...and surprisingly, some people don't "dive" out of necessity. One of those people is Lars Eighner, author of "On Dumpster Diving" on page 22 of the Norton Reader.
You'll notice fairly quickly that Eighner doesn't fit the preconceived notions you might have had about someone who is homeless.
After reading:
1. TAP the essay. Remember to include evidence of the tone as well as examples to support Eighner's alleged audience.
2. Answer questions 1 - 3. When you respond to # 3, answer the question about one of the characters from The Glass Castle.
Additionally, today in class we:
1. Discussed anastrophe.
2. Completed a practice section for the AP Language and Composition exam. We discussed the answers as well as tips for eliminating wrong answers to arrive at the correct answer.
Tomorrow we will:
Have time to work on all the Glass Castle work for Friday.
Remember, you have a Friday Reading due Friday!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Zippy Essays and The Glass Castle
Let me reiterate: Stop stressing about your essay grades. You're LEARNING! Please don't expect to be perfect at everything you do. My job is to teach you how to analyze in your writing. If you all scored 9s on every single essay you write, then what would be the point of the class? Trust me, everyone gets better! Here's a link to the Zippy quickwrite review from class today. With the Dahir essays, many of you failed to recognize his true purpose. If you miss the idea the author is trying to convey, you're looking at a score of 6 at the very best. So, if you missed the point, but earned a 5 or 6 that means your writing is already improving.
We also began reading Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle. As you read Walls', take annotations on the following:
1. The differences between the way Rex and Mary (the author’s parents) view the world and the way the author views the world, based on the rhetoric she uses to convey the differences between these viewpoints.
2. The contrast in the way the author views her life as she grows older
3. The reversal of roles in the parent/child relationship
4. Appeals to pathos, ethos, and logos
5. The symbolism of events, places, people and things. Specifically, how do the parents and children in the memoir view these events, places, people and things differently?
Homework: These are 10 point assignments. Please type your responses.
Due Tuesday, August 31st, 2010: Read through page 25 and answer the following questions:
1. What purpose do you think the quote from the Dylan Thomas poem at the beginning of the memoir serves?
2. What is the purpose of Part I: A Woman on the Street? What do the various anecdotes in this introduction establish?
3. Compare and contrast Jeannette’s home with her parents and her “home” at the hospital, citing rhetorical strategies the author uses to show this view.
4. What similarities did you notice about the way Jeannette viewed her father and the way Zippy viewed her father?
5. List three examples from the book that note an underlying darkness about the author’s upbringing.
6. What is the symbolism of the Glass Castle?
7. List, define and evaluate the effectiveness of TWO rhetorical strategies. (Please include page #).
Due Friday, September 3rd: Read through page 125 and answer the following questions:
1. List, define, and evaluate the effectiveness of FIVE rhetorical strategies. (Please include page #).
2. How does the author’s mom use the death of Mary Charlene to make excuses for her husband? How does the author’s portrayal of the event convey her perspective to the audience?
3. How does the author use tone, diction and syntax at the end of page 31 convey her attitude toward her parents?
4. Read through p. 34 and then, at this point in the memoir, explain the symbolism of fire.
5. Analyze how the Joshua Tree symbolizes the author’s own life.
6. Compare the author’s parents’ attitude toward Christmas and Santa with that of Zippy’s parents.
7. Are the author’s parents selfish? Justify your response with anecdotal evidence.
8. Contrast the way the author views her father with the way her “friend,” Billy Deel views his. Which child’s view is more accurate?
9. In what ways are the author’s parents “good parents”?
10. How effectively does the author portray the dangers of alcoholism to the audience? (Think back to the Scott Russell Sanders essay “Under the Influence” and draw comparisons if you like).
We also began reading Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle. As you read Walls', take annotations on the following:
1. The differences between the way Rex and Mary (the author’s parents) view the world and the way the author views the world, based on the rhetoric she uses to convey the differences between these viewpoints.
2. The contrast in the way the author views her life as she grows older
3. The reversal of roles in the parent/child relationship
4. Appeals to pathos, ethos, and logos
5. The symbolism of events, places, people and things. Specifically, how do the parents and children in the memoir view these events, places, people and things differently?
