Synthesis of Course Material #4

Writing and other test taking skills are something we learned in AP Lit

When writing an open prompt you should….
• Don’t read the list it might mess you
• Pick a work based on the question
• Don’t ignore pre-question stuff; it’s the starting point
• Label all the goals of the prompt
• Prove everything
• ALWAYS have meaning
• Pick a work you know
• Write a thesis that addresses the goals, includes a why, includes a theme and meaning
• Try a broad opening sentence followed by a bridge to your thesis
• Your topic sentences should be able to stand by itself
• Put 3 pieces of evidence in each paragraph
• Conclude each paragraph with a little flash of meaning
• Plain style

TAP
• Thesis Answers Prompt

Talking with the Text

Think Aloud
A. Go back and forth with a partner reading lines and stopping every few seconds to discuss and ask questions

Annotation
A. 1st read through
a. Vocabulary
b. Odd words
c. Elements of style
B. 2nd read through
a. Patterns, words and ideas that are linked
b. Shifts in viewpoint or tone
c. Themes
d. Pose questions
C. 3rd read through
a. Write for 3-5 min about the section

Graphic Organizer
A. Paraphrase
B. Identify literary element
C. Consider its effects

Analyzing
A. Ask “how” questions
B. Look above!!!

Developing a Thesis Statement
A. Needs to…
a. Focus on specific characteristics of the poem’s style and structure
b. Recognize complexity

Organizing a Close Analysis Essay
A. Do what you want basically
4. Integrating Quotations
A. Use a quote and a few sentences of explanation for it


Working with Two Texts: The Comparison and Contrast Essay
1. Developing a Thesis Statement (Remember the prompt! & Look at deeper differences)
2. Organizing a C&C Essay (Text-by-Text & Element-by-Element)