AP Language & Composition – NNHS Syllabus Flashcards

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering the course goals, unit progression, policies, tools, and expectations from the NNHS AP Lang syllabus.

What is the overarching goal of AP English Language and Composition?

To strengthen analytical reading and thinking and persuasive writing so students can construct compelling arguments and advocate for change.

What types of nonfiction texts will AP Lang focus on reading?

Nonfiction texts from a variety of sources and genres (books, articles, speeches, letters, political cartoons, critical essays, charts/graphs, etc.).

Name three skills students will develop in this course.

Appreciation of authors’ voices and rhetorical strategies; ability to write nuanced, evidence-based thesis statements and arguments; and the ability to synthesize evidence from multiple sources.

Guiding question: How do individuals use language to advocate for change?

Explores how authors, journalists, politicians, and others craft language to influence audiences and prompt action.

Guiding question: What does each of us care deeply about changing?

Encourages students to reflect on personal stakes and the changes they want to pursue.

Quarter 1 focus in AP Lang & Comp

Rhetorical Analysis: study tools and strategies for shaping arguments; summative assessment is a rhetorical analysis of a former AP Lang prompt.

Quarter 2 focus in AP Lang & Comp

Developing persuasive first-person arguments; practice for the multiple-choice section; summative assessment is an analysis of an Argument prompt from a former AP Lang exam.

Quarter 3 focus in AP Lang & Comp

Synthesizing evidence: analyzing how writers use evidence from various sources; summative assignment is a persuasive letter advocating change; also analyze a Synthesis prompt.

Quarter 4 focus in AP Lang & Comp

AP Exam Guerilla Tactics: review the four components (Rhetorical Analysis, Argumentation, Synthesis, MC); practice quick prompt responses and reflect on growth.

What is the countdown date mentioned for the AP Lang & Comp exam?

Wednesday, May 13, 2026.

Course expectations and community values

Respectful interactions, willingness to collaborate, and commitment to inclusivity and school values.

Materials required daily

Fully charged Chromebook, required texts, a notebook, pens/pencils, and a 3-ring binder.

Grading categories and weights

Major Assignments (60%), Practice Assignments (30%), Timeliness/Habits (10%).

Quarterly weight of each quarter toward the yearly grade

Q1 20%, Q2 25%, Q3 30%, Q4 25%.

Late policy for Major Assignments (content vs. timeliness)

Major assignments have two grades: content (100-point scale) and timeliness (10-point scale). On-time: 10/10; late: 5/10. Late content can cap at A-, and a week-late submission may earn 50 if not submitted earlier.

What constitutes a deadline in this course?

A deadline is final; late submissions are treated as late, with limited opportunities for makeup unless planned 1:1 with the teacher for extensions.

Accommodations for IEP/504 plans

If you have accommodations (e.g., extra time), request the extension at the time of assignment; typical extensions cap around 24 hours.

Academic honesty and AI policy

Work must be original; plagiarism and any use of AI-generated content without permission are violations with serious consequences; NNHS emphasizes avoiding uncredited sources.

AP Classroom usage

Join the AP Classroom site for the class; use a personal email; set up a College Board account if this is your first AP class to access updates and resources.

Attendance & Absences policy

If absent, follow the course calendar, email a class peer, and schedule a WIN block upon return to make up work; email in advance if an excused absence affects a due date.

Punctuality policy

Arriving after the start bell is tardy; arriving 30 minutes or more after start is an Unexcused Absence; repeated tardiness can involve Deans.

Phone and smart watch policy

Phones go in a caddy, no access during class; smart watches should have Do Not Disturb enabled; repeat violations may require Deans’ intervention.

AirPods/headphones policy

AirPods/headphones are not allowed unless there is an IEP/504 provision; otherwise they will be collected and returned after class.

Food and beverages policy

No food or drinks (except water) in class; snacks should be taken outside and returned promptly.

Paper formatting and submission guidelines

Double-spaced; 11–12 point Calibri or Times New Roman; 1-inch margins; original title; proper paragraph spacing/indentation; MLA citations; Works Cited page when applicable.

Contact information for the instructor

[e-mail].

Entering class protocol

Do not enter before the teacher arrives; wait in the hall and use the bathroom before class to minimize disruption.

WIN blocks & extra support

WIN time for extra support; 1:1 meetings after graded major assignments are required for review; not available during library supervision; complete the required Post-assignment Preparation & Reflection document before WIN.

Schoology & class communications

Check Schoology and Newton email daily; AP Classroom resources will be used for exam prep and updates; set up a College Board account if needed.