Homework: These are 10 point assignments. Please type your responses.
Due Tuesday, August 31st, 2010: Read through page 25 and answer the following questions:
1. What purpose do you think the quote from the Dylan Thomas poem at the beginning of the memoir serves?
2. What is the purpose of Part I: A Woman on the Street? What do the various anecdotes in this introduction establish?
3. Compare and contrast Jeannette’s home with her parents and her “home” at the hospital, citing rhetorical strategies the author uses to show this view.
4. What similarities did you notice about the way Jeannette viewed her father and the way Zippy viewed her father?
5. List three examples from the book that note an underlying darkness about the author’s upbringing.
6. What is the symbolism of the Glass Castle?
7. List, define and evaluate the effectiveness of TWO rhetorical strategies. (Please include page #).
Due Friday, September 3rd: Read through page 125 and answer the following questions:
1. List, define, and evaluate the effectiveness of FIVE rhetorical strategies. (Please include page #).
2. How does the author’s mom use the death of Mary Charlene to make excuses for her husband? How does the author’s portrayal of the event convey her perspective to the audience?
3. How does the author use tone, diction and syntax at the end of page 31 convey her attitude toward her parents?
4. Read through p. 34 and then, at this point in the memoir, explain the symbolism of fire.
5. Analyze how the Joshua Tree symbolizes the author’s own life.
6. Compare the author’s parents’ attitude toward Christmas and Santa with that of Zippy’s parents.
7. Are the author’s parents selfish? Justify your response with anecdotal evidence.
8. Contrast the way the author views her father with the way her “friend,” Billy Deel views his. Which child’s view is more accurate?
9. In what ways are the author’s parents “good parents”?
10. How effectively does the author portray the dangers of alcoholism to the audience? (Think back to the Scott Russell Sanders essay “Under the Influence” and draw comparisons if you like).
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Cult Status
One of my favorite things about AP Language is how our discussions veer off into other topics. After our conversation today, I feel very compelled to find some interesting readings on cults for class. If you happen to find something interesting, bring it in to share. If you think about it, cult leaders use lots of rhetorical strategies to sway/brainwash potential followers.
Begin incorporating rhetorical question, hypophora and procatalepsis into your analysis. They will become essential when you write persuasively, especially on controversial topics.
Today's five minute write served as a pre-write of sort for the in-class essay Monday. Yes, the topic will ask you to cover the motif of religion in Zippy. You'll get to use your books. While I'm thinking about the essay, here's a link to the rubric. I don't think I posted that before.
For tomorrow:
1. Friday Reading
2. Socratic seminar and food!
3. Patterns for College Writing: Read Stephanie Ericcson's "The Ways We Lie." and answer both questions for Purpose and Audience, questions #2, #5, #7 and #8 for Style and Structure and select three of the vocaulary words from page 493 to evaluate.
Begin incorporating rhetorical question, hypophora and procatalepsis into your analysis. They will become essential when you write persuasively, especially on controversial topics.
Today's five minute write served as a pre-write of sort for the in-class essay Monday. Yes, the topic will ask you to cover the motif of religion in Zippy. You'll get to use your books. While I'm thinking about the essay, here's a link to the rubric. I don't think I posted that before.
For tomorrow:
1. Friday Reading
2. Socratic seminar and food!
3. Patterns for College Writing: Read Stephanie Ericcson's "The Ways We Lie." and answer both questions for Purpose and Audience, questions #2, #5, #7 and #8 for Style and Structure and select three of the vocaulary words from page 493 to evaluate.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Motifs in Zippy
Yesterday, we read and discussed the religious theme in "Slumber Party."
Some questions:
1. Does Zippy's dad believe in God?
2. Does Zippy think her dad believes in God?
3. What are the various examples of paradox in this essay?
4. a. How is Zippy's father a negative influence on her religious views? b. How is he a positive influence on those same beliefs?
