AP Writing
According to the College Board, writing is an integral part of the AP English Literature and Composition Course because the AP examination is weighted toward the student writing about literature. Writing assignments will focus on the critical analysis of literature and will include expository, analytical, argumentative, and research essays. The goal is to increase the students' ability to explain clearly, precisely, and vividly what they understand about literary works and why they interpret them as they do. Grading will according to the rubrics set forth by the Advanced Placement Program.
DIDLS
Prose Analysis Method
Style is a writer's individual way of writing.
Just as each of us has a particular, unique way of presenting ourselves, writers
have unique ways of presenting themselves. Our personalities shine through
the way we talk, the words we choose, the gestures we use, the clothes we
wear, etc. A writer has only language to express his/her personality. The
qualities below are the basic elements of a writer's style. Study them carefully
when you read a text, and you will gain a deeper understanding of the author's
purpose.
D
Diction
What kinds of words does the author use? Compare
his/her word choice to what another person might use.
ex. Author 1: Bill was unintelligent.
ex. Author 2: Bill was a zipperhead.
I
Images
What images does the author use? What does he/she focus on in a sensory way?
The kinds of images the author puts in or leaves out reflect his/her style?
Are they vibrant? Prominent? Plain?
D Details
What details does the author include and exclude in the story? The kinds of
details the author puts in or takes out reflect his/her style?
ex. An author describing a battlefield might include details about the stench
of rotting bodies or he might not.
L
Language
What is the overall impression of the language the author uses? Does it reflect
education? A particular profession? Intelligence? Is it plain? Ornate? Simple?
Clear? Figurative? Poetic?
S
Sentence Structure
What are the sentences like? Are they simple with one or two clauses? Do they
have multiple phrases? Are they choppy? Flowing? Sinuous like a snake? What
emotional impression do they leave?
Writing
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