Chips

As we moved swiftly along in the course of AP English, one of the fun, and more entertaining activities was the fish-bowl activity. We formed a circle of people to discuss a book or piece of literature we were previously required to read. We looked for rhetorical devices and the author’s deeper meanings. We were able to see what others thought on the topic or piece of work.

Speaking-students shall demonstrate effective oral communication skills to express ideas and to present information.

Listening-Students shall demonstrate effective listening skills in formal and informal settings to facilitate communication.

Conventions-Students shall apply knowledge of Standard English conventions in written work.

Towards the end of the year of AP English, our teacher broke us into groups to discuss books that each group was assigned to read. The books were required to be “marked up” with rhetorical devices that were found, then discussed in our “lit circles.” This discussion allowed us to see what others viewed in the book as far as what the author was trying to say in a complex way.

Speaking Students shall demonstrate effective oral communication skills to express ideas and to present information.

Listening Students shall demonstrate effective listening skills in formal and informal settings to facilitate communication.

Variety of Text Students shall read, examine, and respond to a wide range of texts for a variety of purposes.

Comprehension Students shall apply a variety of strategies to read and comprehend printed material. 

Syntax Video

As a semester test review, our class was divided into several groups and asked to make a video modeling one of six topics. My group was assigned syntax, and we made a creative explanation of syntax. We used voice recordings, music, and video. We then presented our class with the video on the simple ins and outs of writing a syntax essay. It was a very detailed project. I never knew how hard making a simple video was.

Technology Operations and Concepts—Understand and use technology systems; select and use applications effectively and productively; transfer current knowledge to learning of new technologies

Near the end of my AP English class, we began writing arguments. Throughout the process of writing an argumentative essay, I researched a topic, elaborated on the topic, while also giving opposing viewpoints. This process helped me develop a style of my own while also being able to discuss both issues of a topic.

Price Holmes April 23, 2008 AP English

    John Gray’s view of the measure of success for men and women in his book Men Are From Mars, Women are From Venus are completely true stereotypes when he states “a man’s sense of self is defined through his ability to achieve results. A woman’s sense of self is defined through her feelings and the quality of her relationships.” Gray’s statement could not be closer to the truth of the steretypical woman in a society where men are placed on an altar and women expected to clean that altar. But this should not be an accepted stereotype. This view of a woman as a lesser being compared to a man is completely and morally wrong.

     To think that only a man’s success can be defined through “achieving results” and “a women’s sense of self is defined through her feelings and the quality of her relationships” is absolutely absurd. Women, when given the opportunity, are just as adequate, capable, and competent as men. For example the U.S. Secretary of State, Condoleeza Rice, is a woman. A woman that is the President’s unmatched confidant. A woman that has risen from the depths. A woman that sits near the top of a male dominated profession. But, according to Gray, shouldn’t a woman’s sense of self only be confined to her “feelings and quality of relationships”? How about Oprah Winfrey? With an Academy Award nomination, top rated television show, her own magazine, and her own cable channel, is it fair to place her in one camp or the other? Does she need to be catagorized as a “sucessful woman” or a “sucessful man”? Can people just view her as a successful person?

     Susan B. Anthony was one of the most influential leaders of the woman suffrage movement in the late 1800’s. I wonder if she thought that the demeaning, degrading, and debasing views slammed against women would exist over one-hundred years later? When I hear about the painfully too common single mother working three jobs just to keep her family afloat, I am embarassed. Embarassed to know that I belong to a society, or to many men, an aristocracy, viewing man as the dominant being. There is room to change this horrible trend.

     But there is hope. Through women support groups and foundations, the time has come to ”make justice a reality for all of God’s children.” These words were spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who spoke out for the equality of all people no matter what color their skin was or what gender they were.  Women and men, of all races and religions should come together and live life in harmony as one. United we stand, divided we fall. No more false assumptions and accusations because of gender, but united as people. Or we will fall back into the cracks of prehistoric human, void of humanity and dignity. Views like the one John Gray posesses should not, cannot not, and will not be accepted by anyone who wants change and wants progression. John Gray, and others who share his beliefs will follow their own paths to degression.

Over the course of AP English, in preparation for the AP English exam, our teacher divided us into groups to analyze advertisements in magazines to determine what rhetorical strategies or devices the company used to sell their product. After completing this project, not only am I better at analyzing the true meaning of different visual ads, but I also have noticed a multitude of rhetorical devices on menus, billboards, and slogans for companies. I thought that was really neat, and sometimes funny.

E-Circle Questions 

During this year of AP English, we were required to read classics such as The Great Gatsby to books about the life working a low-income job. We were split up into groups of around 4, and each member was assigned a date to post questions over the reading. These “e-circle” questions helped develop conversation about the books and understand others views over the readings while developing much needed communication skills.

Comprehension– Students shall apply a variety of strategies to read and comprehend printed material.

Media Literacy– Students shall demostrate knowledge and understanding of media as a mode of communication.

During the fleeting course of AP English, I have had the wonderful opportunity of learning how to analyze an author’s work, and truly grasp the concept of his or her piece of writing. The most recent style analysis essay I composed was on Virginia Woolf’s Passionate for Women.Through analyzing Woolf’s work, I recieved a better comprehension of her meaning. Through her metaphors, through her alliteration, through her tone….through all of her rhetoric I was able to understand her view.

Foundations of Reading: Students shall apply concepts of print, acquire knowledge of spoken words and understand the relationship of speech to print as they develop a foundation for literacy.

Research/Inquiry Process: Students shall engage in inquiry and research to address questions, to make judgments about credibility, and to communicate ideas in ways that suit the purpose and audience.

Variety of Text: Students shall read, examine and respond to a wide range of texts for a variety of purposes.

Comprehension: Students shall apply a variety of strategies to read and comprehend printed material.

Nearing the end of my junior year of AP English, I believe I am a far superior student compared to when I began this year. My range of vocabulary has taken great strides in becoming an advanced writer. Most of these strides can be credited to the vocabulary lists our class received every week. The study and test of these vocabulary words have developed my vocabulary, and have strengthened my vocabulary(all of which will help me on the AP English exam).

Vocabulary, Word Study, Fluency-Students shall aquire and apply skills in vocabulary development and word analysis to be able to read fluently.

Playoff System Blog Post     Darren McFadden Blog Post

I have learned so much over the past year of AP English, mainley due to blogging. After establishing my blog, I quickly found out how important blogs are. My blog is a place where I feel the freedom to express my ideas, my thoughts, and my plans for our world. I also have insight from others, including my teacher, on what I have done wrong in my writing, or simple insight on their view of the issue. Feeling comfortable and free to express my ideas on my blog have translated into my everyday writing, and I feel as though I have blossomed as a writer.

Inquiring/Research
Research/Inquiry Process: Students shall engage in inquiry and research to address questions, to make judgements about credibility, and to communicate ideas in ways that suit the purpose and audience.
Communication and Collaboration:
Students use digital media and enviroments to communicate and work collaboratively, includin at a distance, to support individual learning and contribiute to the learning of others.
Digital Citizenship:
Students shall understand human, cultural, and societal issuses related to technology and practice legal and ethical behavior.

Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making:
Students use critical thinking skills to plan and conduct research, manage projects, solve problems, and make informed decisions using appropriate digital tools and resources.