Top 5 Things an AP Lang Student Should Know: #2

#2 Read & Annotate


If you want to do well, read the things your teacher assigns you to read. If you don't, then you're just going to have to sit there. And if this is the case, then at least listen. AP Lang teaches you more than just about writing, but also new ideas, philosophies, and lots of other crazy things!

Your readings are important for your mental development. And whenever you get readings, you have to annotate them. Even if it is only one or two words per paragraph, it's fine. As long as you understand your notes, that's all that matters.

Here are some of my rather messy annotations

Notice how I didn't write too much, but enough to give me an idea of what's in the content?
I know my annotations aren't the best, but they sure are efficient! Especially when it comes to timed writings, developing a habit like this isn't so bad. But sometimes it's good to write out a few ideas like I did in the first link.

How exactly do you annotate? Here's a few tips...

• Write what the argument is. Do it whenever the argument shifts into something specific or on something vague. Differentiate the explicit (stated) argument from the implicit (not stated) argument.
• How is it written? Do they Compare/contrast subjects? Use Inductive reasoning? Deductive? 
• List the rhetorical devices used, like anaphora, epistrophe, extended metaphor, etc.
• Then scribble in whether they use a lot of facts, personal experience, values, authoritative figures...
• Does it use a lot of ethos (character), pathos (pity), logos (logic)? Write in which ones
• Tone! Condescending, sarcastic, objective, contemplative, haughty, etc.

There are a bunch of more ways to annotate! So you really don't have an excuse when you show up to class with a spotless paper and say," Oh, I couldn't find anything." or "I didn't get it."
Writing in some notes helps you understand the reading, so at least try and annotate.


ALSO! Be aware of Socratic Seminars! You always have to provide contextual evidence, which is directly from the readings assigned. And unless you have annotated, you will do poorly, and your lack of knowledge will show. Socratic Seminars are called "Socratic" for a reason you know? The conversation becomes somewhat philosophical and deep, so be prepared. Semper paratus! (US Coast Guard Slogan)


FYI (In case you didn't know) semper paratus means always ready