AP Lit

Writing GuidelinesWriting Guidelinesfor for

College-Level PapersCollege-Level Papers

Writing GuidelinesWriting Guidelinesfor for

College-Level PapersCollege-Level Papers

1. You must address each element of the prompt.

2. Write in present tense.

3. Use Active Voice.

4. Back up every opinion or general statement with an example or quote from the text.

5. Simple and direct is best.

1. You must address each element of the prompt.

2. Write in present tense.

3. Use Active Voice.

4. Back up every opinion or general statement with an example or quote from the text.

5. Simple and direct is best.

6. 6. WhoWho vs. vs. thatthat

7. Correct usage of 7. Correct usage of couldcould vs. vs. cancan, , would would vs. vs. willwill..

8. Titles8. Titles

9. Numbers9. Numbers

10. Omit needless words.10. Omit needless words.

11. Make sure the 11. Make sure the antecedent antecedent and and pronounpronoun agree.agree.

6. 6. WhoWho vs. vs. thatthat

7. Correct usage of 7. Correct usage of couldcould vs. vs. cancan, , would would vs. vs. willwill..

8. Titles8. Titles

9. Numbers9. Numbers

10. Omit needless words.10. Omit needless words.

11. Make sure the 11. Make sure the antecedent antecedent and and pronounpronoun agree.agree.

12. Avoid summary. 12. Avoid summary.

13. Avoid mentioning yourself.13. Avoid mentioning yourself.

14. Avoid directly addressing the reader as 14. Avoid directly addressing the reader as

““youyou””..

15. Avoid contractions. 15. Avoid contractions.

16. Avoid 16. Avoid ““isis”” as a helping verb. as a helping verb.

17. Avoid absolutes.17. Avoid absolutes.

12. Avoid summary. 12. Avoid summary.

13. Avoid mentioning yourself.13. Avoid mentioning yourself.

14. Avoid directly addressing the reader as 14. Avoid directly addressing the reader as

““youyou””..

15. Avoid contractions. 15. Avoid contractions.

16. Avoid 16. Avoid ““isis”” as a helping verb. as a helping verb.

17. Avoid absolutes.17. Avoid absolutes.

18. Avoid Redundancy18. Avoid Redundancy

19. Avoid the 19. Avoid the What If? problemWhat If? problem. .

20. Avoid ending a sentence with a preposition.20. Avoid ending a sentence with a preposition.

18. Avoid Redundancy18. Avoid Redundancy

19. Avoid the 19. Avoid the What If? problemWhat If? problem. .

20. Avoid ending a sentence with a preposition.20. Avoid ending a sentence with a preposition.

21. Writing is Rewriting21. Writing is Rewriting21. Writing is Rewriting21. Writing is Rewriting

The prompt may ask you to talk about The prompt may ask you to talk about specific elements in the work like… specific elements in the work like…

The prompt may ask you to talk about The prompt may ask you to talk about specific elements in the work like… specific elements in the work like…

imagery, form, diction, and tone.imagery, form, diction, and tone.imagery, form, diction, and tone.imagery, form, diction, and tone.

Or it might onlyOr it might only suggest suggest you talk about these things. you talk about these things.Or it might onlyOr it might only suggest suggest you talk about these things. you talk about these things.

In either case, make sure you do it.In either case, make sure you do it.In either case, make sure you do it.In either case, make sure you do it.

If I told you there was a fight yesterday just If I told you there was a fight yesterday just outside this window, you may or may not be outside this window, you may or may not be interested.interested.

If I told you there is a fight If I told you there is a fight right nowright now just outside this just outside this window, you would have to force yourself not to look.window, you would have to force yourself not to look.If I told you there is a fight If I told you there is a fight right nowright now just outside this just outside this window, you would have to force yourself not to look.window, you would have to force yourself not to look.

This also applies to your writingThis also applies to your writingThis also applies to your writingThis also applies to your writing

Write about the work as if it is happening right Write about the work as if it is happening right now, and it will be much more interesting than if now, and it will be much more interesting than if you write about it as a dusty old museum piece.you write about it as a dusty old museum piece.

