you write, do not summarize the plot. Instead, focus on appeals, devices, and strategies. Use quotes/refer to specific pages in the book for support! Again, your essay should be approximately 450 words. (Please list your word count at the end of your essay.)

Include parenthetical citations and a Works Cited page. (Go to the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) at http://owl.english.purdue.edu to find guidelines for MLA parenthetical citations and Works Cited format.)
Topic 1: (If you choose Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything)

Choose three chapters and explain how the authors use rhetorical strategies (examples, narration, etc.) to develop the argument or claim of each chapter. How do those claims support the book’s overall purpose (note: the authors state the book does not have a “unifying theme”)?

Discuss two or three rhetorical strategies and/or devices (description, narration, etc.) that Faulkner uses to develop how the main character(s) form and shape their own identities.

Discuss the book’s structure and the author’s use of language, specifically how the author uses tone (sympathy, frustration, etc.) to explain her own mental state.

Explain the rhetorical strategies (definition, division & classification, etc.) that Cain uses to define the value of introverts in our society. Also analyze the rhetorical techniques (tone, diction, etc.) she uses to support her argument about individual differences in our culture.

Analyze the impact of the role of narration throughout the work. How does Laskas employ strategies such as characterization, conflict, and point of view to advance her purpose?

Analyze Gladwell’s unique definition of success. Write an essay that agrees or disagrees with Gladwell’s argument that “if you work hard enough and assert yourself, and use your mind and imagination, you can shape the world to your desires” (Gladwell 151).

Have a great summer!

*Attached is a version of a RHETORICAL KEYSTONE. You need to become familiar with the terms and their uses.

RHETORICAL KEYSTONE
RHETORICAL APPEALS

Ethos Pathos Logos

(method a writer uses to have a conversation with a particular reader/ audience)

(plan for achieving specific writing purpose)

Process Description Narration Argument Definition

(Choices and HOW the author uses rhetorical devices)

Diction Syntax

Tone/attitude Organization

Point of View

(Tools and mechanisms the writer employs to develop the strategy)

Allusion Metaphor* Personification*

Analogy* Metonymy/synecdoche* Rhetorical question

Antithesis Onomatopoeia* Simile*

Apostrophe Oxymoron* Understatement/litotes

Epithet*

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  Shows a thorough understanding of the topic
  
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  Addresses all aspects of the task with originality
  
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  Richly supports essay with relevant facts, examples, and details from the book, and cites them according to MLA (Cain 47).
  
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  Is a well-developed essay, consistently demonstrating a logical and clear plan of organization
  
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  Includes a strong introduction and conclusion
  
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  The spelling, punctuation, and grammar are accurate
  
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  Includes a separate MLA formatted Works Cited Page with minimal errors
  

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  Shows a good understanding of the topic
  
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  Addresses all aspects of the task
  
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  Includes relevant facts, examples, and details from the book. May not support all aspects of the task, but cites most according to MLA (Cain 47).
  
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  Is a well-developed essay, demonstrating a logical and clear plan of organization
  
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  Includes a good introduction and conclusion
  
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  The spelling, punctuation, and grammar are mostly accurate
  
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  Includes a separate MLA formatted Works Cited Page with few errors
  

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  Presents a satisfactory understanding of the topic
  
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  Addresses most aspects of the task or addresses all aspects in a limited way
  
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  Is a satisfactorily developed essay, demonstrating a general plan of organization
  
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  Uses some facts, examples, and details from the book, with inconsistent MLA citations
  
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  Restates the topic in the introduction and concludes with a simple restatement of the idea
  
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  The spelling, punctuation, and grammar are somewhat accurate
  
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  May include a separate MLA formatted Works Cited Page with some errors
  

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  Attempts to address the topic, but uses vague and/or inaccurate information
  
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  Is a poorly organized essay lacking focus; uses few facts, examples, and details from the book; and includes information that contains inaccuracies
  
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  May not contain MLA citations or Works Cited Page
  
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  Has vague or missing introduction and/or conclusion
  
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  The spelling, punctuation, and grammar are moderately weak
  

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  Does not submit an assignment or submits an off-topic assignment.