Update and reminder

A few eagle-eyed class members have pointed out to me that MLA is less than 100% clear on the subject of whether or not to put URL's in Works Cited entries (my position is that they are unnecessary, essentially what MLA says, but they don't say clearly NOT to do so). Also, since I didn't make a big deal about that distinction before the papers were due, it seems inappropriate to penalize writers a point for what I perhaps didn't make clear. Therefore I have adjusted a number of scores upward by a point.

Also, a reminder that an optional peer review session for papers is available on Wednesday, December 12 from 12 to 1:30 in my room. I will have editing sheets on hand for your use. Good luck this week.

And remember when you turn in your hard copy include any stamped drafts and editing sheets. Staple it together, final on top.

Finally, very important, turnitin must be done by 11 AM Thursday and hard copies submitted by that time unless you let me know that you are exercising your "far-away commuter" option, in which case you will drop off hard copy no later than Friday morning by 9AM and still complete turnitin by 11 Thursday.

AP--a few exam notes

Your semester exam will have 3 sections, weighted equally.

1. 30 or so multiple choice questions, approximately double the kinds of quizzes you have taken 5 times throughout the semester. Two passages with 15 or so questions each.

2. A prose passage or poem accompanied by an essay prompt. I haven't chosen the passage yet, but what they all have in common is that they challenge you to discuss the methods the author uses to achieve the desired effect. In other words, how do such elements as diction, imagery, selection of key details, use of figurative language, characterization, or irony help establish and control the narrative tone toward the subject matter of the passage? Your ability to recognize and describe tone and thoughtfully discuss the methods by which said tone is achieved is the crux of the matter.

3. A literary topic which I will ask you to apply to a work we have studied together, let's say, oh, Hamlet for example. "Literary" questions on past AP's have been based on such issues as technique (the use of two contrasting settings), characterization, (the presence and importance of a morally ambiguous character), or theme (the desire for power). I will select two or three options and ask you to choose one and identify how it applies to Shakespeare's Hamlet.