AP Daily Practice Session Notes

Instructor: John Zia
Course: AP Language
Location: Chelsea High School, Chelsea Michigan

Overview of Session

• Focus on reading multiple choice questions.
• Two sections in the multiple choice test: reading and writing.
• Each section requires different skills and approaches.

Reading Section Structure

• Contains two passages.
• Each passage has 11 to 14 questions.
• Cannot predict specific passages, but can prepare through strategies.

Strategies for Reading and Answering Questions

1. Summarize Main Ideas:

   • Write a summary of the main idea for each paragraph in the margins.

2. Analyze Paragraph Relationships:

   • Identify if paragraphs complement, contrast, or shift in ideas.
   • Understand how paragraphs develop the overall passage.

3. Identify Rhetorical Elements:

   • Focus on the author's tone, purpose, and claims.

4. Validate Answer Choices:

   • Narrow down options by validating or disqualifying keywords or phrases.
   • Remember: if an answer is partly right, it is all wrong.

Practice Passage Overview

• Passage is an excerpt from a nonfiction book published in the late 20th century.
• Students encouraged to pause the video and read the passage while applying the discussed strategies.

First Paragraph Summary

• Main Idea: Tornado clouds are powerful forces.
• Author uses scientific details (climatologists, thermal instability).
• Jargon indicates a scientific perspective.

Second Paragraph Summary

• Main Idea: Tornadoes are dynamic and their descriptions vary.
• Author includes anecdotes and folklore, making it feel more light-hearted.
• Notable descriptions (e.g., "as bald as if a cyclonic wind had taken his scalp").
• Use of humor and anecdotal evidence.

Sample Questions and Answers

1. Question about passage development methods:

   • Correct Answer: A - Accumulation of detail.
   • Disqualified options include B (pro and con argument), C (thesis), D (assertion), and E (analysis).

2. Question about diction in the first paragraph:

   • Correct Answer: B - Technical and specialized.
   • Disqualified options include A (informal), C (subjective), D (speculative), and E (understated).

3. Question regarding the phrase about the grandfather:

   • Correct Answer: E - Does not express concern about the grandfather.
   • Other options explained the function of the phrase.

Conclusion and Next Steps

• Review main ideas of paragraphs, relationships, and rhetorical elements while reading.
• Narrow down answer choices effectively.
• Upcoming video will focus on the writing multiple choice section.
• Encouragement for students nearing the test.