17 April - Practice Exam, Day 1

AP Language and Composition

Today we started our final practice examination. Today and over the next three classes, we'll complete an examination task. At the end of that, you'll reflect on your performance, your process, and determine any strategies that you think will be effective for you on the Mock Exam and ultimately, the real AP Examination. This is a process you should complete with all of your AP Examinations. I'd also suggest checking out BlueBook on your computers - there are practice examinations loaded, and you can explore the interface and tools for testing. It's very similar to the PSAT.

The other major task to chip away at right now is your Argument Bank. Keep reading. This mitigates some of the vocabulary issues because you're experiencing and encountering more high-level vocabulary. The final goal is that you process fifteen texts and consider their use for your eventual writing tasks, but they help with reading tasks too. AP Classroom unlocked practices can also be helpful during this time.

Use Lion Time and After School during this unit. Let's review and process and make a plan for success. I should have all of your essays scored and feedback to you by next week. All the best! Let's slay this beast!

Sorry for the Delay - 8 April

FCPS updated its software, and I lost access to the blog. Here's the update for today.

AP Language and Composition

Pretty easy day to start our week this week in AP Language as we focused on setting some loose ends, finishing assignments, and working through our exam preparation tasks. Let's review. We started today by looking at our notebooks, grades, and feedback so far. These documents and artifacts are so helpful for you as you're preparing for the end of the year. I look forward to seeing your reflections. You should get a copy in your email of your answers.

From there we went into our research work and independent tasks. Your sourcepack is due next class, no matter if you're writing on this prompt or the one I choose for you. This is easy. Follow the examples and avoid overthinking! Submit when ready. The space to submit documents related to your presentation is also available. If you're doing the timed write, you'll see that on Monday. 

Reach out with questions! I'm here to help!

1 April - Welcome Back, No Foolin!

AP Language

Welcome back, everyone! I hope that you found some time over the break to rest, recuperate, and relax. The trip to Mexico was a blast. I think my top highlight was seeing whales in the ocean each morning while I was having breakfast. The breakfast was pretty tasty too with all sorts of tropical fruits, juices, and Mexican flavors and products - like cactus (yum, nopales!)

If you have finished with your copy of Invisible Man, please have it ready to return. I'd like to get all the books processed. If you see a stray Gatsby around, be sure to bring him back to me too. If you have any work left to submit, now is the final time to do so. I am still missing a few annotated bibliographies in both classes. Be aware that failure to submit this major reading assignment will negatively affect your grade for the third quarter and could drop you as low as a D. My grades will be finalized and submitted at 3:00 on Tuesday, April 2. If you would like your work scored and reported on this report card, your deadline is clear.

Next class we'll be taking time to understand this final major unit of the year and take time to understand and complete our presentations of research. I'm excited to see you all very soon!

20 March - Working Day and Chapter 24

AP Language

Really productive day in AP Language as we spent a good amount of time completing essential graded tasks for the end of the quarter. We focused primarily on our annotated bibliography assignment in which we process sources and begin to plan out our final presentation of our argument. Keep in mind that you MUST use three sources in your final presentation, so your final annotated bibliography should have at least three entries. 

We also spent some time today discussing Chapter 24 and the discussion board post. Remember that you can complete these at your leisure, read this book over break and finish it when you have the time. Or even into April or May if needed. 

I'll be entering grades for essays today. Then I'll get into your MCQ. The last grade for this quarter is the annotated bibliography. Please reach out with any questions about your grades in the course.

18 March - Sorry for the Delay

AP Language

I guess that FCPS updated the filtering software, so Blogger is blocked again at school. Here's yesterday's update. 

Good day in AP Language as we worked on reading skills and demonstrated those reading skills through a quick MCQ Progress Check. If you did not have time to finish, be sure to submit before the end of the day today when the assessment will lock at 9:00 PM. Everything not submitted will automatically submit at that time.

