Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What do I need for this class?
2. How do I study for tests?
3. What are the six categories for SAT & AP argumentative essays?
4. How do I paraphrase when writing a research paper?
5. What are some basic tips for the literary analysis essay on the AP Language and Comp. Exam?
6. What is a basic tip for the synthesis essay?

What do I need for this class?

Bring your notebooks and folders to class every day.

Back to Top

How do I study for tests?

Study your notes and the text side by side.

Back to Top

What are the six categories for SAT & AP argumentative essays?

1.) Personal experience (You may use "I" in these 
essays)
2.) Current events
3.) History
4.) Literature
5.) Popular culture (movies, music, TV shows, video games, comic 
books, etc)
6.) Broad social trends (Ex.: People are not reading newspapers 
anymore, 
people are not buying CDs anymore)

Back to Top

How do I paraphrase when writing a research paper?

Here is the scenario.  You found a quote that you would like to 
include in 
your reseacr paper, but you know it is too long and would not 
look right.  
This is a good quote to paraphrase.  Here is what you do.  Read 
the quote 
several times.  Then close the book or put it aside or turn away 
from the 
computer.  Then write the quote yourself in your own words.  
REMEMBER, a 
paraphrase should be treated just like a quote and must be cited 
paranthetically in the body of your paper and in the Works Cited 
page.

Back to Top

What are some basic tips for the literary analysis essay on the AP Language and Comp. Exam?

1.) Intro should give a taste of how you are going to analyze the 
passage.
2.) Try to identify the tone and/or a shift in tone.
3.) Try to discuss one or two SOAPS.
4.) If you see an old-fashioned literary element or a "new-
fashioned" rhetorical strategy, don't leave it out.
5.) Try to touch on something in every paragraph, if there is 
more than one paragraph.
6.) REMEMBER, THE READERS WILL NOT BE IMPRESSED THAT YOU CAN PICK 
OUT A METAPHOR.  YOU HAVE TO SAY WHY THE AUTHOR IS USING ANY 
TECHNIQUE/STRATEGY!!

Back to Top

What is a basic tip for the synthesis essay?

If the synthesis essay is an argumentative essay, which it most 
likely will be, try to use one source that you will argue against.

Back to Top