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UPDATES TO AP LIT EXAM FORMAT!

4/28/2020

NEW INFORMATION & DETAILS!!
(Quoted directly from AP College Board)

Test Date: Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Test Time: 2 p.m. Eastern Time

Exam Timing: 45 minutes, with 5 minutes added for uploading response

Students will be given 45 minutes to read and respond to Question 1 and then 5 minutes to upload their response.

Question 1: PROSE FICTION ANALYSIS

45 minutes
100% of exam weight
This question presents students with a passage of prose fiction of approximately 500–700 words, and assesses students’ ability to do the following:
- Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible interpretation.
- Select and use evidence to support a line of reasoning.
- Explain how the evidence supports a line of reasoning.
- Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating an argument.
Other information:
- The single question on the 2020 AP English Literature and Composition Exam is a Prose Fiction Analysis question. It is referred to as Question 1 because the 2020 exam has just that one question, but corresponds to FRQ Question 2: Prose Fiction Analysis on the regular exam.
- The prompt this year will not include the title and author of the passage. Otherwise, the prompt will match the stable prompt language found here (text in italics will vary by question):
  - "In this passage, [comment on what is being addressed in the passage]. Read the passage carefully. Then, in a well-written essay, analyze how the author uses literary elements and techniques to [convey/portray/develop a thematic, topical, or structural aspect of the passage that is complex and specific to the passage provided]."
  - In your response you should do the following (note that this is the same language as above):
    - Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible interpretation.
    - Select and use evidence to support a line of reasoning.
    - Explain how the evidence supports a line of reasoning.
    - Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating an argument."
  - Sample question stem: "In this passage, [the narrator describes the beginning of a new phase in her life]. Read the passage carefully. Then, in a well-written essay, analyze how the author uses literary elements and techniques to [portray the complexity of the narrator's new situation]."

Task Verbs Used in Free-Response Questions:

Analyze: Examine methodically and in detail the structure of the topic of the question for purposes of interpretation and explanation.***
Choose: Select a literary work from among provided choices.
Read: Look at or view printed directions and provided passages.

Let's Clear Things Up

4/24/2020

UPDATE AS OF 04/28/20:

EVERYONE SHOULD READ THE NEW INFO IN THE POST ABOVE AND THE DIRECTIONS FOR THE TEST TAKERS BELOW--IT MAY CHANGE YOUR MIND ABOUT TAKING THE EXAM!! We've been doing the exact question prompt for four years!!

Back to the directions...

If you have a question, check here or in previous texts before asking me on Remind. My response time may be slower than normal, because keep my phone away from me more, since I'm working online so much now.

ALL Students:

A few of you still have not joined Google Classroom--you must join using your school email address and code gxuyxmu.
- This is where you'll turn in work, unless we HAVE TO make other arrangements.
The books we ordered did not come in at all, so IF you paid me for a book, complete this form to get reimbursed.
- This is a long process, and all info has to be manually entered by myself and the bookkeeper, so please be patient. Make sure your address is correct!
I will be at GRC again on Thursday, 04/30 (10-3), so if you need to return ANY BOOKS OR WORK, I'll have boxes set up in the BACK middle doors, just like I did on Friday, 04/17.
- Just keep in mind I won't touch it for at least a week to make sure it's all safe.
- I'll be packing up my room for the end of the year, so send happy thoughts :(
PLEASE NOTE: I CANNOT GIVE YOU A GRADE FOR THIS REQUIRED COURSE FOR GRADUATION IF YOU DON'T SUBMIT ANY WORK. I'LL SAY IT AGAIN LATER/LOUDER FOR THOSE IN THE BACK...

If you ARE taking the AP Lit exam:

If you haven't already read the post above this, read that first! It changes our entire schedule and plan, and makes life so much easier!!
STOP READING The Kite Runner, unless you just want to read it.
- You may return the book to me on Thursday, 04/30 (10-3). I'll have boxes set up in the BACK middle doors, just like I did a few weeks ago. This is the same day as the graduation cap & gown pick up day.
Don't do the packet!
Don't do anything with Shakespeare!
Starting Tuesday afternoon, 04/28, I will provide you with practice prompts that you will write and submit for feedback.
- We'll do this as many times as you want to until the day of the exam, but I'll decide how many I need for a "Final Exam" grade for the class.
- PLEASE NOTE: I CANNOT GIVE YOU A GRADE FOR THIS REQUIRED COURSE FOR GRADUATION IF YOU DON'T SUBMIT ANYTHING. Some of you have been completely non-responsive--I have to have work from you in order to give you a grade.

Yes, I KNOW school is technically over as of Tuesday, 05/05, but your AP English Lit exam isn't until Wednesday, 05/15, at 2pm.
- I will help you with the content and FRQs after May 5th, if you want me to. 45 minute exam, ONE FRQ = possible college credit for $100, rather than $$$$, plus a weighted grade?! Give it a go!