Write about the work as if it is happening right Write about the work as if it is happening right now, and it will be much more interesting than if now, and it will be much more interesting than if you write about it as a dusty old museum piece.you write about it as a dusty old museum piece.

In the last act of the play, Romeo In the last act of the play, Romeo killedkilled himself. himself.

In chapter one, Lenny and George In chapter one, Lenny and George metmet at the lake. at the lake.

In the last act of the play, Romeo In the last act of the play, Romeo killedkilled himself. himself.

In chapter one, Lenny and George In chapter one, Lenny and George metmet at the lake. at the lake.

Is not as powerful as…Is not as powerful as…Is not as powerful as…Is not as powerful as…

In the last act of the play, Romeo In the last act of the play, Romeo killskills himself. himself.

In chapter one, Lenny and George In chapter one, Lenny and George meetmeet at the lake. at the lake.

In the last act of the play, Romeo In the last act of the play, Romeo killskills himself. himself.

In chapter one, Lenny and George In chapter one, Lenny and George meetmeet at the lake. at the lake.

For ExampleFor ExampleFor ExampleFor Example

Besides, you can open the text to the part Besides, you can open the text to the part you are writing about at any time… you are writing about at any time…

Besides, you can open the text to the part Besides, you can open the text to the part you are writing about at any time… you are writing about at any time…

and it and it isis happening - right now! happening - right now!and it and it isis happening - right now! happening - right now!

ActiveActiveActiveActive

Writing has twoWriting has two““voicesvoices””……Writing has twoWriting has two““voicesvoices””……

andandandand

ActiveActiveActiveActivePassive

In the same way that writing in In the same way that writing in present tense makes your writing present tense makes your writing more alive and involves the reader, more alive and involves the reader, so does using so does using active voiceactive voice. .

In the same way that writing in In the same way that writing in present tense makes your writing present tense makes your writing more alive and involves the reader, more alive and involves the reader, so does using so does using active voiceactive voice. .

What is What is PassivePassive Voice? Voice?What is What is PassivePassive Voice? Voice?

Glad you asked…Glad you asked…Glad you asked…Glad you asked…

This is when the subject of a sentence is not This is when the subject of a sentence is not doingdoing anything. anything.

Something is being done to it. Something is being done to it.

It It receivesreceives the action, i.e. it is passive. the action, i.e. it is passive.

This is when the subject of a sentence is not This is when the subject of a sentence is not doingdoing anything. anything.

Something is being done to it. Something is being done to it.

It It receivesreceives the action, i.e. it is passive. the action, i.e. it is passive.

The play was written by T. S. Eliot. The play was written by T. S. Eliot.

The winning shot was made by Michael Jordan.The winning shot was made by Michael Jordan.

Dinner is being prepared right now.Dinner is being prepared right now.




Something is being done to the subject.Something is being done to the subject.

Notice that a Notice that a ““byby”” clause is either present or implied. clause is either present or implied.

Something is being done to the subject.Something is being done to the subject.

Notice that a Notice that a ““byby”” clause is either present or implied. clause is either present or implied.

ActiveActive

VoiceVoice

ActiveActive

VoiceVoiceis when the subject of a sentence is when the subject of a sentence

performsperforms the action… the action…is when the subject of a sentence is when the subject of a sentence

performsperforms the action… the action…

T. S. Eliot wrote the play.T. S. Eliot wrote the play.

Michael Jordan made the winning shot.Michael Jordan made the winning shot.

I am preparing dinner right now.I am preparing dinner right now.

T. S. Eliot wrote the play.T. S. Eliot wrote the play.

Michael Jordan made the winning shot.Michael Jordan made the winning shot.

I am preparing dinner right now.I am preparing dinner right now.







Notice thatNotice that Active VoiceActive Voice usually uses fewer words. usually uses fewer words.Notice thatNotice that Active VoiceActive Voice usually uses fewer words. usually uses fewer words.

Saying more with fewer words Saying more with fewer words is one of the hallmarks of good writing.is one of the hallmarks of good writing.

