Watch this video for Wed., 3/15

HW Due Tomorrow: Watch this video for an introduction to the poetry task on the AP Lit & Comp Exam. AP Lit Poetry Overview

Preview for AP Lit & Comp Poetry Essay Writing. This will be reviewed in class tomorrow.
As we discussed in class, the poetry prompts ask students to recognize how literary devices contribute to a poem's larger message. Refer to our poetic terms.
Poetry Prompt How-Tos:

• Read prompt CAREFULLY. Take a minute to identify key words/paraphrase what is being asked of you. If you misunderstand the prompt, the essay will not help you pass the test.
• Read poem, annotate while reading. Mark up for facts (literary devices), themes, key ideas.
• Identify how the poem evolves (beginning, middle, end). How does the extended metaphor begin, continue, and end?
• Write a brief outline (in 3 minutes or less). Write a thesis and how you will prove it with text evidence and analysis.
• Write.

1. Avoid long, involved introductions. Get to the point with a well-crafted thesis that addresses the prompt.
2. Directly quote the poem, early and often. Use the text to prove your thesis and each point you make.
3. Vary language (diction) and sentence structure and punctuation (syntax).
4. Use appropriate and stylized transitions to move from thought to thought, paragraph to paragraph.
5. Do not generalize. Be as specific as possible. Avoid vague language. The AP Reader will not have a chance to ask you, "what did you mean?" or "can you be more specific?".
6. Write in PRESENT TENSE and maintain it throughout the essay. Watch GRAMMAR, SPELLING, PUNCTUATION, USAGE, etc. Errors will bring your score down.
7. Make sure you are addressing: "so what?" "and how?" "why?"
8. Don't worry about a conclusion, you just usually end up repeating yourself. 
9. Go back over your essay quickly to check for and correct mistakes, clarify vague ideas, etc.
10. The AP Reader understands this is a timed essay and that you are writing about a passage you may not have seen before, and answering a prompt you didn't plan for in advance of the test. They are also looking for what you do RIGHT. Give them lots of reasons to give you points!

Here is a sample poetry prompt, with sample answers and College Board rationale as to why they were scored as they were:
2006 Poetry Prompt (page 2 of document)
2006 AP Poetry Prompt Scoring Rubric
2006 Poetry Essay Sample Papers and Scores