AP English Language

Avon Lake City Schools 

Curriculum Framework

AP English Language and Composition

Course Overview:

• The AP English Language and Composition course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts—including images as forms of text— from a range of disciplines and historical periods.

• AP English Language and Composition students will learn the skills necessary to succeed in university-level courses and on the AP Language and Composition exam. Students will learn skills such as the close reading of texts, analysis of rhetorical choices, purposeful use of language, and synthesis of sources, in order to comprehend and compose sophisticated, well-supported arguments. Each of these skills will prepare students for the intense reading and writing demands they will experience in college. 

• To give shape to the content of our course, we will read, discuss, and write about noteworthy nonfiction selections (memoirs, speeches, commencement addresses, etc.) that deal with key cultural, social and historical moments in our history. We will also examine how people actively persuade others using multimedia texts (documentaries, films, songs, advertisements, commercials, etc.)  

• Because a key aspect of college-level learning is writing, this course is ideal for students interested in studying the humanities as well as students interested in pursuing majors or careers in business, marketing, pre-law, political science, engineering, or any field where speaking and writing persuasively are key.  Students are required to do summer work.. This class meets one period daily. 

• Fee:  AP Exam fee

Textbook (Title and Publishing Company): 

• The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric 3rd edition. Bedford, Freeman, & Worth, publishers. 

• Amsco: Advanced Placement Edition: AP English Language and Composition, Perfection Learning, publisher.  

Additional Resources used: 

• The College Board approved course framework for AP Language and Composition will be used. Texts will be selected to match the recommended guidelines. 

  • https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-english-language-and-composition

• Thank you for Arguing 4^th edition – student purchase

• Novels: Semester One

  • Educated by Tara Westover

  • Radium Girls by Kate Mooore

  • The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics by Daniel James Brown

  • Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

  • A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout

  • David and Goliath by Malcom Gladwell

• Novels: Semester Two

  • Hillbilly Elegy by J.D Vance

  • In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

  • The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

  • Pre-approved Independent Choices 

• College Board released prompts and student samples for practice and study

Online/Supplemental Materials:

AP Classroom ~ created by College Board

Assessments: 

• Formative Assessments: Rhetorical analysis homework, out of class readings, practice thesis statements and body paragraphs, AP Classroom FRQ’s and MCQ’s.

• Participation: Socratic Seminars, teacher-led discussions, small group discussions

• Summative Assessments:  Quizzes, tests, out of class essays (including revisions) and presentations

• Timed Writings

• AP Mock Test

• Group Projects & Presentations

Last Updated:

September, 2023