Make every word count.Make every word count.

Saying more with fewer words Saying more with fewer words is one of the hallmarks of good writing.is one of the hallmarks of good writing.

Make every word count.Make every word count.

UsingUsing Active VoiceActive Voice will help you achieve thiswill help you achieve this..

UsingUsing Active VoiceActive Voice will help you achieve thiswill help you achieve this..

It has been found regrettable that It has been found regrettable that the villager the villagers’s’ lives were terminated. lives were terminated.It has been found regrettable that It has been found regrettable that the villager the villagers’s’ lives were terminated. lives were terminated.

Really?Really?WhoWho regrets it? regrets it?

andandWhoWho ““terminatedterminated”” them? them?

Really?Really?WhoWho regrets it? regrets it?

andandWhoWho ““terminatedterminated”” them? them?

It has been found It has been found regrettable that theregrettable that theVillagers’ lives were Villagers’ lives were terminated.terminated.

It has been found It has been found regrettable that theregrettable that theVillagers’ lives were Villagers’ lives were terminated.terminated.(this one(this one’’s a double-fault, s a double-fault,

two passive verb structures)two passive verb structures)(this one(this one’’s a double-fault, s a double-fault,

two passive verb structures)two passive verb structures)

InIn Active VoiceActive Voice……InIn Active VoiceActive Voice……

I regret I killed the villagers.I regret I killed the villagers.I regret I killed the villagers.I regret I killed the villagers.

At least this killer gets to the point and takes At least this killer gets to the point and takes some responsibility for his/her actions.some responsibility for his/her actions.

At least this killer gets to the point and takes At least this killer gets to the point and takes some responsibility for his/her actions.some responsibility for his/her actions.

1. Sentences in passive voice…1. Sentences in passive voice…1. Sentences in passive voice…1. Sentences in passive voice…

are usuallyare usually wordy, wordy, clumsy, clumsy,

and non-specific.and non-specific.

are usuallyare usually wordy, wordy, clumsy, clumsy,

and non-specific.and non-specific.

2. And worse, passive voice…2. And worse, passive voice…2. And worse, passive voice…2. And worse, passive voice…

(that(that’’s why politicians love to use it).s why politicians love to use it).(that(that’’s why politicians love to use it).s why politicians love to use it).

… … allows a writer or speaker allows a writer or speaker to avoid responsibilityto avoid responsibility

… … allows a writer or speaker allows a writer or speaker to avoid responsibilityto avoid responsibility

No one makes the mistake. No one makes the mistake.

It is simply "made." It is simply "made." No one makes the mistake. No one makes the mistake.

It is simply "made." It is simply "made."

This is the mistake most commonly made.This is the mistake most commonly made.This is the mistake most commonly made.This is the mistake most commonly made.

By whom?By whom?

The reader?The reader?

The writer?The writer?

By whom?By whom?

The reader?The reader?

The writer?The writer?

In passive voice, nothing is ever anyone's fault, In passive voice, nothing is ever anyone's fault, because people do not do things. because people do not do things.

Things happen to people. Things happen to people.

““Irving ate the foodIrving ate the food”” is active. is active.

““The food was eatenThe food was eaten”” is passive. is passive.

Notice that Irving has vanished completely. Notice that Irving has vanished completely.

The food and the action of eating are made The food and the action of eating are made more important than the person who does them.more important than the person who does them.

In passive voice, nothing is ever anyone's fault, In passive voice, nothing is ever anyone's fault, because people do not do things. because people do not do things.

Things happen to people. Things happen to people.

““Irving ate the foodIrving ate the food”” is active. is active.

““The food was eatenThe food was eaten”” is passive. is passive.

Notice that Irving has vanished completely. Notice that Irving has vanished completely.

The food and the action of eating are made The food and the action of eating are made more important than the person who does them.more important than the person who does them.

Really?Really?BY WHOM????BY WHOM????

Really?Really?BY WHOM????BY WHOM????

Errors were made.Errors were made.

Funds were misused.Funds were misused.

Damage was done.Damage was done.

