AP Language and Composition Summer Assignment

Teacher: Nora Cates:[email protected]

Welcome to AP Language and Composition! I am excited to have the opportunity to be a part of this journey of
discovery, critical thinking, and skillful writing with you. This course is designed to challenge you and help you
grow as both a reader and a writer. Please refer to the last page for more information about AP Language and
Composition.

Assignment
Part 1: Reading "Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah

Assignment Overview: Over the summer, you will read "Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah, a memoir that
explores themes of identity, race, and resilience through Noah's experiences growing up in apartheid and
post-apartheid South Africa.

Reading Goals:

● Understand the historical and cultural context of apartheid and its impact on individuals and society.
● Identify logos through factual accounts, ethos via personal credibility, and pathos through emotional
storytelling to persuasively engage readers in examining societal issues.
● Identify and reflect on the memoir's key themes, such as identity, freedom, and resilience.

Reading Instructions:

1. Read the entire book "Born a Crime" by Trevor Noah.

2. Annotate the text, highlighting key passages and making notes about significant themes, characters,
and stylistic elements.

Part 2: Creating a Dialectical Double-Entry Journal

Assignment Overview: You will create a dialectical double-entry journal to analyze on loose leaf paper and
reflect on the readings and the documentary. This journal will help you engage critically with the texts and
develop your analytical writing skills. See example at the end.

Journal Instructions:

1. Set up your journal: Divide each page into two columns. Label the left column "Quotation/Passage"
and the right column "Response/Analysis." (See example at the end)
2. Journal Entries for "Born a Crime": Select at least ten significant passages from the book. For each
passage, include:
○ Quotation/Passage: Copy the passage verbatim, including the page number.
○ Response/Analysis: Write a detailed response analyzing the passage. Discuss why it is
significant, how it relates to the book's themes, and any personal reflections or connections to
other texts or real-world issues. You can also Identify logos through factual accounts, ethos via
personal credibility, and pathos through emotional storytelling to persuasively engage readers in
examining societal issues.

Journal Formatting:

● Neatly handwritten: Ensure your journal is legible and well-organized.

● Citations: Use proper MLA format for quoting and citing the book.
Part 3: Cultural Experience

Assignment Overview: Being a student means being well-rounded and having experiences that illuminate the
cultures around us rather than simply relying on academic reading for our understanding. Understanding
literature goes beyond words on a page and involves delving into humanity, which is why good readers are
those who have a wide variety of life experiences that they can connect to their reading. The experience you
participate in should be something NEW to you, outside of your day-to-day routine. It should offer you a
different insight and new perspective. The experience does not need to have a direct connection to anything
you read. As well, please note, while some of my suggestions are local, Raleigh opportunities, you can
absolutely engage in any of these experiences if you’re traveling this summer! Think about what you do when
you do it. Don;t just go through the motions. Note who is there, Why are they there? Why does this place exist?
How long has it been there? What are the people like who are working there? In many cases you are able to
talk to the people working there. Ask them questions.

Suggestions for the Raleigh-Cary Area:

1. Attend a Cultural Festival:

○ Raleigh International Food Festival: Sample foods from around the world and experience
different cultures through music and dance.
○ Lazy Daze Arts & Crafts Festival in Cary: Enjoy local art, crafts, and performances, providing
insight into regional culture and creativity.
2. Visit a Museum or Historical Site:
○ North Carolina Museum of Art: Explore diverse collections and exhibits that offer cultural and
historical perspectives.
○ Historic Yates Mill County Park: Learn about the history of milling and the role it played in the
local community.
3. Engage in Community Events:
○ Attend a local farmers’ market: Discover local produce, crafts, and community culture. Check
out the whole market
○ Participate in a volunteer opportunity: Volunteer at a local shelter or community center to
gain new perspectives and contribute to the community.
4. Experience Live Performances:
○ North Carolina Symphony at Koka Booth Amphitheatre: Enjoy a live symphony performance
in a beautiful outdoor setting.
○ Local theater productions: Check out performances at local theaters like Raleigh Little
Theatre or Cary Arts Center.
5. Explore Nature and Outdoor Activities:
○ Visit William B. Umstead State Park: Hike, bike, or paddle through this large state park to
appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
○ Attend a summer concert series: Many parks and outdoor venues host free summer concerts
featuring a variety of musical genres.
○ Visit a local produce farm- Go to a peach farm and pick peaches
6. Dine at a Unique Restaurant:
○ A Place at the Table: This pay-what-you-can café in Raleigh helps raise funds for the homeless
and provides a community-focused dining experience.

