Exam structure
multiple choice and FRQs
What does it mean to "synthesize?"
come to a conclusion/point from multiple sources/pieces of evidence
What does "rhetorical analysis" mean?
to closely examine and explain how an author conveys their message
What is the thesis statement formula for the argument essay?
Although some may say (counterclaim), CLAIM
because (reasons/subclaims)
What does each element of SPACECAT stand for?
speaker, purpose, audience, context, exigence, choices, appeals, tone
How many questions are on the MCQ portion?
45
How many sources does the prompt give you?
6
What should you do while reading the prompt and given text/passage?
find and annotate for elements of SPACECAT
What does CHORES stand for, and why is it used?
current events, historical examples, observations and personal experience, readings, entertainment, sports, science
What does DIDLS stand for?
diction, imagery, details, figurative language, syntax
How much time do you get for the MCQ? for all three FRQs?
60 min; 2hr 15 min
What are the steps you should take to complete the synthesis essay?
1. Read the prompt
2. Turn the issue into a question and determine main "sides" of issue
3. Read sources and collect evidence
4. Determine stance; write thesis with at least two subclaims
5. Write essay- intro, 2 bodies, and conclusion
What are the steps you should take to write the rhetorical analysis essay?
1. Read the prompt to determine SPACE
2. Read the text and annotate for SPACECAT
3. Write thesis statement by determining author's purpose and main rhet. choices used to create it
4. Write essay- intro, 2 bodies, conclusion
How can you address the counterargument in your essay?
either in each body paragraph for each subclaim or as its own body paragraph; concede then refute
What are three annotation strategies you can use while reading the passage for the MCQ?
1. summarize main idea/point for each paragraph
2. circle or underline repeated ideas
3. look for shifts
What are the three types of FRQs?
FRQ 1- synthesis; FRQ 2-rhetorical analysis; FRQ 3- argument
What should you include in a body paragraph of a synthesis essay?
1. Topic sentence- introduce subclaim
2. Context and evidence from a source
3. Explain evidence and tie back to subclaim and overall thesis
4. Address and refute counterclaim
5. Repeat with 2nd piece of evidence
What should you include in a body paragraph of a rhetorical analysis essay?
1. Topic sentence- reintroduce the rhet. choice from your thesis
2. Context and evidence of choice
3. Explain meaning of evidence
4. Explain the intended impact on the specific audience
5. Connect back to how it helps the author convey their specific purpose
6. Repeat with 2nd piece of evidence for same rhet. choice
What should you include in a body paragraph of an argument essay?
1. Topic sentence- introduce subclaim
2. Context and evidence from CHORES/background knowledge
3. Explain evidence and tie back to subclaim and overall thesis
4. Address and refute counterclaim
5. Repeat with 2nd piece of evidence
What are two strategies you can use for answering the question?
1. process of elimination by grouping together similar answers/categories
2. look at EACH word of each answer and put an X or check if it is relevant/correct
How many minutes do you have per question on the multiple choice? How many minutes do you have per essay on the FRQ portion?
1.33 min per question on MCQ; about 40-45 min per FRQ
Read the prompt, then examine the source material. How could you pull evidence from this to support a stance on the issue?
Write a rhetorical analysis thesis statement for the following commercial.
Concede and refute the following counterargument: Students should never be able to leave class without permission.
While it is important to have permission when leaving the class to ensure the student is accounted for, there are some situations in which the student may not be able to ask for permission. For example, if the student is sick and about to throw up, it is better to just leave the room immediately.
What are some different types of MCQ on the exam?
reading (comprehension) vs writing- passages with numbers before each sentence
Big picture development:
understanding of broad issues like organization, tone shift, overall style, and mode
Rhetorical function:
ability to break down the reasons an author chose a particular strategy to communicate their purpose to the audience
Inference:
ability to apply background knowledge to unfamiliar text and use context clues to make an inference
Tone and attitude:
ability to use inference and analysis to determine attitude of speaker/author
Identification:
ability to recognize rhetorical devices such as extended metaphor, type of language, and irony
Paragraph-Level and Sentence-Level Structure:
understanding of conventional sentence structure, logical placement of ideas, and a variety of revision strategies.
Basic Comprehension:
understanding of the details in the passage