Assignment #2: Muckraker AP Prompt Essay

Hello Students,

Here are the results of the Muckraker essay.

Plato	9.1/10
Locke	9.0/10
Socrates	9.0/10
Hobbes	8.9/10
Aristotle	9.1/10
Aquinas	9.6/10
Nietzsche	9.3/10
Marx	9.4/10

Since you are able to read each other's work through these blogs, I encourage you to check out Seewan's and Kyuhong's as two examples of essays that would score high on an exam.  What I think is needed for this prompt is a clear introduction that does the following:

1.  Introduces the word "muckraker" by commenting on its etymology, referencing the question and conditions set forth in the prompt.

2.  Takes a position on whether or not the word is something to be proud of.

3.  Sets out three examples that support that position.

Then, the following paragraphs should be succinctly organized, without mixing in other things that might distract from the intent of the argument.  Things to avoid and strive for:

1.  Avoid repeating the same concept in different words.
2.  Avoid meandering statements, or thoughts/ideas that don't receive the attention they might deserve.
3.  Avoid too much summary, generalizations, absolutes, overstatements.
4.  Focus on transitions to explain specific ideas that can be backed up.
5.  Focus on giving equal attention to all examples.
6.  Focus on organized development - no backtracking, jumping ahead, or blending examples.


The conclusion should echo the intro, as we all know.  Basically, the simplest approach to this sort of essay is the best one.  A 5 paragraph, 500 word essay that gets to the point quickly and economically.  Anecdotes, preambles, metaphors etc. are good - but should be used moderately.  Keep in mind the person reading your AP exam has read thousands, and doesn't want to backtrack or think too hard about what you are explaining.

What makes a good example of an argument that forwards your thesis?  One that you know about convincingly, and one that isn't too demanding to cover.  Watergate, North Korea, Supersize Me etc. are good, but be sure to avoid extraneous facts therein that don't contribute.   

We will continue to write these kinds of essays, and also look at what AP outlines as scoring scales.

Score for First Writing Response

Hello Students,

I've decided the best way to give you your scores is on my blog via aliases.  You can come and ask me what your ID is next class, or email me at garrioch@minjok.hs.kr or s_garrioch@hotmail.com or facebook.

Plato	9.3/10
Locke	9.2/10
Socrates	8.9/10
Descartes	9.0/10
Hobbes	9.2/10
Aristotle	8.9/10
Aquinas	9.3/10
Nietzsche	9.4/10
Marx	8.9/10

A good essay from Changwoo...

 
The situation surrounding last semester's last assignment was not favorable for any of us, but I'd like to extend credit where credit is due to Chang Woo:

The Earthlings 


He's uploaded a second draft to his blog, and I welcome you to do the same in the future. The picture helps with context, and compared to a piece of paper with an essay on it, the longevity and added features that a blog affords your assignments is clearly beneficial.

Please keep in mind you are encouraged to use your blogs for anything and everything you want (even college essays), and not just for AP assignments.  Anything you want to share with the class or that you find interesting is welcome, as I will make a habit of looking them over during class. If you want to change the title of your blog to reflect this, feel free.

Comments Posted Re. "Turtle Boy"

Hello AP Students,

Although this "blog" system is still in its experimental phase, I'd like to say that your responses to "Turtle Boy" indicate that it is going to be a success. Compared to the writing in the essays I just returned to you today (generally, not the best I've seen from you), the quality of your writing in this first Critical Response is remarkably better. Why? I'm not sure, but I think the blogging platform is more relaxed, more immediate, and more conducive to opinion than the traditional "hand in a paper" routine.

So what I want to generate with this blogging network is more writing and more reading - and not just reading the articles or prompts, but each others work. You all have your unique strengths and insights, and as writers you can gain from one another. In terms of "class participation," I'd like to see you commenting on each others work from time to time. Dokee - be nice to Junho. No jokes.

Keep up the good work everyone.

Note: The weekly reponses are worth 10 marks, and of course I won't make these scores public. If you want, you can set audience comments so they have to be verified before you allow them. If you'd rather not have my feedback visible, I don't mind. We can discuss this in class.

AP Mini-Essay #1: "Muckraker"

Below is an official AP essay prompt from the College Board.  As discussed in class, you will have to write three of these on the exam, and spend about 40 minutes for each over the course of two hours.

This prompt asks you to analyze the word "muckraker" and take a position on whether or not the title should be accepted with pride or shame.  My advice - first discuss the word itself.  What impression does it first make, and what is the possible etymology of the word (this should be fairly obvious if you consider what makes it a compound word).

In terms of "specific evidence," recent news developments should turn up a few obvious choices with Wikileaks.  So make sure you take a clear position which is supported.

Week 1 Assignment: Viral Infamy

Watch the following video, and evaluate the humor (assuming there is some, though opinions will definitely vary).  Is this actually "funny," and why did American popular culture develop a fixation with a simple three word sentence?



Once you've considered these things, read the following article from the Washington Post. The reason I've chosen this article is more for the quality of the writing, and not so much for the entertainment value of the video discussed.  David Segal has spent years writing for America's best newspapers, and in a move from the Washington Post to The New York Times he inspired this description from a coworker:

"Nearly every assignment he takes on he manages to deliver in a fresh and surprising way. He is the consummate friend of the reader — a clear explainer, intent on seeking out narrative, with an off-beat sense of humor. David always comes back with the goods — and better and more surprising goods than other writers."

So, while reading, pay close attention to his unique narrative style, and how he frames the story with just the right amount of detail.  Not only is it easy to read, but it's engaging and expansive.

 
In an argumentative tone, respond to the questions raised in the article (perhaps using other examples to support your opinion).  You may respond as if leaving a comment on the article.  Length of response is up to you, but 300 words should be a minimum target.

***Note:  Please repost this video and article link (hotlink) in your blog for reference purposes.  To do this: Right click on the video, select embed code, and paste it into the "Edit HTML" section.  Since the video will be larger than your blog window, you will have to make it smaller.  In the code you will see height and width, so reduce the width by 100 pixels.  You have to do this twice within the code.

Blog URL Please

Hello AP Lang,

Once you've completed your blog setup, please leave me your name and address in the comments below this post.  Please check back often to see the weekly assignment.

Thanks