We had a great discussion today in class around TIM and his quest for identity. It was great to see the way that TIM is finally figuring out the way in which identity can, and should, be fluid. In fluidity there is power. There have been so many characters up to this point who have done this, TIM just didn't see it very clearly. Take this forward with you into Chapter 24. Read and annotate this important chapter to see the way in which TIM starts to act on his newfound knowledge and attempt to destroy the Brotherhood. It's a great conclusion, I hope you enjoy. 

Other significant tasks include submitting any missing essays, writing your Annotated Bibliographies for your sources, and beginning to plan your paper/presentation. Consider what your argument is and then begin to outline that - How will you put sources in conversation to convey your argument? Remember that you have to use three sources in your final "paper" (whatever form that paper takes).

Enjoy the afternoon and the last week of the quarter. I know it's a tough week - but Spring Break is on the horizon! 

14 March - Pi Day and Writing Day!

AP Language and Composition

Really solid day in AP Language today to end our week together. We listened to a great piece of late 1980's hip hop, explored some key passages in Invisible Man, and ended our day with writing. A full and productive day. I'm looking forward to reading and scoring your essays. Be sure that they are all submitted today. Take the extra time (about 10 minutes or so) to read, revise, and finish your arguments. I'll hopefully have feedback for you the next time that I see you, definitely before Spring Break.

Next class we'll be looking at Chapter 23. This is where we get to see the new TIM in action. Watch how he's changed and continuing to change as he moves into the world. He's finally understanding and seeing the world in a more authentic way - it's what we've been waiting for. I completely understand that you may be behind in your reading tasks. Complete your discussion boards as you can. Remember that you should be actively working on your research right now to prepare for presentations after Spring Break.

 

As always, let me know what I can do to help and assist. We have three Lion Times next week available for help with reading, researching, or writing. Have a great weekend!

12 March - Writing, Feedback, and Invisible Man

AP Language and Composition

Pretty simple and straightforward day today in AP Language with a day focused on our research and our writing. We started off class with some time to dig into sources and our research write-up document. This document is super important as you are farming your sources and constructing your final synthesis sourcepack to support your presentation. Remember that part of working with the sources is to write about them in order to determine their possible use in your work. If you think that you can use the source, then put it in your sourcepack. We'll be checking on reading skills soon, this Annotated Bibliography is designed to help you develop those skills.

We also spent time today discussing our writing skills. Some of us are showing some growth, others maybe are still hitting speedbumps. Let's make sure that we're focused on pushing forward and solving problems. Use your class time and Lion Time effectively. A writing conference is key! Let's set a goal and accomplish it together. Remember, we have just nine weeks until the AP Examination!

Don't forget your reading and discussion board posts for Invisible Man. Next class we're looking at Chapters 20-22. This is a really important section of the novel. Trigger Warning: There is police violence in this section. Read, annotate, and think. I'll look forward to seeing you on Thursday. 

8 March - Happy International Women's Day!

AP Language

Great day in AP Language today as we went into and out of Plato's cave in our study of "The Allegory of the Cave." After reading and studying this text, you're not going to see things the same way again. This text helps us to consider ideas like perception, reality, and if what we are seeing or perceiving is really real. I was glad to see the various connections that you all were able to make between this text and our novel, Invisible Man. These connections will be incredibly huge as we work through the final section of the novel and TIM's conclusion on his quest for truth.

Over the weekend, focus on reading and research. You should be working through Chapters 16-19. Don't forget your discussion board post. It's also important that you're taking time daily to review your research. Continue to use the Research Write-Up Document. Collect sources and process them through an Annotated Bibliography - if you can see use in a source, go ahead and write about it and put a key excerpt in your sourcepack. I'll look forward to seeing you on Tuesday for some feedback on our last essay and some more discussion around Invisible Man.

6 March - Bonus Grey Day!

AP Language

Easy day today in AP Language land as we had a bit of a bonus day. I hope that you found it helpful and useful. We had the chance to settle up business related to writing, reading, or our research work. Here are some guidepoints for you to consider where we are at this moment.

