Summer Work

Keep that analytical brain active

Get yourself ready for AP Lang & Comp

Here's the brief run-down:

1

Read/Respond to On Writing.  
It's a great book, and if you can't get your hands on a physical copy, there's an uploaded version that I found here.

2

Analyze three non-fiction essays
using the AP Lang template worksheet to guide you.

3

Write a Movie Review
about an old favorite, a summer blockbuster or whatever other film you choose.

Downloads

PART I: 
On Writing
 PART II:
Nonfiction Analysis
 PART III:
Movie Review THE ENTIRE PACKET
(pdf setup for double-sided printing)

Introduction
to the Course

The AP English Language and Composition concerns what author John McPhee calls “the literature of fact.” The course emphasizes close reading and rhetorical analysis of nonfiction, argument, synthesis, and composition. Over the summer, we want you to begin working with some quality nonfiction texts that will help you develop your appreciation of rhetoric and elements of argument. The summer work involves a reading packet comprised of a three nonfiction readings and On Writing, a book. 

Your summer work will be used at various times throughout the course. In case you encounter any problems with materials contact Mr. Palmer <palmers@link75.org> or Mr. Prince <princej@link75.org>.

Part I
On Writing

You’ll need to find and read Stephen King’s book On Writing. Amazon currently has it new for $13.11 and used copies as low as $5.82. Read any edition you choose (2000, 2010).

This book is widely available in most public libraries as well.

Or you could just read it online here.

You will need to keep track of passages that strike you as important moments for King in his development as a reader and/or writer. (notes w/page #s, highlight passages, sticky notes, etc.) Select your top 5, then, in response to each of your selected passages, write a response in which you illustrate a moment in your own evolution as a reader or writer that is, in some way, in discourse with the excerpt you've chosen. As part of this response, include a final summative paragraph that tackles the question of what the excerpt, together with your personal story, tells us about what it means to be a citizen for whom reading and writing is central to a life of happiness and meaning.

Part II
Nonfiction Analysis


After each article, you will fill out a “Close Reading Sheet” If you will not have access to a computer this summer, or prefer to read on paper, you will need to print these documents now. 

We recommend that you complete this part of your summer by the close of July.

Part III
Movie Review

Yeah we say “I liked it”, or “I didn't like it” when talking to friends, but to truly make a salient point, we need to say more; we need to say why. This is analysis. We’re writing a movie review to really be clear about the why. You can like it. You can hate it. You just need to articulate why.

First, try to formulate a specific opinion in one sentence. Your job as reviewer is to give an opinion of the movie. Ultimately, this may come down to a "thumbs up" or "four stars out of five." But you want to have in mind a specific argument to drive your critique. For example, "I didn't like this sequel" becomes "the story had funny moments but it went on too long and merely rehashed the jokes of the original”. "This horror movie is good" becomes "this horror movie works because it builds suspense right up until the end”. So, try to find your own very specific opinion that will be the foundation of your film review.

IMBD is a great resource for data about the movie.

The Fine Print

You must bring your King Collection of Statements,  Reading Sheets and Movie Review to your first class. Failure to submit them on the first day of class will result in a failing mark for your initial first quarter assignment.


Finally

Happy reading, have a great summer, and email Mr. Palmer or Mr. Prince if you have questions or concerns. <palmers@link75.org> <princej@link75.org>

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