AP LANGUAGE & COMPOSITION FALL SEMESTER FINAL

NEEDED: POCKET FOLDER – I will NOT accept final exams that are not in a pocket folder! Bring your ReReading America, other texts I handed out in class, as well as any outside research you wish to use.

This final will be worth 100 POINTS.

OVERVIEW

In a carefully reasoned and supported essay, you will analyze/discuss the following TWO ideas. These should be developed as a single, cohesive essay and NOT as separate sections.

IDEA 1: Analyze the main points made by Neil Postman in the article “Future Shlock” about the effects of technology on intelligence. Determine whether or not other readings we have done support or refute Postman’s assertions. Make notes to bring to the final exam.

During the final exam period, you will write at least 2 pages discussing other authors’ views about these issues. Please cite author and page numbers using MLA format; you DO NOT need to provide a Works Cited page unless you use sources outside of class texts.

IDEA 2: Determine your own areas of agreement or disagreement based on your own experiences. Make notes to bring to the final exam.

During the final exam period, write (no absolute length) a reasoned discussion about Postman’s assertions. Consider, in particular, your own attitudes and skills about reading and writing and thinking in relationship to Postman's ideas, and whether or they have changed over the course of the semester.

A note about academic honesty

Any attempt to bring more than handwritten or typed NOTES to the final will result in a failing grade. You must turn in all notes with your final typed copy in a pocket folder. Do not plan on using your email during the final period.

FINAL SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
PRINT grading matrix ahead of time to include with your final

• Use MLA format for in-text citations and block quotes.
• Combine Parts 1 and 2 that you write during the final. Make them ONE cohesive and unified document.
• Submit hard copy of all elements AND submit ONE FINAL DOCUMENT to SafeAssignment prior to the end of the final period. – No submission? Lose 20% of final exam grade.
• Submit all NOTES and OUTSIDE sources (exception: books)
• Works Cited page required if you use outside sources.

SUGGESTIONS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FINAL

• Annotate the text – mark it up!!
• Summarize Postman’s main points so you do not have to re-read during the final
• Summarize main points of other authors that you plan to use in the final essay
• Preparation ahead of time will make the final exam period less stressful