Tow #30 Letter to a New APELC Student

Dear new APELC Student,

Congratulations on choosing to be a part of one of the most interesting yet intellectually challenging classes! To be perfectly honest, APELC is probably one of the hardest classes to get an A in. Throughout the year, you'll probably submit a couple papers you've scrutinized for hours and thought were perfect only to get a C (the summer essay) and stress over countless presentations, timed in-class essays and symposiums. However, the pay off is so worth it. Not only will your writing improve tremendously with all the practice you get throughout the year, you will also notice a change in your perspective, attitude and approach towards harder assignments and life in general. APELC is truly an AP class because it pushes you to your limits and then pushes you some more.Though it may seem a little intimidating at first, don't be scared!  Be prepared to be a little stressed in the beginning of the year. Expect to be challenged. But also expect to see a huge growth in your analytical and writing skills after you put in all your effort. You can do it! Below are some tips that I hope will clear up some misconceptions about the class and help you start off the year on the right track.

Throughout the year every week, you will be assigned TOWs which are basically posts on your blog that you write after rhetorically analyzing an article or book. Though the weekly assignments are only 10 points they add up and every point helps in APELC so don't forget to do them! Also, find a wide variety of articles and actually spend some time rhetorically analyzing them because this practice actually helps so much on your essays. I have used the knowledge I gained from my TOW articles as examples multiple times in my in-class essays as well as the mock and AP exam.

In addition, in-class essays and take home essays are great practice and grade boosters! Time management may be a struggle when you first start writing your in-class essays but it'll get better throughout the year so don't stress. Just try to write as efficiently and concisely as you can. As for take home essays, never give up the opportunity to conference with Mr. Yost or Mrs. Pronko about a paper before submitting it. It always helps to have the people who are grading your essays look over them and give you a few suggestions before submission. It can save you quite a few points!

Lastly, when you're asked to take notes on a reading for class, always be prepared! Instead of taking pages of notes on a 20 page chapter, just print it out and highlight/ take notes on it. It's a lot easier. Also, there is almost always a discussion the next day. You want to be actively involved so make sure you know what you're talking about so you can contribute to the class discussion!

I hope this letter was beneficial and helped you understand APELC a little better. Just remember, you get out what you put into the class so do your best and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Good Luck!


From, 

Past APELC Student