5. What was your reaction to the reaction of Zippy's family members when she told them she'd seen Jesus in the trees?
6. What purpose does page 187 serve in conveying Zippy's beliefs?
What purpose does "ESP" serve in conveying the personalities of Danny and Melinda?
What did you think of Zippy's childlike persepctive in "Interior Design"? Of the various anecdotes in this essay, which was your favorite and why?
Tonight:
"Cemetery" is another essay that is mother-centric.
1. How does Zippy portray her parents differently in this chapter than she has in previous chapters?
2. What is the reason for this new perspective on her parents?
3. How does Zippy's bicycle serve as a metaphor?
Also read...
"Drift Away"
"Reading List"
Some questions:
1. Does Zippy's dad believe in God?
2. Does Zippy think her dad believes in God?
3. What are the various examples of paradox in this essay?
4. a. How is Zippy's father a negative influence on her religious views? b. How is he a positive influence on those same beliefs?
5. What was your reaction to the reaction of Zippy's family members when she told them she'd seen Jesus in the trees?
6. What purpose does page 187 serve in conveying Zippy's beliefs?
What purpose does "ESP" serve in conveying the personalities of Danny and Melinda?
What did you think of Zippy's childlike persepctive in "Interior Design"? Of the various anecdotes in this essay, which was your favorite and why?
Tonight:
"Cemetery" is another essay that is mother-centric.
1. How does Zippy portray her parents differently in this chapter than she has in previous chapters?
2. What is the reason for this new perspective on her parents?
3. How does Zippy's bicycle serve as a metaphor?
Also read...
"Drift Away"
"Reading List"
Essay Tips
The blog is accessible again, now that the new network system for CCSD is up and running. My apologies for not posting yesterday!
Today's rhetorical strategy focus was anaphora, a specific type of repetition. If repetition is a strategy you've analyzed before, remember to check and see if it's anaphora. If so, identify it as such!
Some reminders and tips about analyzing essays in class:
1. Many of you are still having trouble focusing on analysis rather than summary.
2. Remember to include the author’s name, the title of the work, and address the TAP.
3. When you identify a rhetorical strategy the author uses, give the example and then explain the effect that strategy has on the audience and how it helps convey the author’s purpose.
4. Strong opening sentences are key! Refer to the Jeff Gerke essay for tips.
Ex prompt: Analyze how Kimmel uses the death of her chicken, Speckles, to illustrate her relationship with her family.
Ex opening answer: Haven Kimmel’s portrayal of her family’s reactions to the death of her beloved chicken, Speckles, effectively conveyed how she viewed her family members to the audience. Balancing a lighthearted tone and childlike diction, Kimmel accurately captured the emotions of a devastated six year old in this humorous anecdote from “Qualities of Light, or Disasters Involving Animals,” making it clear to the reader that her father understood her better than anyone else.
Follow the formulas below to help you develop your style. As you become more comfortable with analysis, you'll be able to move away from the formula.
So, how can you improve your opening sentences?
In ____________________ (title), __________________ (author) effectively/ineffectively uses ________________ (name specific rhetorical strategies) that demonstrate/develop/show/illustrate, etc. to the audience ________________________ (the purpose).
So, how can you improve your analysis of purpose and rhetorical strategies?
______________________ (author) reinforces her ______________________ (purpose or position) with the use of ______________________ (rhetorical strategy). ___________________ (author) writes “QUOTE THE AUTHOR’S WORDS CONTAINING THE IDENTIFIED STRATEGY HERE,” which demonstrates/shows the audience (whatever it shows).
As you progress with your analysis this semester, I would expect that you will develop your own style and will not need to rely on the formula.
Today's rhetorical strategy focus was anaphora, a specific type of repetition. If repetition is a strategy you've analyzed before, remember to check and see if it's anaphora. If so, identify it as such!
Some reminders and tips about analyzing essays in class:
1. Many of you are still having trouble focusing on analysis rather than summary.
2. Remember to include the author’s name, the title of the work, and address the TAP.
3. When you identify a rhetorical strategy the author uses, give the example and then explain the effect that strategy has on the audience and how it helps convey the author’s purpose.
