AP Lang 4 Assignments

If you can't open the template one, try the other document, but you will have to copy and paste it into your own google doc.

read instructions in the announcements:

Here are the prompts:
1) In his 2004 book, Status Anxiety, Alain de Botton argues that the chief aim of humorists is not merely to entertain
but “to convey with impunity messages that might be dangerous or impossible to state directly.” Because society
allows humorists to say things that other people cannot or will not say, de Botton sees humorists as serving a vital
function in society.

Think about the implications of de Botton’s view of the role of humorists (cartoonists, stand-up comics, satirical
writers, hosts of television programs, etc.). Then write an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies de Botton’s
claim about the vital role of humorists. Use specific, appropriate evidence to develop your position.


2) The following passage is from Rights of Man, a book written by the pamphleteer Thomas Paine in 1791. Born in
England, Paine was an intellectual, a revolutionary, and a supporter of American independence from England. Read
the passage carefully. Then write an essay that examines the extent to which Paine’s characterization of America
holds true today. Use appropriate evidence to support your argument.

If there is a country in the world, where concord, according to common calculation, would be
least expected, it is America. Made up, as it is, of people from different nations, accustomed to
different forms and habits of government, speaking different languages, and more different in
their modes of worship, it would appear that the union of such a people was impracticable; but
by the simple operation of constructing government on the principles of society and the rights
of man, every difficulty retires, and all the parts are brought into cordial unison. There, the
poor are not oppressed, the rich are not privileged. . . . Their taxes are few, because their
government is just; and as there is nothing to render them wretched, there is nothing to
engender riots and tumults.
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A few of you had trouble opening the other document. This is the same timed write assignment, but a copy, so I hope it works.

complete the rhetorical situation we started in class on Wednesday. Then do the following:
In triangle:
Examine the structure of “Shooting an Elephant.” How does Orwell set up the essay? What is the frame of meaning he is putting around the narration? Which details in particular help underscore that meaning?
Find one rhetorical strategy and explain its effect and how it connects to purpose.

Individually: Find one sentence that you felt captures a core idea of the text; one phrase that moved, engaged, or provoked you; one word that captured your attention or struck you as powerful.
Discuss your choices with your triangle. Are there any themes that emerge? How do your choices and explanations help you understand the essay on a deeper level?

Open when ready to complete.

Read the prompt for question 2 and write a clear and specific thesis. Make sure you do not restate the prompt or write something generic. There should be specificity but also some nuance and a position you can develop.

Turn in your final draft and let it go. It is what it is. Feel free to turn it in early if you are done.

I know some of you have already started writing the actual paper. Remember, it is a back and forth process. I would like your rough draft completed by April 20th so that we can begin peer editing. That gives you two weeks. During this time you may send me sections as well for help.

You may go into AP classroom and take this assessment as if it were the actual exam (you should be able to handwrite and upload the photo, but I am not sure about that.) Or you may take it through google classroom if you want.

Don't forget to have a clear and specific thesis that does not restate the prompt.