AP Lang Content Exam rvw

The main points from the exam review guide. Those includes the class material other than tone words and rhetorical devices that we covered in class, so SPACECAT, multiple choice practices, the argument writing rubric, and CHORES. You can also use this during the year and just practice with what you are currently learning.

What does the “S” in “SPACECAT” stand for?

SPEAKER: Who is the speaker/writer? What do we know about them? What can you tell or what do you know about the speaker that helps you understand the point of view expressed?

What does the “P” in “SPACECAT” stand for?

PURPOSE: What is the speaker/writer hoping to accomplish? What is the reason behind this piece? What do they want the audience to do after having listened? A lot of the time, this answer will begin with an infinitive verb. (ex: to convince, to remind, to suggest…)

What does the first “A” in “SPACECAT” stand for?

AUDIENCE: Who is the speaker/writer trying to reach? How do we know? Do they indicate a specific audience? What assumptions exist in the text about the intended audience?

What does the first “C” in “SPACECAT” stand for?

CONTEXT: What is the time and place of this piece? What is happening in the world as it relates to the subject of the speech or the speaker/writer?

What does the “E” in “SPACECAT” stand for?

EXIGENCE: What was the spark or catalyst that moved the speaker/writer to act/write? How did that event impact the speaker/writer?

What does the second “C” in “SPACECAT” stand for?

CHOICES: What are the rhetorical choices that the speaker/writer makes in the speech? Think about overall structure, (rhetorical) devices, diction (tone), syntax, etc.

What does the second “A” in “SPACECAT” stand for?

APPEALS: Which of the three rhetorical appeals (ethos, logos, pathos) are present in the text? Where? Why?

What does the “T” in “SPACECAT” stand for?

TONE: What is the speaker/author’s attitude toward the subject? Is the tone the same throughout the whole piece? Where does it shift? What evidence is there to demonstrate the tone

What is the difference between context and exigence?

Context is what is going on in the world or went on that relates and influences the speaker’s stance.

Exigence is the dark or catalyst that pushed/inspired the speaker to speak/act.

What are some helpful tips for answering writing questions?

Don’t read the ?’s beforehand, they are way too detailed. You can read the passage really quickly, since you will need to go back with each ?, so all you really need is to get the basic gist.

What are some helpful tips for answering reading questions?

Skim through the questions first so that you can be keeping a look out for where they are answered in the passage. Also, personification gives something more power.

What are the things we kept track of with the multiple choice practices?

Date, # correct, # correct out of total, % correct, passage details (summary), vocab notes, and comments/insights.

In an argument essay, what is Row A about, and what are its requirements ?

Thesis: Responds to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible claim.

In an argument essay, what is Row B about, and what are its requirements ?

Evidence and Commentary: Provides specific evidence to support all claims in a line of reasoning. Consistently explains how the evidence supports a line of reasoning.

In an argument essay, what is Row C about, and what are its requirements ?

Sophistication: Demonstrates sophistication of thought and/or a complex understanding of the Rhetorical situation.

What things can earn the sophistication point?

1. crafting a nuanced argument by consistently identifying and exploring complexities or tensions.

2. articulating the implications or limitations of an argument by situating it within a broader context.

3. making effective rhetorical choices that consistently strengthen the force and impact of the student’s argument.

4. employing a style that is consistently vivid and persuasive.

What does the “C” in “CHORES” stand for?

CURRENT EVENTS: Consider how _______ has influenced or been reflected in recent events around the country or even the world.

What does the “H” in “CHORES” stand for?

HISTORY: Consider how _______ has influenced or been reflected in historical events.

What does the “O” in “CHORES” stand for?

OBSERVATIONS/OUTSIDE KNOWLEDGE: Consider what you have seen in the world and culture around you regarding _______. Think about socioeconomics, cultural or moral values…

What does the “R” in “CHORES” stand for?

READING: Refer to texts you have read. Which books (or perhaps documentaries) discuss _______. How do these things shape characters, events, plot, or setting?

What does the “E” in “CHORES” stand for?

EXPERIENCES: Consider your own life. Where have you been _______. Have your experiences benefited or harmed you? Or do you know of someone else’s experience/their story?

What does the “S” in “CHORES” stand for?

SCIENCE/SPORTS (TECHNOLOGY): Consider what fields like psychology or sociology or the sports world or technology might show us about _______.

• When combining sentences, choose the most _______ and least _______.

correct, wordy