1. Researching - Do you have a finalized research question? Have you begun to collect sources in your sourcepack? Are you building an argument? Do you have some annotated bibliography entries written? At this point you should have 2-3 documents in your sourcepack and processed through an annotated bibliography.

2. Reading - Have you completed the reading of Invisible Man - Chapters 13-15? Have you watched the videos and participated in the discussion? Have you read and annotated Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" for next class? Engage in reading to be a better reader!

3. Writing - Have you met for a writing conference? Completed your most recent timed write? Have a plan to do so if it's missing? Remember that writing takes time, so it's important to work diligently and often. I'm available to assist outside of class as needed! We'll have another timed write coming up soon!

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday! For those of you participating in the Cultural Celebration - be sure to keep up with the class time that you're missing. We can always use Lion Time next week or after school to get caught up!

4 March - Timed Writing Day!

AP Language and Composition

What a Monday in AP Language land as we had a simulated examination task with another practice FRQ 1. Today we discussed the factors that should be considered when planning a monument. Esoteric, right? Sometimes these synthesis prompts are strange, they can seem hard to argue, but I think that we can all eventually find a way in to the conversation with the sources. I'm looking forward to seeing what you put up today - what you found in the mines.

This task is important because it helps us with our eventual task in this unit and in this class - the synthesis argument. How's your research coming? Have you finalized your research question? Begun to curate sources? Written an Annotated Bibliography entry or two? Keep in mind that these related tasks do help with the skill development to write a solid synthesis essay. Come in to Lion Time or visit after school in March for help with these essential tasks.

For Invisible Man, we're at a bit of a choose your own adventure spot. This section of the novel is pretty straightforward. TIM is in his Brotherhood section of the novel (Chapters 12 to 19). Consider the cycles that we're continuing to see as they assert themselves. I've posted a discussion board for your key takeaway from this chapter. Follow the instructions and complete the post as you read through this section. There will be another discussion board for the next section of chapters.

For tonight, we have a bit of a sidetrack with Greek philosophy and connections to Invisible Man and life in general. Enjoy Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" - the cartoon posted below may be helpful as you read on your own. We'll read it again in class together on Friday, so be ready and annotated!

29 February - Happy Leap Year Day!

AP Language and Composition

Solid day today in AP Language as we investigated allusions in Chapters 11 and 12. Allusions are so important in a text because they are a chance for an author to add deep meaning and connections in their texts. Also, in a complex text like Invisible Man allusions can provide a lot of clarity. Identifying and explaining the purpose of allusions can be a great route to solid analysis on the AP Examination. Today we explored allusions to The Bible, Greek Mythology, and music. These allusions helped us to understand the end of this transition moment in the text and where TIM is in his journey to understand and create his identity.

At the end of class, we looked at two final articles. These articles could be helpful for a lot of you in your research work. Add them to your research write-up. Remember that you should be working on this project daily as it is a big project with lots of pieces. For the weekend, focus on reading Invisible Man and preparing to do another writing task. Some of you have already revised, and that's great, we're going to have another chance to demonstrate our skills soon! Be ready!

27 February - Kicking off Research Projects

AP Language

Wonderful day today opening up our research work and topic development. Mrs. Friedman came down from the library to tell us about our database tools, key word searches, and Boolean terms. We got into coding language and defining ideas and remembering that research questions are usually always in flux. Use your research write-up document to start to collect and analyze your sources. Remember that as you find key sources, you should process them with an Annotated Bibliography entry. As you write these entries, you are displaying your reading comprehension, interpretation, and application. Remember this as you write.

Next class we'll be looking at Invisible Man - Chapters 11 and 12. This is a confusing section with the hospital, the machine, and the idea of a new identity for TIM. Consider how there are some key symbols and cycles at play in this moment. Use your motif tracker to help you understand. 

