A.P. Language and Composition
Summer Reading Assignment 2016
Congratulations on your decision to take A.P. Language and Composition! This course will challenge your
writing and close reading abilities while also teaching you the art of argument. Throughout the year, you will
learn tips and tricks to improve your writing and how to develop strong arguments. Most of the texts we will
read will be nonfiction pieces focusing on current events. This assignment will help introduce you to the
terminology and concepts you will use throughout the course. Follow the due dates given to ensure that you
stay on track. You will submit everything via e-mail. If when working on your assignment you have questions,
you may e-mail me directly at [email protected]
Part 1: Terminology
Create a journal or notebook of the terms listed below. For each term include the following:


Definition (in your own words)
Example of the term
o Do not simply use the term in sentence.
o For example, for alliteration, write: “Sandy sells seashells by the seashore.”

Rhetorical Appeals
o Ethos
o Pathos
o Logos
Argument
Rhetoric
Connotation
Denotation
Diction
Equivocation
Euphemism
Hyperbole
Juxtaposition
Malapropism
Mood
Metonymy
Synecdoche
Sarcasm
Syntax
Tone
Litote
Voice








































Alliteration
Assonance
Allusion
Antimetabole
Analogy
Anecdote
Irony
Metaphor
Motif
Oxymoron
Paradox
Parallel Structure
Parody
Pun
Satire
Simile
Zeugma
Asyndeton
Polysyndeton
Cumulative Sentence
Periodic Sentence
Interrupted Sentence
Part 2: Rhetorical Analysis of Nonfiction Texts
Read and annotate two books:

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
o Online PDF: http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/engramja/ENGLISH%2012/In_cold_blood.pdf

On Writing by Stephen King
o Online PDF:
http://biblioteka.teatr-obraz.ru/files/file/English_cinema/Stephen_King_On_Writing.pdf
Both of these texts are nonfiction; however, each writer takes a different approach at presenting his argument.
While reading, annotate for the terms below focusing strongly on the rhetorical appeals: ethos, pathos, and
logos. If you choose to buy the book, use highlighters and sticky notes, and write any comments in the margins.
If you choose to read the book online, you can either print and annotate the text or copy the chart below onto a
separate piece of paper.
Quote/Term/pg# from book
Analysis/Why is this important?
1.
2.
Part 3: Essay
Write a 2-3 page paper comparing and contrasting the presentation of each argument from both books. In your
essay, be sure to include specific references to both texts and focus on the writers’ use of rhetorical appeals
(ethos, pathos, logos) and figurative language (see terms above). You will be graded using the rubric below:
General AP Language and Composition Rubric – Rhetorical Analysis
9
Essays earning a 9 meet the criteria for an 8 essay but are especially sophisticated or demonstrate
particularly impressive control of language (style and voice).
8
EFFECTIVE
Essays earning a score of 8 effectively analyze significant rhetorical strategies. These essays are
logically organized with a focus on significant strategies in mind. An 8 essay provides specific examples from
the passage and consistently makes realistic connections between the strategies and the author’s intent or
purpose. The prose demonstrates an ability to control a wide range of the elements of effective writing.
7
Essays earning a score of 7 fit the description of a 6 essay but provide more complete analysis or
demonstrate a more mature prose style.
6
ADEQUATE
Essays earning a score of 6 adequately analyze rhetorical strategies. These essays are organized with a
focus on significant strategies in mind. A 6 essay provides specific examples from the passage and makes
connections between the strategies and the author’s intent or purpose. The prose is generally clear.
5
Essays earning a score of 5 analyze rhetorical strategies but the analysis
may be uneven or inconsistent.
4
INADEQUATE
Essays earning a score of 4 inadequately analyze rhetorical strategies. A 4 essay may be unfocused,
unorganized, or may appear to be more of a list of all rhetorical strategies rather than an organized analysis of
the most significant rhetorical strategies in the passage. They may misinterpret the writer’s position or offer
little discussion of how strategies convey the author’s purpose.
3
2
Essays earning a 3 fit the description of a 4 but are less perceptive
or less consistent in their control of the elements of writing.
LITTLE SUCCESS
These essays may misinterpret the prompt or passage or offer vague generalizations.
1
These essays meet the criteria for a 2 but are particularly undeveloped.
Part 4: Test
Upon returning to school, you will have a comprehensive exam on the terms and both books. The test format
will be multiple choice, matching, and short answer. The questions will ask about basic plot points of the texts,
definitions and examples of the terms, and examples of the terms above in the assigned texts. Bring your
annotated texts/notes and journal of terms to the first class period.
Calendar of Due Dates:
Submit all assignment by e-mailing me at [email protected]
Part 1: Terminology
Friday, June 17th
Part 2: Rhetorical Analysis of Texts (both books Friday, July 29th
are read and annotated)
Part 3: Rhetorical Analysis Essay
Friday, August 12th
Part 4: Test
Thursday, August 18th (First Day of School)
Helpful Resources:
Rhetorical and Literary Terms
http://rhetoric.byu.edu/
Explanation of Rhetorical Strategies
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/repository/ap06_englang_roskelly_50098.pdf
Tips on Writing a Rhetorical Analysis
http://cherokeetrail.cherrycreekschools.org/Departments/english/Documents/Rhetorical%20Analysis%20guideli
nes.pdf
Grammar and Writing Help
http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/courses/teachers_corner/32360.html
More Writing Help
https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/