So I've signed up for Ap this year. I was wondering, do the teachers expect us to know the meaning of terms such as: grammatical functions, rhetorical appeals, brevity, metonymy, and so on?
We've been given a packet that gives a article we're supposed to analyze and answer questions to. I don't know half the meaning of these questions. I want to do really well, but I feel like I know nothing. Is this just to see where we're at?
I'm sure one of the purposes is to see what kind of background you have in English vocabulary and concepts. It may also be a device to weed out those students who should not be taking a class for college credit.
I suggest you Google those terms you don't know. There's a tremendous amount of information on the internet about these concepts.
Or you may decide that you really should be in a regular English class -- not an advanced placement class.
Okay thank you!
You're welcome, and good luck!
Thanks (: I'll let you know if I survive!
In AP classes, teachers expect students to have a certain level of understanding and knowledge of the subject matter. While it may vary depending on the specific teacher and school, it is generally expected that students are familiar with key terms and concepts related to the course.
In your case, it seems like the teacher has provided you with a packet that includes an article to analyze and questions to answer. The purpose of this could be to assess your current level of understanding and to introduce you to some key terms and concepts that will be important throughout the course.
To address your concern about not knowing the meaning of some of the terms, here's a suggested approach to help you:
1. Start by looking up the definitions of these terms. Use reputable sources like dictionaries, textbooks, or educational websites. Take notes on what each term means and try to understand them in the context of the subject.
2. Consider discussing the terms with your teacher or classmates. Sometimes, hearing different explanations or examples from others can help solidify understanding.
3. Pay attention to how these terms are used in the article you were given. Try to identify examples of grammatical functions, rhetorical appeals, brevity, metonymy, or any other terms you are unsure of. This will help you see how these concepts apply in real-world situations.
4. Practice applying these terms by answering the questions in the packet. Even if you are unsure, take your best guess based on your research and understanding. This will give you a starting point to discuss with your teacher or seek clarification.
Remember, it is normal to feel like you know nothing at the beginning of a new course. The purpose of the course is to learn and improve your understanding over time. Use this opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification, and actively engage with the material. With effort and consistent learning, you will gradually become more familiar with the terms and concepts.