If you're still NOT taking the AP Lit exam:

You did NOT need to come pick up anything from me last week;

The only assignment you need to complete is the Shakespeare booklet project OR the Alternative Book Report posted in Google Classroom and described in a previous post.
- You can use the movie versions of any of the plays I listed below or you can read/listen to the audiobooks listed. Do not watch Ten Things I Hate About You or She's The Man and call it a day--those aren't the right plays, even, and they are also loosely based on the original. LOOSELY.
- THE DIRECTIONS FOR SUBMISSION ARE ON GOOGLE CLASSROOM
- I don't care which you choose, just make sure you're creative and focus on THEME and CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, not Plot Summary. You've done this type of project several times for me already--you've got this!
- The Booklet project OR the Alternative Book Report are both due on Google Classroom by 11:59pm, Tuesday, May 5, 2020.

If you're missing anything, I'll work with you on grades. Students may be done May 5th, but teachers are still on the clock until the end of May, so "I'll be there for you" (raise your hand if you sang that correctly).
PLEASE NOTE: I CANNOT GIVE YOU A GRADE FOR THIS REQUIRED COURSE FOR GRADUATION IF YOU DON'T SUBMIT ANYTHING
- I gave you this basic assignment on Friday, March 13, so you'll have had a month and a half to complete it. It's not asking too much, y'all.
- Some of you have been completely non-responsive--I have to have work from you in order to give you a grade.

Shakespeare Online Resources

4/21/2020

You may select any of the following plays to study & respond to, per the Google Classroom assignment (project for non-test-takers; FRQ later for AP test-takers):

Either group (taking exam or not taking):
- Hamlet
  - Audiobook (dramatic reading with full cast)
  - Text (various formats)
  - Video
    - Amazon Prime Video: 1996 version with Kenneth Branagh, Kate Winslet, & several other celebrities (my favorite): $2.99 rental
      - There's a 2009 version with David Tennant (the 10th Doctor), but it's more staged and not as lush/gorgeous as the 1996 version: $4.99
      - DO NOT watch the 2000 version with Ethan Hawke. You will regret the $3.99 rental, and it's not as accurate.
- Othello
  - Audiobook (dramatic reading with full cast)
  - Text (various formats)
  - Video
    - Amazon Prime Video: 2001 version set in modern London at the recreated Globe Theater with Eamonn Walker and Christopher Eccleston (the 9th Doctor): free with Amazon Prime membership
      - There are other versions, but one may be too sexy, and the other uses blackface, so I'm not going to endorse either.
- Macbeth
  - Video (in two parts, with magic direction by Teller, from Penn & Teller!)
  - Video featuring Patrick Stewart from Star Trek: Next Generation
  - Facebook watch party on SHAKESPEARE'S BIRTHDAY, 04/23/20--scroll down to the bottom of that page for more info
  - Audiobook (dramatic reading with full cast)
  - Text (various formats)
Only for students NOT taking the exam:
- Any of the tragedies above OR
- Much Ado About Nothing
  - Video
  - Text (various formats)
- A Midsummer Night's Dream
  - Audiobook (dramatic reading with full cast)
  - Text (various formats)
  - Video options:
    - Amazon Prime Video: 1999 version with a lot of late 90s celebrities, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Kevin Kline, Calista Flockheart, Rupard Everett, Stanley Tucci: $3.99 streaming rental
      - There's a 2016 BBC version that's free, but I haven't seen it. I trust BBC, though, so it's worth a shot if you have an Amazon Prime Membership.

The Kite Runner Pick Up

4/16/2020

Students,

I hope you've been well and staying healthily busy. Here are a few announcements to wrap up the time we have before the AP English Lit Exam on May 13.

If you haven't already, read the announcement below this one about the new, online, at-home AP exam. AP/CollegeBoard should already have sent you an email about your specific testing schedule.
You've heard me say from the beginning that The Kite Runner is the ultimate book to write about on the AP Lit exam. Never did I imagine we would be out of school this long, and who knows how much longer it will be before we see each other again.
To that end, I need to get the books to you so we can start working on them next week. Please read the following carefully, and adhere to all safety protocols so no one gets sick or in trouble:
- Lowther will be at school on Friday, 04/17, from 9am-3pm.
  - Go to the back of the building, where the fine arts classroom windows are (100s).
  - If someone is already walking around back there, WAIT until they've gone into their car, then step out and go to that back wall.
  - There will be a Kite Runner work packet with your name clearly marked on a Post-It on the front. They will be in alphabetical order, spread out 6' from each other.
  - If you bought your own copy of The Kite Runner and/or Hamlet, they will be with your packet
  - DON'T TOUCH ANYTHING OTHER THAN YOUR PACKET AND/OR BOOK(S)!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  - If you don’t see your items, Remind text Lowther, who will be in her classroom--don’t attempt to come inside or look through other books/items.
  - There will be other boxes and materials for Lowther's classes; ignore those and don't touch anything else.
  - When you’re done, head back to your car, making sure not to go near anyone else.
- PLEASE do not compromise the health of others or yourself--be proactive and keep your social distance!
- This procedure has been approved by a principal; please follow it carefully!
You must join Google Classroom using your school email and this code: gxuyxmu
- This is where I will post your final assignment for Othello/Hamlet, as well as a schedule of reading and submission of The Kite Runner assignments, and possible discussion opportunities via Zoom or Google Meet.
Let me know if you have any questions regarding this procedure, or if you would prefer an alternate method.
Best wishes and missing you all, Lowther

Cohort English AP LIT

UPDATES TO AP LIT EXAM FORMAT!

Let's Clear Things Up

Shakespeare Online Resources

The Kite Runner Pick Up

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