Your summer reading included the opening chapters of The Language of Composition, a textbook written specifically for our AP course. Chapter 5 tackles the issue of education, starting with this essential question: “To what extent do our schools serve the goals of a true education?”
In September, you were asked to respond briefly that question. Now, you are asked to develop that answer into an essay.
So the assignment, as an imperative, is: Write an essay that answers the essential question, “To what extent do our schools serve the goals of a true education?”
How you define “essay” is, for the moment, up to you. We will adjust our understanding of the term through exam-based practice essays and a close reading of “The Age of the Essay,” by Paul Graham, which you are welcome to read ahead of time:
An essay, in this case, is a means of framing our exploration of the essential question. It puts your thoughts into writing, invites dialectical discussion, reveals your important biases, and so on. You should submit a copy of your essay through Google Classroom, where you’ll find a copy of this prompt alongside a copy of Chapter 5.
Ask questions about this process in the comment section below. Treat these comments as a chance to engage me in direct instruction, clarification, redirection, etc., while you look for chances to help your peers, too. Questions are usually better than mere observations, although they both have value.
When exactly should we start working on this?
Right away. We will talk tomorrow about what next week looks like.
Should we refer to the chapter in the essay?
Maybe to texts that are included, but only if it serves your essay. Think of your writing like a discussion: You might make mention of other people and ideas, but forcing it would be inauthentic.