AP Essay Writing Guidelines

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AP ESSAY SCORING GUIDELINES These descriptions are adapted from the general standards applied by AP readers to student essays. They will be in effect for all in class essays and papers in Advanced Sophomore English. Please familiarize yourself with them thoroughly. A (8-9): Writers of these well-written essays clearly understand the relationship between the question/topic and the literary work(s) under discussion. They perceive complexities, include TEXTUAL EVIDENCE, and contain no factual errors about the literary work(s). These essays demonstrate stylistic maturity by an effective command of grammar, sentence structure, diction (vocabulary), and organization. The writing need not be completely free of mechanical errors, but it…show more content…
Their discussion may be less thorough and specific. They are well-written in an appropriate style but with less maturity than the top essays. Some lapses in diction or syntax may appear, but the writing demonstrates sufficient control over the elements of effective writing to present the writer’s ideas clearly. C (4-5): These essays discuss the question/topic, but they do so imprecisely or less effectively than the essays at the A-B levels. Their discussion may be TOO GENERAL. They may even misunderstand some aspects of the literary work(s). These essays are adequately written but may demonstrate inconsistent control over the elements of effective writing. Organization is evident, but it may not be fully realized or particularly coherent. C- (2-3): These essays address the main ideas involved in the question/topic, but they do so inaccurately or without the support of APPROPRIATE TEXTUAL EVIDENCE. The discussion may be insufficiently developed or may concentrate on only one point or idea. Some may contain a significant misunderstanding of the question/topic or the literary work(s). The writing is sufficient to convey the writer’s ideas, but it suggests weak control over grammar, sentence structure, diction, or organization. These essays may have some serious errors of grammar and/or other mechanics
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