2005 Prompt: In Kate Chopin’s The Awakening (1899), protagonist Edna Pontellier is said to possess “That outward existence which conforms, the inward life that questions.” In a novel or play that you have studied, identify a character who outwardly conforms while questioning inwardly. Then write an essay in which you analyze how this tension between outward conformity and inward questioning contributes to the meaning of the work. Avoid mere plot summary.
A: This essay is exceptional because its theme statement effectively assesses the prompt and formats the student's argument. The student clearly understands the format needed for a organized AP essay (ending each body paragraph with synthesis to the overall meaning of the work), and has a writing style which is clear and enticing. Great essay, it could use a bit more organization and transition between ideas, but succeeds at providing an in depth analysis of the work.
B: This essay is accomplished with a strong thesis and analysis of Nora's inward struggle and outward conformity. However, the writer does not effectively answer the prompt in the conclusion. He states that the author is commenting on the sexism of a specific society, however, the meaning of a work should be able to translate to any era and society throughout time. This essay does not look into the play with depth and lacks the caliber of writing that would be expected.
C: Right off from the start this essay has technical errors; NEVER restate the prompts and ALWAYS include the author's full name with the first mention of the work's title. This essay does not have a clear thesis in the introductory paragraph. The questioning of identity of the protagonist is completely different than the inward struggle vs. outward conformity mentioned in the prompt. The writer does not discuss the meaning of the work at all and fails to answer the prompt entirely.
Abby,
ReplyDeleteGood job with your post. You have some really good points about everything in each essay. The only thing is that you have no scores. Part of the assignment is for you to give your own score to each piece. That is the only thing I see missing. Good job!
Well this is my last comment that I will ever leave on an AP Lit blog post. It's been a good year :)
ReplyDeleteAnyways, you should include the scores that you would give each essay. Most people forget to do this, so don't worry. I would also advise you to make notes on the structural details of the essays. You mentioned that the first essay was good, but it had some organizational issues. What were those issues? Misplaced thesis? Only 2 body paragraphs?
Other than that, good job.
Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteOverall nice job on this, you said what the students did wrong and how to improve on their mistakes, however I feel you could maybe broaden it up just a little bit and say exactly what you didn't like, for example if it's a formatting issue say exactly what the problem is. Also, like Brad and Matthew mentioned you should give a score just to show how good or bad the essay is to you. Nice post!