23 February - Chapter 10 and Explosions!

AP Language and Composition

Such a fun Friday today in AP Language as we got to do some arts and crafts to display our understanding of key passages in Invisible Man. I loved the way that you were all engaged today in the ideas and uncovering the arguments in the text. Keep in mind that this is a fulcrum chapter - it divides the novel in two and serves to really pull together ideas well. Be sure that you're seeing connections and pulling ideas together as we keep going forward. Take some time to use our key passages and your understandings so far to complete your motif tracker for the book - remember that this is a tool to aid your comprehension and your interpretation, not an assignment, but still a great resource. Next week on Thursday, we'll be diving in to Chapter 11 and 12. It's a short bit and provides a bit of a strange look at TIM in the hospital. Read with your symbolism glasses on, it's a wild ride.

The most important thing to complete right now is your research question and argument (at this point). If you don't know your side right now, write two potential arguments. Part of doing the research process is figuring out where you stand. No matter your topic or position, you need a starting point from which to move forward. Lock in, complete the checkpoint, and get ready to move forward. Remember that you have the document AND the discussion board as part of the revision step, there's also the first document on research questions if you need that too.

I'm loving how busy I am at Lion Time with all of you. Remember that you can rewrite this essay or write a new one; if you're satisfied, then in the words of Romeo from Romeo and Juliet, "Be satisfied." As always, keep reading, thinking, writing, communicating, and collaborating. I'm headed to North Carolina this weekend to see some friends and celebrate some good things. I'll look forward to seeing you Tuesday for a research focused day!

21 February - Oratory and Argument

AP Language and Composition

A rollercoaster day in AP Language, but I think we ended on a high and came to some good understandings about finishing out the year. Remember, you need to put in the real work. No more coasting, no more cruise control, it's time to move with purpose and intention. So, let's make that happen. Take the slides, feedback, and thinking to begin to revise your essays from our practice. Don't delete anything. I have some sample papers and other tools that are helpful - let's keep working together to revise and change scores to get to a 1/4/0. The goal is for you to figure out a method to devise an argument so that you can always employ that tool.

We started the day with reading skills and dug into reasoning and organization as well as rhetorical situation. I hope you all saw our connection to the AP Examination and some of the key questions and skills we're asked to demonstrate in our work. Take some time to read Chapter 10 for Friday's class. It's a strange chapter with a lot of symbolism, but I have faith in you. Pay attention to white paint, power, vision, and the connections to the American government. Use the video on Chapter 10 to get a handle on what's happening.

16 February - Three Day Weekend Ahead

AP Language 

Solid work today in AP Language as we worked through Chapter 8 and 9 to look at New York, its impact on TIM, and his job interview with Mr. Emerson in Chapter 9. I was glad to see the way that you're understanding some of the key cycles in this text, the lack of change in TIM, and the way in which key ideas resurface in order to create meaning. Continue to pay attention to the way that TIM interacts with people and what he understands or fails to understand from these interactions.

Next class we'll be doing some feedback on our most recent writing assignments. You'll have the chance to revise these if you'd like - so let's meet together to do that if you'd like to. We'll also look at the two speeches I gave you today in class - read and annotate those this weekend to prepare for next class. We'll be getting into Chapter 10 later next week. Now is a good time to get ahead in reading for Invisible Man since we have some large chunks coming up. Remember to revise and resubmit your research questions as soon as you can!

14 February - Happy Valentine's Day!

AP Language and Composition

Today we spent some time with Brent Staples and his article "Just Walk On By: Black Men and the Public Space". I appreciated the connections that you all were making between this text, Ellison, and all the way back to DuBois. I really like the way that Staples acknowledges alternative perspectives, confronts his audience, and crafts a message for them. Consider this as you write your own arguments.

From there, we looked at our Research Questions and refined them through the lens of the problem statement. Remember that you don't need to be looking at a "problem" per se - you could be looking at the problem of not knowing something and its effect on you or society. No matter what, be sure that you are focusing on being specific in your scope and focus. Use today's slides and assignment to refine and then post in the discussion board. Be sure to get and give feedback in the discussion board.

Next class we're headed back to New York and TIM's adventures. We've got more of the city in Chapter 8 and then a few key conversations in Chapter 9. Enjoy your reading! Try to make sense of what you can. Be sure to refer to your motif charts. See you Friday!