4. Strong opening sentences are key! Refer to the Jeff Gerke essay for tips.
Ex prompt: Analyze how Kimmel uses the death of her chicken, Speckles, to illustrate her relationship with her family.
Ex opening answer: Haven Kimmel’s portrayal of her family’s reactions to the death of her beloved chicken, Speckles, effectively conveyed how she viewed her family members to the audience. Balancing a lighthearted tone and childlike diction, Kimmel accurately captured the emotions of a devastated six year old in this humorous anecdote from “Qualities of Light, or Disasters Involving Animals,” making it clear to the reader that her father understood her better than anyone else.
Follow the formulas below to help you develop your style. As you become more comfortable with analysis, you'll be able to move away from the formula.
So, how can you improve your opening sentences?
In ____________________ (title), __________________ (author) effectively/ineffectively uses ________________ (name specific rhetorical strategies) that demonstrate/develop/show/illustrate, etc. to the audience ________________________ (the purpose).
So, how can you improve your analysis of purpose and rhetorical strategies?
______________________ (author) reinforces her ______________________ (purpose or position) with the use of ______________________ (rhetorical strategy). ___________________ (author) writes “QUOTE THE AUTHOR’S WORDS CONTAINING THE IDENTIFIED STRATEGY HERE,” which demonstrates/shows the audience (whatever it shows).
As you progress with your analysis this semester, I would expect that you will develop your own style and will not need to rely on the formula.
Friday, August 20, 2010
More on our girl Zippy
"Haunted Houses" was a loooooong chapter, I know, but the theme of life and death (and religion) was obvious. What did you all think of Zippy's dad letting her watch the dogs and cats pulled out of Edythe's house? Why do you think Kimmel dedicated such a lengthy amount of essay space to Edythe?
What do you think of the exchange between Zippy and her dad on p. 104-105 concerning Christianity?
This weekend, read through "Diner."
What do you think of the exchange between Zippy and her dad on p. 104-105 concerning Christianity?
This weekend, read through "Diner."
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Descriptive Language in Zippy
I love the way Kimmel uses diction and syntax to capture her childlike point of view. Consider these examples from "Unexpected Injuries":
p. 63: "...off we'd go, driving less than an hour to the campground, with me flying around in the back like a little wayward piece of popcorn."
p. 63: Kimmel's description of Petey immediately resonates with the audience--this is an evil child (she even acknowledges that the visual of Petey is a cliché). My favorite line in this paragraph is the one about Petey's bicycle being made of the Devil's own parts.
Other things to notice about this chapter:
1. Zippy's anecdote about the frogs (p. 62) offers a brief comment on her religious views.
2. Zippy's father, Bob, once again takes justice into his own hands when it comes to his daughter's pets.
3. Zippy's father's reaction to the Scroggs men killing the rabbits while Zippy watched. (How was this different than when Zippy watched Minnie kill her chickens?)
In "The Kindness of Strangers," what does Zippy learn about her father? How does this essay serve as a nice companion for "Favors For Friends," the essay that follows?
I love the way Kimmel describes Andy Hicks (p. 84): "There are people in this world so perfect that the fact of them feels like a personal gift, and Andy was one of those people." Did you pick up the juxtaposition between her view of Petey Scroggs and her view of Andy Hicks? We also gain some insight into the way Zippy's dad "gets" his daughter (p. 89) "I knew Dad would never mention Jiggers again, no her life or her death or her grave."
Today in class:
Practice AP Language multiple choice questions. (I don't have this available as a Google doc, so you'll have to get a copy from me tomorrow if missed class today). Expect that we will work on these once or twice a week. Closer to the end of the semester you will take several full multiple choice exams. (Your final exam, 5 percent of your grade, will be an old mulitiple choice AP Language exam).
Read "Haunted Houses" and "Professionals."
Homework: Rhetorical strategies and Friday Reading.
p. 63: "...off we'd go, driving less than an hour to the campground, with me flying around in the back like a little wayward piece of popcorn."
p. 63: Kimmel's description of Petey immediately resonates with the audience--this is an evil child (she even acknowledges that the visual of Petey is a cliché). My favorite line in this paragraph is the one about Petey's bicycle being made of the Devil's own parts.