Reflection: After participating in your chosen cultural experience, write a one-page reflection. Describe what
you did, what you learned, and how this new experience offered you a different insight or perspective. Connect
this experience to any of your readings or personal reflections, highlighting how it broadened your
understanding of different cultures and viewpoints. If you are traveling you are welcome to use an experience
from that area. This is not what you did over the summer. You are describing an experience that you have
never had before that should change your perspective.
Due Date and Submission:

● Due Date: The week of class.

● Submission: Bring your journal and cultural experience reflection to class.

This assignment is designed to engage you with the material in a deep and meaningful way, preparing you for
the rigorous analysis and creative thinking that AP Language and Composition demands. Enjoy your summer,
and I look forward to our academic journey together! Feel free to email me with any questions.

Best Regards,

Mrs. Cates

See below for more information and an example of the journal.

What to Expect

In this class, you will:

● Engage with Diverse Texts: From literature to modern essays and speeches, you will explore a wide
range of genres and styles.
● Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Learn to analyze and evaluate arguments, rhetorical strategies, and
the effectiveness of language.
● Enhance Your Writing: Improve your writing skills through various assignments, including synthesis
essay, a rhetorical analysis essay, and an argument essay.
● Participate in Discussions: Share your thoughts and listen to others in an open and respectful
environment, enriching our collective understanding.
● Prepare for the AP Exam: This course will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to
succeed on the AP Language and Composition exam.

Preparing for the AP Course: Understanding how language works is central to this course. Rhetorical
elements are those aspects of language that have a function in a piece of writing or in a speech. The Greek
philosopher Aristotle defined rhetoric as “the faculty of observing in any given case the available means of
persuasion.”

The Rhetorical Triangle: Mastering Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

Understanding and using logos, ethos, and pathos can make your writing more persuasive. Here's a simplified
guide to these key elements and how to apply them.

What is the Rhetorical Triangle?

Aristotle's rhetorical triangle suggests effective persuasion involves balancing three elements: logos, ethos, and
pathos.

Logos (Reason/Text)
 ● Definition: Appeals to reason using logic, evidence, and facts.
● Examples: Statistics, research findings, historical data.
● How to Use: Ensure your argument is clear, well-structured, and backed by solid evidence.

Ethos (Credibility/Writer)

● Definition: Appeals to the writer’s credibility and character.

● Examples: Mentioning expertise, using reputable sources.
● How to Use: Establish credibility by demonstrating knowledge and authority.

Pathos (Emotion/Audience)

● Definition: Appeals to the audience’s emotions, values, and beliefs.

● Examples: Telling a touching story, using vivid language.
● How to Use: Engage your audience by connecting to their emotions and values.

Recognizing and Using Logos, Ethos, and Pathos

● Logos: Is the argument clear, well-supported, and logical?

● Ethos: What are the writer’s qualifications? Is the tone suitable?
● Pathos: Are vivid examples and images used? Does the writer appeal to the reader’s values?

Example Journal Entry: Yours will be on notebook paper

Dialectical Double-Entry Journal: "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

Quote: "For me, becoming isn’t about arriving Response: Michelle Obama believes that personal growth
somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as is ongoing and not about reaching a fixed goal. This
forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach reminds me that life is about continuous improvement and
continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t learning from experiences. It's inspiring because it shows
end." (Obama 3) resilience and optimism in facing challenges. Michelle
uses pathos through emotional storytelling to engage
readers, showing that everyone can relate to the idea of
ongoing personal growth and evolving over time.

Quote: "If you don’t get out there and define yourself, Response: Michelle Obama emphasizes the importance
you’ll be quickly and inaccurately defined by others." of defining oneself instead of letting others do it. This
(Obama 20) makes me think about how I can assert my identity and
not let stereotypes shape how others see me. It’s
empowering to take control of how I’m perceived. Michelle
uses ethos here by drawing on her personal credibility and
experiences, demonstrating the importance of
self-definition and authenticity in the face of societal
stereotypes and expectations.