Mixing the Modes

“The Ways We Lie”

Evaluate the success of Ericsson’s essay, considering especially how effectively her evidence supports her generalizations.  Are there important categories she overlooks, exceptions she neglects to account for, gaps in definitions or examples?  Offer specific evidence for your own view, whether positive or negative.

“Sex, Drugs, Disasters, and the Extinction of Dinosaurs”

Gould proposes several causes and the same effect.  Why do you think considering various possible causes for a particular effect is important in scientific inquiry?  How does the same thing apply in everyday life?  Think of a situation that affects you directly—your breakup with a close friend, a course you are having particular difficulties with, a problem you face at school, something you have recently become interested in (or lost interest in), or the like.  Then, write down all the causes you can think of for this situation. 

“No Name Woman”

Most of us have heard family stories that left lasting impressions—ghost stories like Kingston’s , biographies of ancestors, explanations for traditions, family superstitions,  and so on.   Write about a family story you remember vividly from your childhood.

“Once More to the Lake”

White strongly evokes the lake camp as a place that was important to him as a child.  What place or places were most important to you as a child?  Describe the place now as a teenager.  Your description should draw on your childhood memories, making them as vivid as possible for the reader, but you should also consider how your point of view toward the place differs now.

“The Clan of One-Breasted Women”

Evaluate “The Clan of One-Breasted Women” as an argument, focusing on the author’s use of appeals (rational, emotional, and ethical).  How well do you think she succeeds?

Contribute a  thoughtful, well-written blog that fosters cross-communication and response among our AP Language community.  (This one is quiz-grade status.)

Defining Moments

Whether you are comparing and contrasting Naylor's and Leong's reactions to derogatory labels, considering how language defines us, challenging George Will's assumption in "Equity," defining an addiction, OR determining the effect of euphemisms, post your initial, thoughtful responses for the AP Language Community "sagesblogspots."

Division/Analysis Post

Option #1 – “I Want a Wife”

·         Imagine that you want to employ someone to do a specific job, divide the task into its duties and functions.  Then, guided by your analysis, write an accurate job description in essay/paragraph format.  (Possibilities: coach, rap artist, musician, actors, writers/novelists, teammate, friend, roommate, leader, etc.)

Option #2 – “Notes from the Hip-Hop Underground”

·         Analyze another aspect of popular culture---another type of popular music, perhaps, or violent computer games or “reality” television programs or teen horror movies.  Your subject may appeal to you personally, but be sure to expand your discussion to explain your subject’s broader appeal as well.

Description Mode Post

For this post, you will have a choice of two different topics of which to respond. 
Option #1:  Many families have unique traditions like Lahiri's family tradition of carrying loads of food back from India.  Think of a tradition that is unique to your family or to another group to belong to--for instance, a holiday celebration, a vacation activity, a way of resolving or avoiding disagreement.  Describe that tradition, focusing on the objects used, the activities involved, and the feelings associated with it.  (This is a chance for the class to get know "who" you are). 

                                                                         OR

Option #2:  First, Do you find the Las Vegas wedding industry and its clients, as described by Didion, to be ridiculous, depressing, amusing, harmless, or something else?  Explain your impression.  Next, Describe another ritual or social custom (for example, a graduation, military induction, presidential inauguration, religious service).  What does the conduct of this custom tell us about our attitudes toward it?

Narration Post: lwsages1

Reminders: As you respond to your class’s post, review the expectations for thoughtful, valuable, and timely communication outlined in the “Discussion Forum Rubric.”  Additionally, even though you are only responsible for responding to your assigned topic, we will use all four posted topics in our class discussions; as such, prepare accordingly.

     Sherman Alexie mingles positive and negative school experiences, each seeming almost to grow out of the other.   As you respond, first , evaluate  the effect of Alexie’s narrative technique.  Next, by extension, consider and share one of your own memorable school experiences—positive or negative—that taught you something important about yourself and/or others.