Errors were made.Errors were made.

Funds were misused.Funds were misused.

Damage was done.Damage was done.

There are four phrases aboveThere are four phrases aboveWhich is the strongest?Which is the strongest?

There are four phrases aboveThere are four phrases aboveWhich is the strongest?Which is the strongest?

Look for the appearance or Look for the appearance or suggestion of a suggestion of a ““by clause.by clause.””(it(it’’s technically a prepositional s technically a prepositional

phrase)phrase)

Look for the appearance or Look for the appearance or suggestion of a suggestion of a ““by clause.by clause.””(it(it’’s technically a prepositional s technically a prepositional

phrase)phrase)

If something is being done to the If something is being done to the subject of your sentence, it has to be subject of your sentence, it has to be done done byby someone or something. someone or something.

If something is being done to the If something is being done to the subject of your sentence, it has to be subject of your sentence, it has to be done done byby someone or something. someone or something.

Beware of any form of the verb Beware of any form of the verb is.is.

are, was, are, was, andand be be

as a helping verbas a helping verb

Beware of any form of the verb Beware of any form of the verb is.is.

are, was, are, was, andand be be

as a helping verbas a helping verb

This can also indicate passive voice.This can also indicate passive voice.This can also indicate passive voice.This can also indicate passive voice.

It can It can bebe seen that the flower is seen that the flower is blue.blue.

A stronger way to say it is…A stronger way to say it is…

We can see that the flower is We can see that the flower is blue.blue.

It can It can bebe seen that the flower is seen that the flower is blue.blue.


We can see that the flower is We can see that the flower is blue.blue.

Another difference can Another difference can bebe found found in line four.in line four.


We find another difference in line We find another difference in line four.four.

Another difference can Another difference can bebe found found in line four.in line four.


We find another difference in line We find another difference in line four.four.

The author The author is usingis using a paradox here. a paradox here.A much stronger way to say it isA much stronger way to say it isThe author The author usesuses a paradox here. a paradox here.

The author The author is usingis using a paradox here. a paradox here.A much stronger way to say it isA much stronger way to say it isThe author The author usesuses a paradox here. a paradox here.

The movie The movie was madewas made by Steven Spielberg. by Steven Spielberg.

Steven Spielberg made the movie.Steven Spielberg made the movie.

The songs The songs were writtenwere written by Paul McCartney. by Paul McCartney.

Paul McCartney wrote the songs.Paul McCartney wrote the songs.

The author The author is using is using vivid imagery. vivid imagery.

The author The author usesuses vivid imagery. vivid imagery.

The movie The movie was madewas made by Steven Spielberg. by Steven Spielberg.

Steven Spielberg made the movie.Steven Spielberg made the movie.

The songs The songs were writtenwere written by Paul McCartney. by Paul McCartney.

Paul McCartney wrote the songs.Paul McCartney wrote the songs.

The author The author is using is using vivid imagery. vivid imagery.

The author The author usesuses vivid imagery. vivid imagery.

In the real world you will use both active In the real world you will use both active and passive voice. and passive voice.

When to use passive voice will When to use passive voice will eventually be a matter of choice, but for eventually be a matter of choice, but for now now alwaysalways use active voice. use active voice.

In the real world you will use both active In the real world you will use both active and passive voice. and passive voice.

When to use passive voice will When to use passive voice will eventually be a matter of choice, but for eventually be a matter of choice, but for now now alwaysalways use active voice. use active voice.

Have the subject of your sentenceHave the subject of your sentence Have the subject of your sentenceHave the subject of your sentence

dodo something. something.dodo something. something.

… … or observation with a quote or or observation with a quote or specificspecific example from the text. example from the text. … … or observation with a quote or or observation with a quote or specificspecific example from the text. example from the text.

Assertion is not evidence.Assertion is not evidence.

Just because you say something is so does not make it so.Just because you say something is so does not make it so.

Assertion is not evidence.Assertion is not evidence.

Just because you say something is so does not make it so.Just because you say something is so does not make it so.

