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FRQ Help

5/11/2020

This is the EXACT QUESTION TYPE that will be on the exam Wednesday, 2pm.

You should have received your AP English Lit exam entry ticket yesterday. If you haven't, you need to look through your junk mail and find it today! There's a demo you need to go through, and you need to write your AP ID # (given in the email) on every page of your document.

I STRONGLY SUGGEST SETTING UP YOUR ESSAY TODAY, so you can save time and a bit of stress tomorrow.
- Control what you can, including:
  - Pre-writing/typing your AP ID# on every page
  - Figuring out the accepted file formats to upload your essay
  - Learning how to submit the files (do you need to convert a Google Doc to PDF and then send that? If you don't know how--ask Lowther TODAY)
  - Studying the following and leaving them open in another tab during testing (or print out and have on your table)--Remember, AP stated this is an open-note test!
    - FRQ outline & TEMPLATES (at the bottom of this post)
    - Universal Themes/Ideas handout
    - AP Lit Verb Chart so you don't overuse the same tired verbs.
  - Going to the public library or BCTC parking lot with your device to check internet availability, if needed
  - Sleeping at a decent time
  - Eating a lunch that won't give you a stomach-ache during the exam
  - Going to the restroom before the exam
  - Reminding everyone in the house to NOT STREAM or use the internet during the exam (it's less than an hour--watching Tiger King or Hoarders can wait!)

**IF YOU STILL NEED INTERNET HELP, IT'S ALMOST TOO LATE, BUT CONTACT LOWTHER ASAP!!**

If you write the FRQ today, I'll respond with comments and help.

Remember: 45 minutes, one question, and all that's different from this example is the passage. You can do this!

***Link to the prompt and passage***
Link to SECOND prompt and passage
_______________________________________________________________________

Here's the sample prompt (get the passage in the link above):

"The following excerpt is from C. E. Morgan’s novel All the Living, published in 2009. This passage describes a young girl’s experience moving away from her extended family in rural Appalachia. Read the passage carefully. Then, in a well-written essay analyze how Morgan uses literary elements and techniques to convey Aloma’s complex responses to her changing environment.

In your response you should do the following:

Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible interpretation.
Select and use evidence to support your line of reasoning.
Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument."

NOTE: for this 2020 exam, you won't receive the title of the work or the author, so just refer to them as "the passage" and "the author".

Guides and TEMPLATES to write the FRQ for the updated 2020 exam:

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

AP English Lit Exam Update

3/21/2020

If you haven't already, be sure to read the overview on the main page, then come back here.

TL;DR:

Online/at home, using any internet-connected device
45 minutes, FRQ only

May be able to take the exam on the later date. More info to come by April 3.

Only Units 1-6 will be tested (see below).
Cancellation fees for those already registered to take AP exams will be waived.

Units Assessed:

Short Fiction I
1. Contemporary Prose: short story excerpt or microfiction (partial)
Poetry I
1. 20th-Century/Contemporary Prose
Longer Fiction or Drama I
1. 20th-Century/Contemporary Prose
2. Literary Argument
Short Fiction II
1. 20th Century/Contemporary Prose
Poetry II
1. Pre-20th Century Poetry
Longer Fiction or Drama II
1. Pre-20th Century Prose
2. Literary Argument

Lowther will be providing a roadmap, materials, and suggested work schedule for anything not covered before the shut-down. I'll update as soon as possible and let you know.

Remind @coheng1112 to 81010

NTI Assignment Shakespeare

3/16/2020

Assigned Friday, March 13, 2020: UPDATE: Only those NOT TAKING the AP Lit exam have to complete this version of the project. See the post from 04/24/20 that addresses this more thoroughly.

Read Othello or Hamlet
- UPDATE: see the post above for options on how to experience one of the plays, along with a few new options that might be more engaging for some of you.
Create a project using the booklet (UPDATE: or create an Alternative Book Report) that shows understanding of:
- Characters (Round)
  - motives
  - relationships (various types)
  - background/influences
  - development (dynamic vs. static--how/why?)
  - importance (to plot; to theme)
- Theme(s)
  - UPDATE: Use the Universal Themes in Literature handout to help focus your ideas--not all themes need to be explored! Select the few that are the strongest throughout your play.
- You MUST include Significant Quotes that further your understanding and illustrate your explanation of the above concepts.
- DO NOT simply provide a PLOT summary. Doing so will earn you zero points.

Shakespeare's Sonnets

3/12/2020

Choose sonnet at this link.
Put on board (no duplicates)
Copy & paste poem onto Doc (E1112_Sonnet_Lastnames)
Share w/Lowther & partner
Double space poem
Color code w/partner--names at top
Between each line, translate in modern English
Give a summary of what the poem is about
Give theme (list posted in a secret location in this room)

Which Shakespeare Should We Study?

2/18/2020

VOTE HERE!

Final Poem Analysis Directions

2/11/2020

Open your "POL20" Google Doc that we’ve been working on for Poetry Out Loud.
Go to the bottom of the Doc and make a new page.
Go to Poetry Out Loud and copy your poem from title through the end of the poem.
Paste on the new page of the Doc.
Add line numbers to the left of each line.
Select the THREE MOST IMPORTANT techniques the poet uses to reveal his/her theme/message.
1. Technique examples: symbolism, rhythm/meter, literary devices (e.g., imagery, extended metaphor, metaphor), structure, grammatical flexibility
2. An example of how you should format your outline is below of this post.
Send Lowther a Remind text to let her know you’re ready for her to look at it and give you comments. Once approved, or if you are sure you’re on the right track you may proceed.
In a well-formed (3-pt/5-paragraph style) essay, discuss the three most important techniques the poet uses to express his/her theme and/or message. As always, be sure to use quotes from the text, but you may also refer to the line number when just needing to cite something quickly.

Suggested Outline:

Technique 1:

Identify the technique used / where in the poem it is (line number AND quote)
Explanation of the evidence (context in poem, what’s it mean, generally?)
Connection to the theme

Technique 2:

Identify the technique used / where in the poem it is (line number AND quote)
Explanation of the evidence (context in poem, what’s it mean, generally?)
Connection to the theme

Technique 3:

Identify the technique used / where in the poem it is (line number AND quote)
Explanation of the evidence (context in poem, what’s it mean, generally?)
Connection to the theme

Theme: ***MAKE SURE YOUR THEME ISN’T JUST A PLOT POINT!!!!!!!***

Note the difference between THEME and MORALS (don’t write about a moral for this essay!):

Common Themes: Death, Isolation, Regret, the Will to survive, Loss of innocence, Survival, Fear of failure, Renewal/rebirth
Examples of Morals: Pride comes before a fall; Think twice before you leap; Slow and steady is a sure win; Be content with what you have; A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush; Be prepared; Birds of a feather flock together

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