AP Semester Final Study Guide

Version: Winter 2014-15

Primary Study Points
Argument Stasis Questions (Packet p 87ff)

1.  Fact
2. Value
3. Policy

Be able to evaluate a claim and decide the type of argument it necessitates

Aristotelian Triangle

Toulmin (See blog Class Info and Resources/Rhetorical Analysis Tools/Toulmin Model)

·         Know definitions and model

Be able to read a passage and identify what they are talking about, the effect of various rhetorical techniques, the tone, the style, authorial intent, underlying assumptions, etc. Essentially the stuff we’ve been doing all year. If you can answer the blog questions without undue stress, and you seem to get it when we talk about the timed write passages, you should be fine.

There’s more I could ask about, such as thesis types, organizational patterns and their benefits in different situations, and the like. The final was getting kind of long though, so I stopped asking questions. J

This I Believe

Your This I Believe essay is due on Monday January 20^th. You will need a hard copy for yourself as well as leaving a copy in the assigned file is your class google folder. As this is a radio show staple, it will be presented aloud. Here are the requirements adapted from the This I Believe submission page (I encourage you to submit them to This I Believe if you wish).

Keep the following in mind when you write your essay:

1.    Limit your essay to 350-500 words.

2.    Describe an event that shaped your beliefs or a person who inspired them.

3.    Avoid sermons and editorials—no soapbox declamations, please!

4.    Read more of the This I Believe essay-writing tips.

You can peruse multiple examples at http://thisibelieve.org. Often the ones put on the radio are a bit better, but not necessarily so.

Andrea Kang's (Class of 2009) This I Believe essay. They re-posted it from its original posting so all of the comments are gone, but her essay is there.

Position Paragraph (or two)

Take a position on one of the issues raised by the Charlie Hebdo incident. Support your position with evidence from your life, your observations, and/or your reading. Make sure your position is clearly defined in a thesis statement. Don't hem and haw.  Below are pictures of the board from your observations and another article you might find helpful.

3rd period

5th period

Here's a Washington Post editorial you might find helpful:

• 3rd period access
• 5th period access