Stable Wording for AP Lang Prompts Starting with the 2020 Exam | Coach Hall Writes

Summary

In this informative video, Coach Hall discusses the stable wording for the AP Language and Composition exam prompts starting in 2020. The College Board has streamlined the phrasing to enhance continuity and aid in preparation. The video covers the three main essay types: synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argument essays. For the synthesis essay, students must cite at least three sources and develop a position with a defensible thesis. The rhetorical analysis essay requires students to analyze a given passage, considering the rhetorical situation and the impact of the author's choices. Lastly, the argument essay prompts students to assert their position on a quote's issue, supported by a logical argument with specific evidence. Coach Hall emphasizes the importance of using appropriate grammar and punctuation and offers tips for writing an academic essay, including avoiding filler words and cliches. The video concludes with an encouragement to subscribe for more exam preparation tips.

Takeaways

• 📝 The College Board has standardized the wording for AP Lang prompts starting in 2020 to create more continuity.
• 📚 For the synthesis essay (Question 1), students must cite at least three different sources, not multiple citations from the same source.
• 💡 Students are expected to develop a position and argument on the issue at hand, not just summarize the sources.
• 🧐 A defensible thesis is crucial for the synthesis essay, and students should aim for strong evidence and commentary to support it.
• 📉 Filler words, cliches, and misused sophisticated words should be avoided in academic writing.
• 🎓 The rhetorical analysis essay (Question 2) requires students to analyze a given passage's rhetorical choices and their impact.
• 📜 Passages for the rhetorical analysis are typically 600-800 words and can vary in format, such as speeches, letters, essays, or articles.
• 🔍 The prompt will provide the rhetorical situation, including full name, birth and death dates, and the year of publication or speech.
• ✍️ For the argument essay (Question 3), students should assert their own position on the issue presented by the quote, not just defend or qualify.
• 🔑 A defensible thesis and specific evidence are required for a strong argument essay, with a focus on a logical and coherent argument.
• ⚖️ Students should ensure their evidence and commentary are relevant and directly support their thesis for all three essay prompts.

Q & A

What is the main change the College Board has made to the AP Lang prompts starting in 2020?

The College Board has decided to streamline the phrasing of the prompts to create more continuity, making the wording more stable across different years.

What is a synthesis essay?

A synthesis essay is a type of essay where students are given multiple sources and are required to cite at least three sources in their essay, creating an argument with those sources.

What does 'develops a position' mean in the context of the synthesis essay?

Developing a position means creating developed thoughts and an argument on the issue at hand, rather than just summarizing the sources.

What are the key elements of a strong synthesis essay?

A strong synthesis essay will have multiple claims supported by evidence and commentary that relates back to the thesis.

Why is it important to avoid filler words and cliches in an academic essay?

Filler words and cliches can detract from the sophistication and clarity of an essay, making it sound less academic and potentially misrepresenting the writer's argument.

What is the purpose of the rhetorical analysis essay in the AP Lang exam?

The purpose of the rhetorical analysis essay is to analyze a given passage, examining the author's use of rhetorical choices and their impact on the rhetorical situation.

What is the approximate word count for the passages in the rhetorical analysis essay section?

The passages are approximately 600 to 800 words in length.

How should students approach the evidence in their rhetorical analysis essay?

Students should select and use appropriate evidence, which can be a paraphrase or a direct quotation, and ensure that the evidence supports their line of reasoning.

What are the three options that students could be presented with for the rhetorical analysis essay prompt?

The three options are related to how the essay question could be phrased, focusing on the analysis of rhetorical choices and their impact on the rhetorical situation.

What is the acronym SOAPSTone or SPACECAT used for in the context of rhetorical analysis?

SOAPSTone or SPACECAT are acronyms that help students understand and analyze the rhetorical situation by keeping in mind elements such as Speaker, Purpose, Audience, Subject, Tone, and Occasion.

What is the key difference between the rhetorical analysis essay and the argument essay in the AP Lang exam?

The rhetorical analysis essay focuses on analyzing a given passage and its rhetorical choices, while the argument essay requires students to assert their own position on an issue and support it with evidence and commentary.

Why is it crucial for students to have a defensible thesis in the argument essay?

A defensible thesis is crucial because it provides a clear position on the issue and serves as the foundation for the student's argument, guiding the selection and analysis of evidence.