12 February - Chapters 5-7: Saying Goodbye to the South

AP Language and Composition

Fantastic day today in AP Language as we leaned into our reading skills and our presentation skills to work through Chapters 5, 6, and 7. In these chapters, we finish up our time in the South and at the College. TIM won't be returning, but the lessons - or lack thereof - will continue to follow him into New York. I really love the fact that so many of us were contributing to our class learning today. Great work with your new approach to Key Passages. Remember to continue to use these tools as you are working through this novel - especially the motif tracker.

Next class we'll be revising research questions and working through Brent Staples's "Just Walk on By: Black Men and the Public Space." It's a short article, so read deeply and carefully. Consider the connection to stereotypes and invisibility. This is a key connection between Ellison and Staples. We'll have our next set of chapters on Friday. Try to get ahead, we have some large chunks coming later. If you haven't submitted your research work, please do so ASAP so that you can fully participate in our lesson on Wednesday.

8 February - Writing Argument Day

AP Language and Composition

We did something brand new today! We did some team work writing to lean into our skill for the quarter, argumentative writing. In this quarter, you'll be presenting argument based research on America, and on the AP Exam, you'll complete two argumentative FRQs. As I love to say, it takes time and constant effort to develop these skills. So we need to start now and be intentional. I hope that you enjoyed the chance to work with new people today in the room. You'll see them again soon.

For next class - Monday - we have Chapters 5-7 of Invisible Man. In this section, TIM says goodbye to the South and heads to New York. As Ella would say, "Drop me off in Harlem." Watch his scene at the chapel in Chapter 5 and try to understand what you can about The Founder. It's important to note the impact the story has on TIM. In Chapter 6 he says goodbye to Dr. Bledsoe; it's an intense scene. In Chapter 7, we have the return of The Vet. Remember my video channel is available as a guide to help with processing chapters.

All the best for the weekend! Enjoy!

6 February - Chapters 3 and 4

AP Language and Composition

Really fantastic work today everyone digging into the key conversations in Chapters 3 and 4. As we worked through today's class we saw the way in which characters function as symbols of key ideas. Remember, characters aren't real. As we watch characters interact in be in conflict, it's important to ask yourself which characters aka ideas win and why that is. Also consider what TIM understands, what he doesn't and why. He's trapped in a cycle, so we need to follow how he's continuing to repeat mistakes and what helps him to break free. Thanks Arianna Grande...

Remember that you may have some small housekeeping to complete. Log in to AP Classroom and check on your Unit 2 Progress Check. Next class we have an argumentative writing assignment, so you'll want the feedback before writing again in the same way. Please email me when complete since I don't get notifications from AP Classroom. You also have the beginning of the research topic to complete - this is a means to revise and refine, so please submit to show me where you are. Remember you're defining America. If you'd like to come to Lion Time or after school to work with me, please do so.

Looking further ahead, we have Chapters 5, 6, and 7 coming up next week. As you read these chapters, you'll be confused by Chapter 5. It's a story within a story, the story of The Founder. Try to understand what you can about him and then understand how this sits in the same cycle as we've seen today - TIM and older men. Chapter 6 is a great look at Bledsoe, and Chapter 7 will take us to New York and the end of Section 1. 

See you Thursday for writing!

2 February - Substitute Day

AP Language

Friday, February 2 is a substitute day. Sorry to be away, but duty calls. I'm off at Herndon High School today doing some project work for the district on assessments. All of your tasks have been posted today as assignments on Schoology. You should be able to finish everything during class.

First, complete your jazz journal discussion board. If you access the slides, you can watch the music video - please use headphones. The lyrics are posted for you in the discussion board as well. Post a takeaway using the guiding questions. Second, finish your study of James Baldwin's "Notes of a Native Son" using the document posted. If you don't have your paper copy of the article, use the posted PDF on Schoology. Be sure to submit your answers and thoughts to demonstrate your thinking. Lastly, begin your research topic development. Use the guiding questions to refine your idea and topic. We'll continue to develop the research topic as we keep moving through this unit. 