You must show proofYou must show proof to support your assertions to support your assertions.. You must show proofYou must show proof to support your assertions to support your assertions..

Don’tDon’t let your desire to impress get in the let your desire to impress get in the way of what you are saying.way of what you are saying.

Have fun with your writing but style should Have fun with your writing but style should follow function. follow function.

That is, your purpose is to persuade or That is, your purpose is to persuade or investigate, not to show off.investigate, not to show off.

Don’tDon’t let your desire to impress get in the let your desire to impress get in the way of what you are saying.way of what you are saying.

Have fun with your writing but style should Have fun with your writing but style should follow function. follow function.

That is, your purpose is to persuade or That is, your purpose is to persuade or investigate, not to show off.investigate, not to show off.

Another way to say this is...Another way to say this is...Another way to say this is...Another way to say this is...

DonDon’’t let your ego get in the way of your point.t let your ego get in the way of your point.DonDon’’t let your ego get in the way of your point.t let your ego get in the way of your point.

Simply put, a person is a Simply put, a person is a who.who.

Everything else is a Everything else is a that.that.

Simply put, a person is a Simply put, a person is a who.who.

Everything else is a Everything else is a that.that.

There is the dog There is the dog thatthat bit me.bit me.

There is the man There is the man whowho bit me. bit me.

There is the dog There is the dog thatthat bit me.bit me.

There is the man There is the man whowho bit me. bit me.

CouldCould and and wouldwould are conditional statements. are conditional statements.

That is, they rely on a condition That is, they rely on a condition

(usually the word (usually the word ifif) to work correctly.) to work correctly.

CouldCould and and wouldwould are conditional statements. are conditional statements.

That is, they rely on a condition That is, they rely on a condition

(usually the word (usually the word ifif) to work correctly.) to work correctly.

[no] I [no] I couldcould go to the movies with you. go to the movies with you.

The condition is missing - something like... The condition is missing - something like...

I could go to the movies with you I could go to the movies with you if I had the if I had the moneymoney..

[yes] I [yes] I cancan go to the movies with you. go to the movies with you.

[no] I [no] I couldcould go to the movies with you. go to the movies with you.

The condition is missing - something like... The condition is missing - something like...

I could go to the movies with you I could go to the movies with you if I had the if I had the moneymoney..

[yes] I [yes] I cancan go to the movies with you. go to the movies with you.

Titles of long works are Titles of long works are underlinedunderlined..

Everything else is in Everything else is in ““quotations.quotations.””

Titles of long works are Titles of long works are underlinedunderlined..

Everything else is in Everything else is in ““quotations.quotations.””

To Kill a MockingbirdTo Kill a Mockingbird is a novel. is a novel.

ItIt’’s underlined.s underlined.

““Unchained Melody” is a song. Unchained Melody” is a song.

ItIt’’s in quotation marks.s in quotation marks.

To Kill a MockingbirdTo Kill a Mockingbird is a novel. is a novel.

ItIt’’s underlined.s underlined.

““Unchained Melody” is a song. Unchained Melody” is a song.

ItIt’’s in quotation marks.s in quotation marks.

Numbers from Numbers from oneone to to ninenine are spelled out. are spelled out.Numbers from Numbers from 1010 to to ???????? are written numerically. are written numerically.

Numbers from Numbers from oneone to to ninenine are spelled out. are spelled out.Numbers from Numbers from 1010 to to ???????? are written numerically. are written numerically.

If you can say the same thing with fewer words,If you can say the same thing with fewer words,

DO IT.DO IT.One of the hallmarks of good writing is economy.One of the hallmarks of good writing is economy.

Keep it leanKeep it lean..

If you can say the same thing with fewer words,If you can say the same thing with fewer words,

DO IT.DO IT.One of the hallmarks of good writing is economy.One of the hallmarks of good writing is economy.

Keep it leanKeep it lean..

This is the most common error I see in student papers.This is the most common error I see in student papers.ItIt’’s because we speak this way.s because we speak this way.This is the most common error I see in student papers.This is the most common error I see in student papers.ItIt’’s because we speak this way.s because we speak this way.