Other things to notice about this chapter:
1. Zippy's anecdote about the frogs (p. 62) offers a brief comment on her religious views.
2. Zippy's father, Bob, once again takes justice into his own hands when it comes to his daughter's pets.
3. Zippy's father's reaction to the Scroggs men killing the rabbits while Zippy watched. (How was this different than when Zippy watched Minnie kill her chickens?)
In "The Kindness of Strangers," what does Zippy learn about her father? How does this essay serve as a nice companion for "Favors For Friends," the essay that follows?
I love the way Kimmel describes Andy Hicks (p. 84): "There are people in this world so perfect that the fact of them feels like a personal gift, and Andy was one of those people." Did you pick up the juxtaposition between her view of Petey Scroggs and her view of Andy Hicks? We also gain some insight into the way Zippy's dad "gets" his daughter (p. 89) "I knew Dad would never mention Jiggers again, no her life or her death or her grave."
Today in class:
Practice AP Language multiple choice questions. (I don't have this available as a Google doc, so you'll have to get a copy from me tomorrow if missed class today). Expect that we will work on these once or twice a week. Closer to the end of the semester you will take several full multiple choice exams. (Your final exam, 5 percent of your grade, will be an old mulitiple choice AP Language exam).
Read "Haunted Houses" and "Professionals."
Homework: Rhetorical strategies and Friday Reading.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
A Quickwrite and More on Zippy
Some notes about the theme of religion:
We didn't get to discuss this much in class today, but what Kimmel does a fantastic job of explaining her confusion about her religious beliefs in "Blood of the Lamb." Do you think Zippy's father is a positive or negative influence on her religious beliefs? He doesn't hide the fact that he hates church, but he doesn't support Zippy when she agrees with him.
p. 53: "I not only had to spend countless hours of my life worshipping a God I didn't believe in, I could even complain about it, whereas Dad just sat down in his chair and called it like he saw it."
p. 53 - 55: The anecdote about Kimmel's tricks ("I Can't Find My Other Shoe" and "I've Lost My Little Pink New Testament") to avoid church and her father's assertion that she still go.
p. 55: "When I think of getting up for church, it is always winter, but when I think of the actual walk...it is always a perfect summer day that will wither in my absence." Think about the contrast here between the symbolism of the seasons.
p. 60: The entire page provides an insight into the way Zippy views religion. What seem to be her cheif complaints at this point? Is this a natural child reaction?
Today in class:
We read "Tight Jeans and Chania Chorris" (NR, p. 304 - 308) and discussed how an author's skewed point of view can effect the way an audience reacts to a piece. The essay deals largely with Sonia Shah's conflict over her Indian and American cultures. Similarly, Henry Louis Gates, Jr.'s "In the Kitchen" offers a glimpse into African American culture, centering on anecdotes about hair. (TAP this essay and answer question 4 on page 309).
Homework:
Read "Unexpected Injuries" through "Favors for Friends".
We didn't get to discuss this much in class today, but what Kimmel does a fantastic job of explaining her confusion about her religious beliefs in "Blood of the Lamb." Do you think Zippy's father is a positive or negative influence on her religious beliefs? He doesn't hide the fact that he hates church, but he doesn't support Zippy when she agrees with him.
p. 53: "I not only had to spend countless hours of my life worshipping a God I didn't believe in, I could even complain about it, whereas Dad just sat down in his chair and called it like he saw it."
p. 53 - 55: The anecdote about Kimmel's tricks ("I Can't Find My Other Shoe" and "I've Lost My Little Pink New Testament") to avoid church and her father's assertion that she still go.
p. 55: "When I think of getting up for church, it is always winter, but when I think of the actual walk...it is always a perfect summer day that will wither in my absence." Think about the contrast here between the symbolism of the seasons.
p. 60: The entire page provides an insight into the way Zippy views religion. What seem to be her cheif complaints at this point? Is this a natural child reaction?
