The closed prompt is simple: answer the question. The prompt simply asks a question, and the goal is to answer said question through literature. This question involves (a) work(s) of literature, and any literature of merit can be used, such as Pride and Prejudice, Ceremony, and any other work that we have studied in class. (Unfortunately, Harry Potter is not included in this list...)
Using examples and details from the pieces of literature, the answer should be answered to its fullest extent, but remember to not be too wordy, yet still complete the task!
The open prompt is a bit different. In the open prompt, readers will be given a passage to read and analyze. Instead of using additional works of literature to analyze this, readers use DIDLS (Diction, Imagery, Details, Language, and Syntax) to delve deeper into the text to understand the author's perspective, as well as the meaning behind the text. There isn't quite a question to be answered for this prompt, but it is important to fully explain the text. Usually, we use three parts of DIDLS to assist us to achieve a decently detailed essay.
Plain Style is the style of writing that we have learned to write in. Writing in plain style means to write in language that isn't too simple but isn't too complex. Overusing high level vocabulary doesn't help, and AP readers most likely don't want to see high schoolers writing like a Graduate student! Too many adjectives and adverbs aren't necessary either; they complicate the writing. (Compare "the great, pearly shiny opalescent blue balloon" to "the blue balloon". Both mean the same thing, but one gets the message across much faster).
Another point about the plain style of writing is lessening repetition and wordiness. ("I read the book. The book I read was good. It was good because I liked it." as compared to "The book I read was good because I liked it". The second one makes much more sense, and complies with plain style writing.)
Most importantly, remember to write both the close and open prompt essays with plain style!
Good summaries of the writing topics we have covered. I also included sections on the open and closed prompt, since those are going to be rather prominent on our exam. You might want to include what we learned about introductions (how it goes from a broad statement, to an introduction of the topic, then the thesis), just so you can remember that for when we actually write them. Other than that, good plain style notes as well!
ReplyDeleteit's funny, when I started reading your paragraph on "plain style" I actually forgot what it was! Is that bad? I definitely think so! Luckily you've written a really thorough couple of paragraphs and I see that I can be reminded about what we've done this year very well from you.
ReplyDeleteYou mixed up "open" and "closed" prompt. Also, you might want to add in some specifics about TAP and such--otherwise, good work here.
ReplyDelete