They donThey don’’t match. t match. They donThey don’’t match. t match.

Every Every writerwriter I know wants to have I know wants to have theirtheir novel published. novel published.Every Every writerwriter I know wants to have I know wants to have theirtheir novel published. novel published.

““writer,writer,”” the the antecedentantecedent, is singular , is singular

““theirtheir””, the , the pronounpronoun referring to referring to ““writerwriter”” is is

plural plural

““writer,writer,”” the the antecedentantecedent, is singular , is singular

““theirtheir””, the , the pronounpronoun referring to referring to ““writerwriter”” is is

plural plural

Two ways to fix this... Two ways to fix this...

...change the pronoun or change the antecedent....change the pronoun or change the antecedent.

Every Every writerwriter I know wants to have I know wants to have his or herhis or her novel novel

published.published.

All the All the writerswriters I know want to have I know want to have theirtheir novels published. novels published.

Two ways to fix this... Two ways to fix this...

...change the pronoun or change the antecedent....change the pronoun or change the antecedent.

Every Every writerwriter I know wants to have I know wants to have his or herhis or her novel novel

published.published.

All the All the writerswriters I know want to have I know want to have theirtheir novels published. novels published.

You need to You need to analyze and interpretanalyze and interpret.. For analysis purposes, For analysis purposes, whatwhat happens in the happens in the book or article is not as important as book or article is not as important as whywhy it it happens or happens or what it meanswhat it means. .

You need to You need to analyze and interpretanalyze and interpret.. For analysis purposes, For analysis purposes, whatwhat happens in the happens in the book or article is not as important as book or article is not as important as whywhy it it happens or happens or what it meanswhat it means. .

Remember who you are writing for. Remember who you are writing for. In this class, assume you are writing for your In this class, assume you are writing for your classmates - of which I am one, and we have all classmates - of which I am one, and we have all read the text. read the text.

Though some background is usually necessary to Though some background is usually necessary to make your point there is no need to go into make your point there is no need to go into extensive background information - keep it to a extensive background information - keep it to a minimum. minimum.

Remember who you are writing for. Remember who you are writing for. In this class, assume you are writing for your In this class, assume you are writing for your classmates - of which I am one, and we have all classmates - of which I am one, and we have all read the text. read the text.

Though some background is usually necessary to Though some background is usually necessary to make your point there is no need to go into make your point there is no need to go into extensive background information - keep it to a extensive background information - keep it to a minimum. minimum.

as inas in I believe...I believe... or or I think...I think... or or in my opinion…in my opinion…

as inas in I believe...I believe... or or I think...I think... or or in my opinion…in my opinion…

The reader already assumes the views and interpretations The reader already assumes the views and interpretations in your paper are yours (unless you are plagiarizing). in your paper are yours (unless you are plagiarizing). The reader already assumes the views and interpretations The reader already assumes the views and interpretations in your paper are yours (unless you are plagiarizing). in your paper are yours (unless you are plagiarizing).

It goes without saying,It goes without saying, It goes without saying,It goes without saying,

so donso don’’t say it !t say it !so donso don’’t say it !t say it !

And whether you liked (or did not like) the And whether you liked (or did not like) the book, article, whatever, is not important in an book, article, whatever, is not important in an analytical paper.analytical paper.

And whether you liked (or did not like) the And whether you liked (or did not like) the book, article, whatever, is not important in an book, article, whatever, is not important in an analytical paper.analytical paper.

However, showing that you can comprehend However, showing that you can comprehend and write intelligently about a piece of and write intelligently about a piece of writing writing isis important. important.

However, showing that you can comprehend However, showing that you can comprehend and write intelligently about a piece of and write intelligently about a piece of writing writing isis important. important.

Put the focus on the analysis, Put the focus on the analysis,

not on yourselfnot on yourself..

Put the focus on the analysis, Put the focus on the analysis,

not on yourselfnot on yourself..

Avoid the use of Avoid the use of ““II ””Avoid the use of Avoid the use of ““II ””

In other words…In other words…

As in...As in...As in...As in...