Today in class:
We read "Tight Jeans and Chania Chorris" (NR, p. 304 - 308) and discussed how an author's skewed point of view can effect the way an audience reacts to a piece. The essay deals largely with Sonia Shah's conflict over her Indian and American cultures. Similarly, Henry Louis Gates, Jr.'s "In the Kitchen" offers a glimpse into African American culture, centering on anecdotes about hair. (TAP this essay and answer question 4 on page 309).
Homework:
Read "Unexpected Injuries" through "Favors for Friends".
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Zippy..."Julie Hit Me Three Times" through "Blood of the Lamb"
Today in class we discussed what characterizes Kimmel's style of writing. Something you all noticed was how easily the author conveys a childlike tone through use of observation, detail, anecdotes and diction. Did you happen to notice hyperbole in every other sentence? (wink, wink) Personally, I love Kimmel's use of imagery. ("Kai turned out to be the color of coins falling from a winter sky," p. 19 is certainly more compelling than "Kai was gray.")
Particularly, we discussed the relationship Kimmel conveys with her father. It's pretty obvious which parent she favors over the other. Her father seems to be indulgent and free spirited while her mother seems to be the enforcer of rules. What child wouldn't favor the parent that gained her admission into the mafia and wreaked havoc on the dogs who would dare to eat her beloved Speckles?
Continue taking copius notes and expect a 5 minute write some time soon (like, oh I don't know...tomorrow perhaps!) In the next section of assigned reading, pay attention to the relationship Zippy has with her brother and sister as well as her contradicting views on religion.
Today's reading:
"Julie Hit Me Three Times"
"Daniel"
"There She Is"
"Blood of the Lamb"
Particularly, we discussed the relationship Kimmel conveys with her father. It's pretty obvious which parent she favors over the other. Her father seems to be indulgent and free spirited while her mother seems to be the enforcer of rules. What child wouldn't favor the parent that gained her admission into the mafia and wreaked havoc on the dogs who would dare to eat her beloved Speckles?
Continue taking copius notes and expect a 5 minute write some time soon (like, oh I don't know...tomorrow perhaps!) In the next section of assigned reading, pay attention to the relationship Zippy has with her brother and sister as well as her contradicting views on religion.
Today's reading:
"Julie Hit Me Three Times"
"Daniel"
"There She Is"
"Blood of the Lamb"
Monday, August 16, 2010
Hyperbole and A Girl Named Zippy
Rhetorical Strategy focus today: Hyperbole is one of the most familiar rhetorical strategies that you didn't even realize you were familiar with. Using extrememe exaggeration as its focus, hyperbole is only effective if the audience understands the author doesn't intend to be taken literally.
Haven Kimmel's A Girl Named Zippy
As you read, use either post-it notes or the margins and take thorough annotations on the following motifs of the memoir. Please note; essays and 5 minute writes will be based upon items #2 - #4, with the expectation that you use examples of rhetorical strategies to make your points.
1. reoccurring rhetorical strategies
2. Zippy’s relationship with family and friends
3. Zippy’s views of small town life
4. Zippy’s view of religion
The following assignment is due the day after reading that chapter. You will select TWO rhetorical strategies per chapter, including the chapters read and discussed in class. So, if we read two chapters in class and you read two for homework, you would turn in eight rhetorical strategies. All work should be typed, double-spaced, 10-12 point font.For each chapter, note rhetorical strategies Kimmel uses to develop her theme/purpose. For each strategy include the following:
a. Name and definition
b. The example of the strategy from the book, including the page number.
c. A sentence or two evaluating the effectiveness of the strategy.
Example:
a. IMAGERY: Use of language to convey sensory experience, most often through the creation of pictorial images through figurative language.
b. page 24 -25. “I have never in my life seen kinder or more sparkly eyes than hers, and every time she gave me the silencing look I realized how much she knew that I would never know. The arc of that piglet through the air into the dog pen contained more comedy than I will ever see again in my life, but my heart still ached.”
c. Kimmel’s use of diction in this paragraph: “sparkly,” “silencing,” and “the arc of the piglet” are effective in that the reader is able to identify the emotion Zippy felt when the pig died. Specifically, the use of “silencing look” to describe Julie’s reaction lets the reader know that, in Julie’s opinion, there was no choice but to feed the piglet to the dogs and that Zippy should have no averse opinion in the matter.
