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Summer Writing
Standards
Short
Essays on the Literary Works (Pithy Quotes)
The short essays
should be based upon important sections or quotes that you find
in each literary work. A Philosophy student suggested this kind
of writing assignment to me in 1996. She explained that she learned
more when she decided what was important or Òpithy.Ó (The pith
of a plant is that center part of the stem that contains and carries
nutrients to the rest of the plant; hence it is its most rich
and important part.) Since
then the Pithy Quote assignment has been a big part of my course
instruction.
Many students
like the freedom to choose what they think is important or meaningful
in a reading and apply it to their own lives. They say that the
responsibility of judging what is important and having to defend
that judgment enables them to learn more personally and better.
The pithy quote
assignment has three parts. The first is to find a section of
the reading that you find to be important or meaningful and quote
it directly. The second part is to explain the meaning of the
quote in the context of the overall reading. The third part is
to relate a personal connection to the quote, in effect explaining
how and why this quote is meaningful to you personally or to the
overall work.
I have never given
out examples or models of pithy quote assignments because I feel
that they tend to overly define quality in that assignment and
some students are intimidated by such exemplary work. I want you
to be guided by my instructions, but to search for and find internal
standards of quality. You may read the pithy quotes of others
or ask me as many questions about the assignment as you feel the
need, but ultimately, I believe you know and can recognize when
you have done quality work.
Minimum
Quality Standards:
á
The essay contains the chosen section
of writing with the chapter identified, the essay explains the
context of the quoted section, and the essay explains why the
quote was chosen, and some analysis of the use of effective language.
á
The essay is typed and exhibits
mastery of the conventions of standard written English.
á
The essay is interesting to read.
á
The essay is a minimum of 180 words.
á
The booklet contains 15 short essays
following this pithy quote standard.
Rhetorical Devices Identification
This
assignment is intended to familiarize you with some key rhetorical
devices. The AP Language and Composition exam concentrates not
only on the meaning of literature, but also how authors use language
to convey that meaning. It requires close readings of selections
and sharp analytical skill. In this section I would like you to
identify examples from the readings of ten of the rhetorical devices
attached to this packet. You should write down the selection from
the readings, identify the rhetorical device, and explain how
that selection is an example of the device.
You are required to identify 15 rhetorical devices in all,
so you may repeat some of the devices.
Literary Essay
The
literary essay assignment is intended to test your ability to
analyze literature, utilizing skills you will need for the AP
exam. It requires that you identify quotes from "Self-Reliance"
that connect to the characters, symbols and/or theme of the novels.
You should extract quotations from the essay and clearly
explain their applications to the novels. You should see
connections and Emersonian influences in both of the novels.
By
far, this essay will dominate the summer workÕs grade. Put your
best effort into this part.
Minimum
Quality Standards:
á
The essay addresses the assignment
and contains multiple references to the text of the works.
á
The essay is typed and exhibits
mastery of the conventions of standard written English.
á
The essay is interesting to read.
á
The essay exhibits the writerÕs
ability to analyze literature.
Academic Honesty Policy
I
assume that all of your work will be original. No comprehension
aids or internet sources should be needed for these assignments.
If you are not sure how to complete the writings, e-mail or call
me for help. |