Lecture: Increasing Sophistication in AP English Essays

Introduction

• Presenter: Tim Freitas from the Garden of English
• Topic: Hunting for sophistication in AP English essays
• Context: Quick preview of material developed for Perfection Learning, with more details available on their Facebook page starting January 19th, 2021.

Key Points for Sophistication in Essays

Understanding Sophistication

• Sophistication is abstract and not a checklist.
• It involves nuance, complexity, tension, and broader context.
• The goal is to enhance your chances of earning sophistication points in essays.

Techniques to Enhance Sophistication

Tension and Complexity

• Complexity: Identify layers in reading such as positions (arguments) and perspectives (background).
  • Example: Parent vs. medical professional perspectives on child health.
• Tension: Look for irony, contrasting author/audience expectations, logical fallacies, and contradictions in text.

Situating in a Broader Context

• Intro and Conclusion: Best places to create broader context.
  • Engage audience, show historical and cultural knowledge.
  • Connect argument to present/future or call to action.

Making Effective Rhetorical Choices

• Methods of Development: Apply methods such as narration, definition, compare/contrast, cause/effect.
  • Use these methods to organize essays and arguments.

Vivid and Persuasive Style

• Sentence Structure: Vary intentionally with simple, compound, and complex sentences.
• Advanced Punctuation: Use semicolons, colons, and dashes correctly.
• Nuanced Argument: Qualify language, offer concessions and rebuttals when applicable.

Advanced Techniques

• Not all techniques are applicable to every argument.
• Choose techniques based on the specific argument at hand.
• Understanding concepts like rebuttals and refutations can further enhance nuance in arguments.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to explore more through the Perfection Learning series on Facebook.
• Engage with The Garden of English on various social media platforms for more content and updates.

Action Items

• Explore different aspects of sophistication in essay writing.
• Follow up on detailed sessions starting January 19, 2021, for deeper insights.
• Like and subscribe to The Garden of English for more educational content.