YouYou can see from the metaphor that... can see from the metaphor that...

YouYou recognize at once that... recognize at once that...YouYou can see from the metaphor that... can see from the metaphor that...

YouYou recognize at once that... recognize at once that...

Really?Really?

How do you know what I can recognize?How do you know what I can recognize?

Really?Really?

How do you know what I can recognize?How do you know what I can recognize?

The reader,The reader, or or one,one, or or wewe is better. is better. The reader can see from the metaphor that...The reader can see from the metaphor that... We can recognize at once that...We can recognize at once that...

The reader,The reader, or or one,one, or or wewe is better. is better. The reader can see from the metaphor that...The reader can see from the metaphor that... We can recognize at once that...We can recognize at once that...

They are too informal for an They are too informal for an academic paper.academic paper.

They are too informal for an They are too informal for an academic paper.academic paper.

You You cannotcannot use use cancan’’t.t.

You You will notwill not use use wonwon’’t.t.

You You should notshould not use use shouldnshouldn’’t.t.

You You do notdo not use use dondon’’t.t.

You You cannotcannot use use cancan’’t.t.

You You will notwill not use use wonwon’’t.t.

You You should notshould not use use shouldnshouldn’’t.t.

You You do notdo not use use dondon’’t.t.

Simply use the main verb by itself. It is Simply use the main verb by itself. It is much stronger.much stronger.Simply use the main verb by itself. It is Simply use the main verb by itself. It is much stronger.much stronger.

The author The author is using is using descriptive imagery to show us...descriptive imagery to show us...

[no][no]

The author The author usesuses descriptive imagery to show us... descriptive imagery to show us...

[yes][yes]

The author The author is using is using descriptive imagery to show us...descriptive imagery to show us...

[no][no]

The author The author usesuses descriptive imagery to show us... descriptive imagery to show us...

[yes][yes]

MostMost,, fewfew,, oftenoften,, or or seldomseldom is better. is better.MostMost,, fewfew,, oftenoften,, or or seldomseldom is better. is better.

Such as…Such as…everyoneeveryoneno oneno onealwaysalwaysnevernever

They are questionable at bestThey are questionable at best

Such as…Such as…everyoneeveryoneno oneno onealwaysalwaysnevernever

They are questionable at bestThey are questionable at best

We can see We can see throughoutthroughout the the wholewhole book. book.

ItIt’’s redundant, s redundant, throughoutthroughout meansmeans

wholewhole

We can see We can see throughoutthroughout the book. the book.

We can see We can see throughoutthroughout the the wholewhole book. book.

ItIt’’s redundant, s redundant, throughoutthroughout meansmeans

wholewhole

We can see We can see throughoutthroughout the book. the book.

It does no good to assume what a It does no good to assume what a character might have done character might have done ““if…if…””

(this applies when you’re writing about (this applies when you’re writing about fiction)fiction)

It does no good to assume what a It does no good to assume what a character might have done character might have done ““if…if…””

(this applies when you’re writing about (this applies when you’re writing about fiction)fiction)

IfIf Romeo had waited a little longer, he would Romeo had waited a little longer, he would have seen Juliet wake up and they would not have seen Juliet wake up and they would not have killed themselves.have killed themselves.

IfIf Romeo had waited a little longer, he would Romeo had waited a little longer, he would have seen Juliet wake up and they would not have seen Juliet wake up and they would not have killed themselves.have killed themselves.

Maybe, but the fact is Maybe, but the fact is he didnhe didn’’tt..Maybe, but the fact is Maybe, but the fact is he didnhe didn’’tt..

Do not write about the characters in a work of Do not write about the characters in a work of

fiction as if they are real people.fiction as if they are real people. Do not write about the characters in a work of Do not write about the characters in a work of

fiction as if they are real people.fiction as if they are real people.

They ainThey ain’’t!t!They ainThey ain’’t!t!

Focus instead on Focus instead on whywhy the author has them do what they do. the author has them do what they do. Focus instead on Focus instead on whywhy the author has them do what they do. the author has them do what they do.