Submit your tasks and I'll be providing feedback as soon as I can. Next class, we'll be looking at Chapters 3 and 4, be read and prepared for class and I'll see you on Tuesday! Please complete the substitute form linked on Schoology at the end of your day.

31 January - Chapter 2 and Jim Trueblood

AP Language

Great day in AP Language today as we dealt with one of the most difficult and complex chapters of the book, Chapter 2. During today's class we focused a lot on characters and their importance in the novel. As we move through this opening section of the book, it's important to see the way in which TIM interacts with different characters and how they affect him. Consider what he understands and what he doesn't understand. We often will understand more than he does because we can see things that he doesn't. 

Remember to use your motif trackers as you are moving through the book. All of the motifs are present in the Prologue, Chapter 1, and Chapter 2. As we move to Chapter 3, you'll start to see some gaps in the motif chart. 

Next class we'll be finishing up our work on James Baldwin. Be sure to read and annotate the second half of the article. If you lost your paper copy, the PDF is posted for you. Next week we'll get into Chapter 3 and 4. Keep reading and getting into this fantastic and challenging novel. I'm excited to help you continue to discover. Next class I'll be out and you'll have a substitute. Be sure to complete all of the tasks by the end of the day.

29 January - Kicking Off Quarter 3 and Semester 2

AP Language and Composition

Fantastic day with James Baldwin today in AP Language. I was glad to see the way in which you were understanding his father on multiple levels and the way in which Baldwin makes a complex relationship very real. The conversations we had around the past, racism, inherited trauma and burdens, and identity are key connection points over to Invisible Man as we see TIM go through many of the same questions and complex relationships with older males in his life. 

For tonight, be sure to read Chapter 2 (Trigger Warning: Rape/Sexual Assault Descriptions). We'll be working through this very important chapter next class. It's a beast, but important for the effect that it has on TIM and on us, the reader. You'll be challenged. Get what you can out of it and come to class with questions. We'll delve into key passages in order to understand what this chapter is telling us. We'll finish Baldwin on Friday. Be on the lookout for assignments posted on Friday since I'll be out working at another school in the district.

See you Wednesday!

24 January - End of Semester 1

AP Language and Composition

Wonderful day to end things in AP Language for the first semester. We started our dive into Invisible Man and worked through the major ideas of the Battle Royale in Chapter One. This scene is so important because it is the major cycle for the text. We used our resources such as our motif chart, our annotations document, and our key passages to unlock meaning and collaborate to understand.

Remember, you are not expected to understand this book as you read. You are expected to read and to try. Failure to do so will not improve your reading skills, which is something that needs to happen.

Over the weekend focus on continuing your reading into Invisible Man; we have Chapter 2 coming up next week. You also have James Baldwin to read for next class. You can read the whole article if you'd like to, but be sure to read the first portion. The stop is highlighted for you. Build connections between Baldwin and TIM as well as the other authors in this unit.

See you in Semester Two!

22 January - Registration Day

AP Language and Composition

Today was registration day for senior year. I hope that you had productive meetings with your counselors to make your plan for next year. Of course, it's not really about next year this year, it's about the year after and after. When you're making your choices for senior year, consider your plans for after graduation. What's going to set you up for the best success? How are you going to achieve some balance for yourself to give yourself the time you need for everything? 

Next class we should meet and have a normal day. Be ready for Chapter 1. We've got the video guide, the motif tracking document, and the annotation anchor document. Use your resources to tackle this difficult text. We'll also start jumping into the research project next class. Chapter 1 is rough for a lot of reasons, but it's also super important because of the cycles that it sets up. Read carefully!

I'm looking forward to a normal class with y'all next time. All the best!

