AP English--Factors that Contribute to a Lower Grade on the Argumentative Essay

Argument Over a Card Game, Jan Steen (no date)

Factors that Contribute to a Lower Grade on the AP English Argumentative Essay

These are musings/thoughts of mine, not those of The College Board.

1. There are too few examples (aim for at least 5 specific examples).

2. The example you provide for your argument is inappropriate, illogical, vague, weak, or "a stretch."

3. You do not sufficiently explain/elaborate on how your example relates to the thesis. You fail to make a good point or comment about the example you provide.

4. Your essay digresses (gets off track). You do not stick to the thesis. It is helpful to repeat key words from the prompt (or synonyms for words from the prompt) within the body of your essay to keep you focused. Do not lose sight of the prompt and the text before you.

5. Your examples are vague and non-specific. Specificity is key! Avoid vague phrases: "They say . . ." "People sometimes do . . ." For example, instead of writing, "Some magazines . . . ," specify the title of the magazine and the specific article. For example, instead of writing, "Politicians do . . . ," specify which politician, the date, and at what event, etc.

6. Your essay is poorly organized and lacks a cohesive structure.

7. Your ideas/arguments/points are not sufficiently developed, explained, or clarified.

8. The essay is not comprehensive enough (simply too short).

9. Too many careless mistakes in form, syntax, mechanics, spelling, and grammar.

Analysis of "How It Feels to Be Colored Me" by Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston, an important voice of the Harlem Renaissance, was an American folklorist, anthropologist, and novelist best known for her work, Their Eyes Were Watching God. Sadly, she died in 1960 after suffering financial and medical difficulties. In 1973, Alice Walker, another famous American writer, "rediscovered" Hurston and promoted her body of work. In the classic essay, "How It Feels to Be Colored Me," Hurston explores the idea that all of us have multiple selves, depending upon the context and environments in which we find ourselves. Hurston's writing has an ebullience, self-assertiveness, and pride that is particularly evident in this text. She was a flamboyant and dramatic personality, at times clashing with fellow writers from the Harlem Renaissance, who believed that black Americans should use their art to speak out against racial oppression and the white majority. Hurston chose not to align herself with the political ideologies of ot...

All Classes--Analysis Activity for Texts. (Only do when assigned)

You will complete the following tasks.

Class Rules and Expectations

Until we are back on campus in the 2020-21 school year, adhere to the virtual behavior guidelines posted on Canvas. Follow uniform, ID badge, and safety rules. Do not be late for class. When you enter the classroom, copy the Agenda, the Word of the Day, and the Writing/Grammar Point of the Day. Place any homework on the table.

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