AP Lang. was unlike many classes in high school. It wasn't like chemistry or physics or trigonometry where you learn a bunch of information for the sole purpose of regurgitating it for a test. No. AP Lang. was relevant, useful, inspiring.
This spring I will be walking out of Mrs. Zavitz's classroom a completely different writer from when I walked in this past fall. I have learned the tricks of the trade. Most importantly I have learned that every writer is essentially a rhetor. Now, not only can I easily identify people's arguments in daily life, but I can craft my own. I now have a great arsenal of rhetorical devices to use to strengthen any form of writing I do.
In the beginning of my training as an argumentative scholar, I detested timed writings. They felt like monstrous linebackers, impossible to tackle. Now, a timed writing feels like a manageable task due to the extensive practice I have had. Quantitatively it is apparent that I have developed more confidence with timed writing because my scores have vastly improved. Although they felt like a nuisance, timed writings were honestly the most helpful assignment in regards to being a more effective writer. It is the truth that all of the progress lies in the practice, practice, practice.
In a matter of years when I am sitting in my university's library at 2am finishing a twenty page exposé about who knows what, I will reminisce about my days in AP Lang. As I lose stamina, I will think about SOSPAT and stylized sentences and creating your own thesis. I will then be able to muscle through and craft my rhetorically savvy report.
AP Lang. has been tough, fun, and most of all... useful. The only thing I can recommend for next year would be to implement more modern rhetorical examples. I enjoyed the TED Talks where we had to pin point verbal and visual rhetorical strategies. This would just be an added supplement to the literary examples that we frequently used. All in all, AP Lang. equals.... a great big success!
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