18 January - Langston Hughes and Reflections and Writing Practice

AP Language

Today's class was our day focused on understanding and reflecting on Langston Hughes and what he has to say about the dangers of conformity, especially for African American artists and poets. I enjoyed seeing the way in which you were updating your documents with new ideas, collaborating with each other virtually and in-person, and delving into the text. Wonderful work. Keep reflecting on these authors, their arguments, and the connections between them as we delve into this unit. 

We ended class with AP Classroom and argumentative writing practice. We took a position on the extent to which a truism is true. Keep in mind that with these types of questions, you're explaining nuance and how much something is valid - always, sometimes, or never - the evidence that you use will help to explain that validity and extent. Use key words from your thesis to guide your assertions and your commentary. We'll do some scoring of these next week.

For tonight, keep in mind that we have our first chapter of Invisible Man coming soon. Next class will be our registration meeting, and then we'll be diving into Chapter One and the Battle Royale. Use your motif tracker and resources to get through this text! See you next time!

11 January - Looking at Langston Hughes

AP Language

We had a really lovely day today in AP Language with another fantastic Harlem Renaissance voice - Langston Hughes. Today we got to hear his voice both as a poet and as a social critic; it's interesting to notice how he's saying the same thing (his argument) in various styles. Today's class was a reading, writing, and thinking day -- our essential skills in AP Language! We'll continue to reflect on this essay next class. Be sure that you've completed your discussion board post and submitted your annotations document. Note that the annotations document won't be graded, just the discussion board.

Next class we'll be focused on some writing skills and argumentative writing. There's no reading for next class. Use the time to get into Invisible Man. You'll want to be ahead in the reading so that we can really focus on comprehending and interpreting skills in class.

9 January - Zora Neale Hurston

AP Language

We spent a great class with Ms. Zora Neale Hurston today in AP Lang. She is definitely one of my top ten writers, probably top five if we're just looking at American literature and writers. We didn't quite finish our work at the end looking at Hurston's piece through the frame of an argument, so I'd recommend finishing by reflecting on those questions tonight. How does she use evidence and commentary throughout her essay to support her thesis? In what ways does she create clear organization between sections and ideas using her main argument? How does she develop and employ an engaging voice throughout the essay? All of these are key questions in FRQ 1 and 3 - the argument questions - so it's important to see how authors do this so that we can too.

Next class we're looking at Langston Hughes. His text is pretty difficult, so we'll work through it in class - no reading necessary for next class. Use this time to get into Invisible Man - use the audiobook, YouTube playlist, and other resources. Don't forget to check in with your motif tracker as you read - it's a great tool too. We'll be working through Chapter 1 next week!

5 January - End of the Week

AP Language

We had a really fantastic day to start our work on Invisible Man - it was a packed class, so we didn't finish everything. Be sure to finish reading The Prologue tonight. Use the recording in the slides to access the audio book. As you read, keep following the ideas that we were focused on in class. 

The other major activity in class, other than reading aloud and studying the book together, was our investigation of The Harlem Renaissance. We looked at music, art, and poetry in order to understand the historical and social context of the Harlem Renaissance. Consider how these texts are all a response to the moment and the racism of the society of the time. We're going to keep looking at music, art, and other authors as we keep moving forward. How are all of these texts having the same conversation and each author offering their own opinions? 

Keep reading! Remember that we have Hurston for Monday's class - enjoy the reading. It's a great article. You have Chapter 1 due on January 18. Follow your reading schedule!

Welcome Back and Happy New Year!

AP English Language

Great day to kick off the year in AP Language today as we looked at our midterm results and discussed our reading and writing skills. Remember that most of your grades are going to reset as we begin this next unit. Review the feedback slides and the tools you have available on AP Classroom like the daily videos paired with questions and skills where you struggled. We can always sit together to read and write or review - this is a great strategy as we move into the second semester. This is where the rubber really meets the road and things get difficult. Stay ready!

Next class we'll be starting Invisible Man. This is a great book! It's a challenge, but if it doesn't challenge you, then you don't really grow. We've got resources like the audiobook and my YouTube channel to help provide support to you as you read. Get into the mess and enjoy the journey. We'll start by reading the Prologue together in class next time.