Hamlet AP Timed Essay Response

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Hamlet AP Timed Essay Response

Choose one of the attached prompts and write a two-three page response. Submit to both Schoology and Turnitin.com. You will have the opportunity to discuss prompts during our Google Meets this week and I am available for writing conferences. Please email to schedule.

Criteria Grading Scale
Criteria Grading Scale
Thesis (0-1 point)7.B – Develop a thesis statement that conveys a defensible claim about an interpretation of literature and that may establish a line of reasoning.
1Responds to the prompt with a defensible thesis that presents an interpretation and may establish a line of reasoning 0

For any of the following: • There is no defensible thesis • The intended thesis only restates the prompt • The intended thesis provides a summary of the issue with no apparent or coherent thesis There is a thesis, but it does not respond to the prompt
Sophistication (0-1 points)7.C Develop commentary that establishes and explains relationships among textual evidence, the line of reasoning, and the thesis. 7.D Select and use relevant and sufficient evidence to both develop and support a line of reasoning. 7.E Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.
1

Demonstrates sophistication of thought and/or develops a complex literary argument by doing any of the following: 1. Identifying and exploring complexities or tensions within the selected work. 2. Illuminating the student’s interpretation by situating it within a broader context. 3. Accounting for alternative interpretations of the selected work. 4. Employing a style that is consistently vivid and persuasive throughout the student’s response.

 0

Does not meet the criteria for 1 point Responses that do not earn this point: • Attempt to contextualize their interpretation, but such attempts consist predominantly of sweeping generalizations. • Only hint at or suggest other possible interpretations • Oversimplify complexities of the topic and/or the selected work. • Use complicated or complex sentences or language that are ineffective because they do not enhance the argument.
Evidence & Commentary (0-4 points)7.A Develop a paragraph that includes 1) a claim that requires defense with evidence from the text and 2) the evidence itself. 7.C Develop commentary that establishes and explains relationships among textual evidence, the line of reasoning, and the thesis. 7.D Select and use relevant and sufficient evidence to both develop and support a line of reasoning. 7.E Demonstrate control over the elements of composition to communicate clearly.
4

Makes textual references (direct quotes or paraphrases) that are relevant to the thesis AND Provides well-developed commentary that consistently and explicitly explains the relationship between the evidence and the thesis The response must address an interpretation about the work as a whole

 3

Makes textual references (direct quotes or paraphrases) that are relevant to the thesis AND Provides commentary that explains the relationship between evidence and the thesis; however, commentary is uneven, limited, or incomplete.

 2

Makes textual references (direct quotes or paraphrases) that are relevant to the thesis AND provides commentary; however, it repeats, oversimplifies, or misinterprets the cited information or evidence.

 1

Summarizes the plot/text without references to a thesis OR Provides non- specific references to the text OR Provides references to the text that are vaguely relevant AND Provides little or no commentary.

 0

Simply restates thesis (if present) OR Repeats provided information OR Provides examples that are generally irrelevant and/or incoherent

Hamlet AP Timed Essay Response

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1982 AP Question: In great literature, no scene of violence exists for its own sake. Choose [Hamlet and show how it] confronts the reader or audience with a scene or scenes of violence. In a well-organized essay, explain how the scene or scenes contribute to the meaning of the [play].

1988 AP Question: [In Hamlet] some of the most significant events are mental or psychological; for example, awakenings, discoveries, changes in consciousness. In a well-organized essay, describe how the author manages to give these internal events the sense of excitement, suspense, and climax usually associated with external action.

1996 AP Question: The British novelist Fay Weldon offers this observation about happy endings: “The writers, I do believe, who get the best and most lasting response from the readers are the writers [like Shakespeare] who offer a happy ending through moral development. By a happy ending, I do not mean mere fortunate events—a marriage or a last minute rescue from death—but some kind of spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation, even with the self, even at death.

[Hamlet] has the kind of ending Weldon describes. In a well-written essay, identify the “spiritual reassessment or moral reconciliation” evident in the ending and explain its significance in the work as a whole.

2008. In [Hamlet] , a minor character, often known as a foil, possesses traits that emphasize, by contrast or comparison, the distinctive characteristics and qualities of the main character. For example, the ideas or behavior of a minor character might be used to highlight the weaknesses or strengths of the main character. Choose a novel or play in which a minor character serves as a foil for the main character. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the relation between the minor character and the major character illuminates the meaning of the work.

2011. In a novel by William Styron, a father tells his son that life “is a search for justice.” Choose a character from [Hamlet] who responds in some significant way to justice or injustice. Then write a well developed essay in which you analyze the character’s understanding of justice, the degree to which the character’s search for justice is successful, and the significance of this search for the work as a whole.

2012. “And, after all, our surroundings influence our lives and characters as much as fate, destiny or any supernatural agency.” –Pauline Hopkins, Contending Forces

Consider how cultural, physical, or geographical surroundings shape psychological or moral traits in a character in Hamlet. Then write a well-organized essay in which you analyze how surroundings affect this character and illuminate the meaning of the work as a whole.

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Hamlet AP Timed Essay ResponseAPA

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