What does their behavior tell you about What does their behavior tell you about them and the world they inhabit? them and the world they inhabit? What does their behavior tell you about What does their behavior tell you about them and the world they inhabit? them and the world they inhabit?

Why Why did the author write this did the author write this play/poem/novel this way? What is she play/poem/novel this way? What is she trying to communicate? trying to communicate? Is she… Is she…

… … teaching a lesson?teaching a lesson?… … observing some aspect of life?observing some aspect of life?… … describing a feeling? describing a feeling? … … ““painting a picture?painting a picture?””

Why Why did the author write this did the author write this play/poem/novel this way? What is she play/poem/novel this way? What is she trying to communicate? trying to communicate? Is she… Is she…

… … teaching a lesson?teaching a lesson?… … observing some aspect of life?observing some aspect of life?… … describing a feeling? describing a feeling? … … ““painting a picture?painting a picture?””

HowHow is the author achieving this? is the author achieving this?What techniques is she using?What techniques is she using?

HowHow is the author achieving this? is the author achieving this?What techniques is she using?What techniques is she using?

What does their behavior tell you What does their behavior tell you about them and the world they live about them and the world they live inin? ? [no] [no]

What does their behavior tell you What does their behavior tell you about them and the worldabout them and the world in which in which they live? [yes]they live? [yes]

What does their behavior tell you What does their behavior tell you about them and the world they live about them and the world they live inin? ? [no] [no]

What does their behavior tell you What does their behavior tell you about them and the worldabout them and the world in which in which they live? [yes]they live? [yes]

Nobody gets it right on the first draft.Nobody gets it right on the first draft. First, get your ideas down on paper.First, get your ideas down on paper.Then polish, refine, and clarify.Then polish, refine, and clarify.

Nobody gets it right on the first draft.Nobody gets it right on the first draft. First, get your ideas down on paper.First, get your ideas down on paper.Then polish, refine, and clarify.Then polish, refine, and clarify.

And the best piece of advice I can give you And the best piece of advice I can give you is...is...And the best piece of advice I can give you And the best piece of advice I can give you is...is...

But eventually these guidelines But eventually these guidelines will become second nature. will become second nature.

But eventually these guidelines But eventually these guidelines will become second nature. will become second nature.

Lots of stuff to keep track of, I know Lots of stuff to keep track of, I know Lots of stuff to keep track of, I know Lots of stuff to keep track of, I know

And I guarantee…And I guarantee…And I guarantee…And I guarantee…

... language is a messy, inexact ... language is a messy, inexact business and any rule or guideline that business and any rule or guideline that an instructor may give you - some great an instructor may give you - some great writer has broken it. writer has broken it.

... language is a messy, inexact ... language is a messy, inexact business and any rule or guideline that business and any rule or guideline that an instructor may give you - some great an instructor may give you - some great writer has broken it. writer has broken it.

Marc Antony says of Brutus stabbing Caesar -Marc Antony says of Brutus stabbing Caesar -““This was the most unkindest cut of all.This was the most unkindest cut of all.””Say What?!Say What?!

Marc Antony says of Brutus stabbing Caesar -Marc Antony says of Brutus stabbing Caesar -““This was the most unkindest cut of all.This was the most unkindest cut of all.””Say What?!Say What?!

most unkindest?!most unkindest?!most unkindest?!most unkindest?!

Who is this guy?Who is this guy?Who is this guy?Who is this guy?

That is the type of thing I shall not put up That is the type of thing I shall not put up withwith..

Written Written correctly this sentence would correctly this sentence would be...be...

That is the type of thing up with which I That is the type of thing up with which I shall not put.shall not put.

That is the type of thing I shall not put up That is the type of thing I shall not put up withwith..

Written Written correctly this sentence would correctly this sentence would be...be...

That is the type of thing up with which I That is the type of thing up with which I shall not put.shall not put.

““There are three rules for excellent writing.There are three rules for excellent writing.

Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.””

““There are three rules for excellent writing.There are three rules for excellent writing.

Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.””

Documents

AP Lit