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"Writing an AP Lit Timed Poetry & Prose Essay Intro"

Last updated over 5 years ago
12 questions
Note from the author:
Students write a timed essay then use their draft to learn how to write an effective introduction.

SECTION 1: FIRST ATTEMPT

5

Write your first attempt at responding to the 2015 AP Poetry Prompt:
"In the following poem by Caribbean writer Derek Walcott, the speaker recalls a childhood experience of visiting an elderly woman storyteller. Read the poem carefully. Then, in a well-developed essay, discuss the speaker's recollection and analyze how Walcott uses poetic devices to convey the significance of the experience. "

SECTION 2: LEARNING HOW TO WRITE A CONCISE & EFFECT TIMED ESSAY INTRODUCTION

Read the AP English Literature Timed Essay Introduction Skills tips in the image below, keeping your previously written introduction in mind:

Let's see what you already knew about writing an effective introduction when you wrote your first attempt!
2

Is the title of the poem and author written in your FIRST sentence?

2

Did you write an introduction to your thesis?

2

Does the first and/or second sentences say something about the prompt (synonyms count)?

2

Is the first sentence about the poem at all?

2

Is your first sentence a question?

2

Is your first paragraph, intro & thesis, longer than a 1/4 of your piece of paper?

2

Is your first sentence a simple sentence (subject-verb-predicate)?

2

Is your first sentence a compound sentence (two simple sentences joined with and, or, nor, for but)?

2

Is your first sentence a complex sentence (an independent clause + a dependent clause)?

2

Look at the first word in your essay. Is it on this list (or, is it vague or general)?

SECTION #3: ASSESSMENT OF LEARNING

10

Your turn to practice an interesting introduction with your 2nd attempt!