Please note: You may only use a specific rhetorical strategy ONCE per homework assignment (not ONCE per chapter).
Tonight:
Read through "Qualities of Light, or Disasters Involving Animals." Include rhetorical strategies for "Baby Book," "Hair," "The Lion," and "Qualities..."
Haven Kimmel's A Girl Named Zippy
As you read, use either post-it notes or the margins and take thorough annotations on the following motifs of the memoir. Please note; essays and 5 minute writes will be based upon items #2 - #4, with the expectation that you use examples of rhetorical strategies to make your points.
1. reoccurring rhetorical strategies
2. Zippy’s relationship with family and friends
3. Zippy’s views of small town life
4. Zippy’s view of religion
The following assignment is due the day after reading that chapter. You will select TWO rhetorical strategies per chapter, including the chapters read and discussed in class. So, if we read two chapters in class and you read two for homework, you would turn in eight rhetorical strategies. All work should be typed, double-spaced, 10-12 point font.For each chapter, note rhetorical strategies Kimmel uses to develop her theme/purpose. For each strategy include the following:
a. Name and definition
b. The example of the strategy from the book, including the page number.
c. A sentence or two evaluating the effectiveness of the strategy.
Example:
a. IMAGERY: Use of language to convey sensory experience, most often through the creation of pictorial images through figurative language.
b. page 24 -25. “I have never in my life seen kinder or more sparkly eyes than hers, and every time she gave me the silencing look I realized how much she knew that I would never know. The arc of that piglet through the air into the dog pen contained more comedy than I will ever see again in my life, but my heart still ached.”
c. Kimmel’s use of diction in this paragraph: “sparkly,” “silencing,” and “the arc of the piglet” are effective in that the reader is able to identify the emotion Zippy felt when the pig died. Specifically, the use of “silencing look” to describe Julie’s reaction lets the reader know that, in Julie’s opinion, there was no choice but to feed the piglet to the dogs and that Zippy should have no averse opinion in the matter.
Please note: You may only use a specific rhetorical strategy ONCE per homework assignment (not ONCE per chapter).
Tonight:
Read through "Qualities of Light, or Disasters Involving Animals." Include rhetorical strategies for "Baby Book," "Hair," "The Lion," and "Qualities..."
Friday, August 13, 2010
"Why I Live in a Small Town"
While Aldrich's essay, "Why I Live in a Small Town," describes a different sort of life than Capote's portrayal of small town Holcolm (and as you'll discover Monday, Haven Kimmel's description of small town Moreland, Indiana), there are similarities between the citizens and the culture of these places. Think about that as you read.
Questions for homework:
1. TAP. Include two examples of evidence from the essay to support each part of TAP.
2. Aldrich arranges her essay into several sections. What is the purpose of this arrangement and how to these sections connect with one another?
3. Aldrich wrote this essay in 1933. Cite three words or phrases from the essay that hint at this era. For each word or phrase, explain its meaning in Aldrich’s time and contrast its meaning today.
4. Contrast Aldrich's ideas about small town life with city life.
Questions for homework:
1. TAP. Include two examples of evidence from the essay to support each part of TAP.
2. Aldrich arranges her essay into several sections. What is the purpose of this arrangement and how to these sections connect with one another?
3. Aldrich wrote this essay in 1933. Cite three words or phrases from the essay that hint at this era. For each word or phrase, explain its meaning in Aldrich’s time and contrast its meaning today.
4. Contrast Aldrich's ideas about small town life with city life.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
TAP that AP Lang!
Since you're all on Facebook, join our AP Language group, TAP that AP Lang!
