Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions 
of students and parents.

1. Do we have to know grammar for AP English courses?
2. What is the format for the AP English exams?
3. Do we have research papers due in AP?
4. What is the policy on plagiarism?
5. What is the class policy on absences?
6. What is the class policy on cell phones, ipods, dress?

Do we have to know grammar for AP English courses?

Yes! To discuss a language, you must comprehend how its sentences 
are put together to make meaning.  We also need a common 
terminology to discuss writing and reading passages.
 
Both exams test knowledge of basic English sentence 
structure.  Some questions ask students to identify antecedents 
or to select the primary structural type in a passage.  The 
primary structure might include fragmented sentences, complex 
sentences with dependent clauses, or beginning participial 
phrases.  

--The SAT WRITING SECTION emphasizes grammar and writing more 
than anything else.  You need to know pronouns, antecedents, 
clauses, phrases, punctuation, parallel structure, etc.  If you 
are weak in any of these areas, please study some of the links I 
have given you--both here and on the APE webpage.

--The web site Number2.com gives students the opportunity to work 
through a variety of college-entry writing questions, many that 
pertain to grammar.  Please use this site frequently.

Back to Top

What is the format for the AP English exams?

Below is information on the FORMAT of the AP English exams:



AP Language and Composition and AP Literature and Composition


           ***Multiple Choice Section: 

--Language test:  prose passages   

--Literature test:  prose and poetry 


--Passages on both tests may come from the 17th, 18th, 19th, or 
20th 
centuries 

--Approximately 55 questions covering four-five passages. 

--Time Limit:  60 minutes 

--Weight: 45% of total test score 



          ***Free Response (Essay): 

--English Language Exam ESSAYS:  ( 

--One or two prompts requiring analysis of rhetoric in an 
argument, all in factual prose passages.  (You need to know terms 
of persuasion, how to discuss satire, logical fallacies, etc.) 
--One or two prompts requiring construction of an argument based 
on specific directions, sometimes involving at least one passage 
or quotation.   
--You definitely will have a synthesis question (similar to a 
social studies DBQ) and will have to be able to understand 
research skills.  Fifteen extra minutes will be added to the exam 
to allow time for reading the short passages before you have to 
start writing your response to the prompt 
question. 



--English Literature Exam ESSAYS: 

--One prompt requiring analysis of a prose passage 
--One prompt requiring analysis of a poem--or comparison of 2 
--One open-ended question, usually related to a literary element--
a novel or play 

Time Limit:  120 minutes to write all three essays 

Weight:  55% of total score

Back to Top

Do we have research papers due in AP?

Yes.  The new Sunshine State Standards list requires research at 
almost every level, from middle school through high school.  
Colleges expect students to be able to document papers, cite 
their works, and avoid plagiarism.  The AP Language exam has 
multiple choice questions that test knowledge of source citation.

Back to Top

What is the policy on plagiarism?

See the Code of Conduct for disciplinary action.  Anything I find 
that is plagiarized on a paper or presentation (without credit 
given) results in a zero grade.  On research papers, this sort of 
carelessness could cost 800 points.

Back to Top

What is the class policy on absences?

ABSENCES: For all pre-excused absences, make-up work should be 
scheduled in advance and completed as planned. (Most make-up work 
will be done BEFORE school since hectic schedules often make 
afternoons difficult to arrange.)  As soon as a student knows 
about an upcoming absence, he/she needs to discuss details with 
me. If an absence is necessary for non-emergencies (minor 
illness, appointments, etc.), the student should complete all 
work as assigned and turn it in on the due date. In case of 
sudden severe illness or a family crisis, when the student 
returns to school, we can work together to schedule times for 
completing the make-up work. Usually, designated classmates will 
be available for questions about assignments. Try the student 
contacts first for minor questions. 

To verify an absence or if in great need, contact me directly at 
644-2329 or e-mail me at cmshelnut@aol.com. *If a student is 
absent on a test day or when a major paper is due, the PARENT 
should contact me, especially if an essay cannot be delivered to 
class. (With ALL extended absences, it is helpful if the student 
and/or parent contacts me directly-I worry about people who 
aren't in school.) 



>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> 

MORE ON ABSENCES

@ (IF ABSENT ON A TEST DAY--without prior planning--YOUR TEST 
probably WILL BE ORAL).@  I like to return tests immediately.


****&&&& IF YOU ARE SICK and can't come to school on a day when 
something important is due, E-MAIL IT TO ME or send it with 
someone!  &&&&

Back to Top

What is the class policy on cell phones, ipods, dress?

The class policy adheres to the overall LHS policy--no cell 
phones out during the day, no ipods on in class, no torso or 
upper legs uncovered, no distracting messages on clothes, etc.  
BASIC COMMON SENSE REIGNS SUPREME!

Back to Top