AP11: English Language and Composition
Students who will be taking AP English Language and Composition next year are expected to thoughtfully read the following two books over the summer. Needless to say, we strongly encourage you to read much more than this! Reading not only makes you a better writer and thinker, but it also helps you appreciate the rhetorical decisions authors make. Each of these abilities is important in the AP Language class.
- Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen
- Woe is I by Patricia T. O’Conner
As you read Eric Larsen’s nonfiction book about the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, annotate (i.e., mark up) the text with your insights about the author’s use of rhetoric. “Rhetoric” is purposeful language; as you read, identify Larsen’s purpose in writing this book, and how he uses the resources of language to accomplish this purpose. Examples of annotations you might make include notable uses of syntax, diction, tone, figurative language, narrative structure, imagery and detail. Definitions of these terms, and a link to help you understand them, are provided below. Although no summer writing is required, you will be expected to discuss and write about your findings in September. You will also take an objective test on Larsen’s book.
Read and annotate Woe is I. An understanding of correct English grammar is presumed in the AP English Language and Composition course. We will spend time in class on grammar early in the year, but we will also expect you to be familiar with the concepts discussed in this book.
DEFINITIONS
Diction = word choice
Syntax = the arrangement of words in a sentence
Tone = the author’s attitude toward his/her subject
Figurative language = metaphors, similes, alliteration, metonymy, personification, apostrophe, etc.
Narrative structure = the arrangement of the narrative
Imagery = verbal representations of sensory experiences
Detail = facts, observations, and incidents that are used to develop a topic and/or shape a character
or setting
Link to glossary of literary terms:
http://www.bedfordstmartins.com/literature/bedlit/glossary_a.htm
On my summer reading packet, it says that we have to read A Street-Car Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, not Woe Is I, and I was wondering which one we actually have to read, since I already read ‘Street-car’.
It’s wodenrful to have you on our side, haha!