Today, we graded AP "style-analysis" essays, which were samples from actual test-takers last year. I was kind of confused about how to write this kind of essay but today's grading cleared it up. I liked them all really, but my favorite was NNNN1, which I gave a nine. I gave out a 5, an 8, another 5, and a 9. I thought they analyzed the rhetorical strategies very well and their writing sounding sophisticated and urbane. They talked about asyndeton, polysyndeton, pathos, emotional appeal, the way the syntax was and how the diction used was. This gave me a picture of how these essays would normally be; I was kind of wondering before we read these samples.
When grading, the first thing I do is read the thesis and see if it includes proper rhetorical strategies actually mentioned in the passage. Then I see if all the assertions support it well and provide effective examples. I liked NNNN1 a lot because his/her language was sophisticated, she seemed to know what she was doing, seemed in control and analyzed the reading well. The thesis was well supported by the body paragraphs and provided examples that persuaded me to believe what she was saying. I put a lot of emphasis on the thesis because it is basically the basis for the whole essay and every sentence you say must lead back to it. I also thought NN1 was pretty good. It seemed like she was trying to prove that Kelley used pathos, instead of rhetorical devices but I think she analyzed it well. I liked this experience and I thought it was kind of fun :) I hope my essay doesn't fall into the hands of a mean grader!! I want them to grade by the criteria I grade by, but I'm sure that's what everyone feels as well. So, I'm not the only worried one. Bye!
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