Being Unique with our Cultural Languages

Themes of Nature are Now Off Limits.  Pick another theme.

Your Assignment:  Due February 5th.  Worth 80 Points

Choose a different theme then the one you worked with last week.  Now think in terms of anything that applies to our cultural heritage.  AP readers will love reading about something that is very unique from the rest of the United States

1. Famous Person related to that theme (Think coaches, inventors, scientist, activist that aren't the typical person you would first think related to the theme.)
2. Literary or Nonfiction text related to that theme
3. Cultural Phrase related to that theme.
4. Quote that you will remember related to that theme (can be something your mom always told you--but avoid the Bible because most Bible verses unfortunately are cliche, such as: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".  But if you know a bible verse or biblical phrase that is not well known, then that would be good to use.

Try to avoid repeating what someone else has posted.  This means you need to read the postings before you begin looking for evidence.  Students will not receive credit if their response reflects something someone already posted and it seems more than obvious to your teacher.  So read the postings, then do some research, and THINK.  Then post your response.

Themes of Nature are Now Off Limits.  Pick another theme.

Preparing for the Argumentative Essay
 

Theme	A “Local” Famous Person Dead or Alive	A Literary Text or Nonfiction work from a “Local” writer	Music/ Song Lyrics From a local artist	Personal Experience that reflects the nature of our islands	Cultural Phrase from our islands	Quote you’ll Remember From a “Local” person.  Does not have to be famous.
Nature
Role of Govern- ment
Impact of Media
The Value of Culture
Over-coming Adversity
Importance of Family
Concerns of Society
Political Justice
Moral Values

Making Your Argument Stand Out!

In order to receive a high score for your argumentative essay, students' essays must stand out from all the other essays that Reader/Graders read.  One way to stand out is to avoid cliches, typical evidence, and very popular quotes.  Remember, that the purpose for all of the essays is to show off a student's thinking skills.  To write well requires thinking. 

So how can you stand out?

• Avoid a formulaic response, i.e. the 5 paragraph essay that is nothing more than a list of three reasons that supports your opinion.  
• Use evidence that is not obvious; because this is the kind of evidence that almost all students in the nation will use.  
• Avoid typical quotes, such as: "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" (President J.F.Kennedy).

No one can possible know what the argument prompt will be for the 2014 exam, but there are some general thematic categories that have been used over the years.  Below is a template for each student to start working on.  A hard copy will be given to you in class and later on you may modify this template in any manner as you see fit.

Your Assignment: 

Choose one of the themes listed below in the chart and complete the following columns: 

1. Famous Person related to that theme (Think coaches, inventors, scientist, activist that aren't the typical person you would first think related to the theme.)
2. Literary or Nonfiction text related to that theme
3. Latin Phrase related to that theme.
4. Quote that you will remember related to that theme (can be something your mom always told you--but avoid the Bible because most Bible verses unfortunately are cliche, such as: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".  But if you know a bible verse or biblical phrase that is not well known, then that would be good to use.

Try to avoid repeating what someone else has posted.  This means you need to read the postings before you begin looking for evidence.  Students will not receive credit if their response reflects something someone already posted and it seems more than obvious to your teacher.  So read the postings, then do some research, and THINK.  Then post your response.  

Due Date:  Wednesday, January 22 by midnight.

Worth 80 Points  

(Note: this is worth a lot of points because its value is worth your effort)

Preparing for the Argumentative Essay
 

Theme	Famous Person	Literary Text or Nonfiction	Music/ Song	Personal Experience	Latin Phrase	Quote you’ll Remember
Nature
Role of Govern- ment
Impact of Media
The Value of Culture
Over-coming Adversity
Importance of Family
Concerns of Society
Political Justice
Moral Values