This is where we will have written discussions over assigned readings, etc., however, this blog is the PRIMARY site for information on the course. I will post the details of assignments as well as document links to assignments and related readings here. The purpose of the FB group is to ask for clarifications on readings, rhetoric, and to see to what your classmates think. If you have questions you need immediate answers to, please remember to email me at sarah.wheatley@cobbk12.org (before 5 p.m.) OR saritawheatley@gmail.com (after 5 p.m.).
This is where we will have written discussions over assigned readings, etc., however, this blog is the PRIMARY site for information on the course. I will post the details of assignments as well as document links to assignments and related readings here. The purpose of the FB group is to ask for clarifications on readings, rhetoric, and to see to what your classmates think. If you have questions you need immediate answers to, please remember to email me at sarah.wheatley@cobbk12.org (before 5 p.m.) OR saritawheatley@gmail.com (after 5 p.m.).
An essay test on Monday would be cold blooded, so...
Here's a reminder on what to analyze from Capote's book for Monday's analysis:
1. Capote's use of syntax and parallelism
2. How Capote's use of diction elicits sympathy for Perry and Dick (and whether or not he focuses his sympathies on one more than the other)
3. A characterization of Capote's writing style in general (excessive adjectives, imagery, character descriptions, etc.)
Remember to make all notes in the text or on post-its--other notes will not be allowed for the essay.
p.s. Who can identify the rhetorical strategy used in the title of this blog post?
1. Capote's use of syntax and parallelism
2. How Capote's use of diction elicits sympathy for Perry and Dick (and whether or not he focuses his sympathies on one more than the other)
3. A characterization of Capote's writing style in general (excessive adjectives, imagery, character descriptions, etc.)
Remember to make all notes in the text or on post-its--other notes will not be allowed for the essay.
p.s. Who can identify the rhetorical strategy used in the title of this blog post?
AP Language Syllabus and Handy Guide to Rhetorical Strategies
Hello wonderful AP Langers!
I am thrilled to have you in class this semester. I love reading and writing, and I love that my job as a teacher allows me to share this with you.
Here's a link to the documents handed out the first day of school:
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Syllabus Remember to purchase the books for the course as soon as possible so you can save money and be prepared. We'll start "A Girl Named Zippy" next week. There are enough classroom copies, so you don't need to purchase this book.
In case you need another copy, here is my Handy Guide to Rhetorical Strategies.On the first day of class, we read a copy of Leonard Pitts, Jr.'s "We'll Go Foward From This Moment," and we began discussing how authors use rhetoric to convey TAP (Tone, Audience, and Purpose) effectively. Refer to this PowerPoint if you want to review the suggestions for analysis.
Remember to always take note of the way an author uses tone and diction to convey purpose to the audience. When analyzing the specifics of an author's diction, be sure to note the connotations of the abstract and concrete language as well as any appeals the author makes to ethos, pathos and logos.
I am thrilled to have you in class this semester. I love reading and writing, and I love that my job as a teacher allows me to share this with you.
Here's a link to the documents handed out the first day of school:
Advanced Placement English Language and Composition Syllabus Remember to purchase the books for the course as soon as possible so you can save money and be prepared. We'll start "A Girl Named Zippy" next week. There are enough classroom copies, so you don't need to purchase this book.
In case you need another copy, here is my Handy Guide to Rhetorical Strategies.On the first day of class, we read a copy of Leonard Pitts, Jr.'s "We'll Go Foward From This Moment," and we began discussing how authors use rhetoric to convey TAP (Tone, Audience, and Purpose) effectively. Refer to this PowerPoint if you want to review the suggestions for analysis.
Remember to always take note of the way an author uses tone and diction to convey purpose to the audience. When analyzing the specifics of an author's diction, be sure to note the connotations of the abstract and concrete language as well as any appeals the author makes to ethos, pathos and logos.
New Semester, New Blog Posts
If you’ve been to my blog before, you’ll notice that the posts from last semester are missing…new semester, new blog. If you want specific information or documents from last semester, feel free to email me at sarah.wheatley@cobbk12.org or saritawheatley@gmail.com and I’ll happily send them your way.
Cheers and have a fabulous semester!
Ms. Wheatley
Cheers and have a fabulous semester!
Ms. Wheatley
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