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What’s the Purpose of the Blog?
Students participate in the online blog by typing coherent, logical, informed, and well-written responses to Topics of the Week. During the week, students also respond to comments from other students. During the semester students will improve their writing, discussion, persuasion, and critical-thinking skills. Many college professors in all areas of the curriculum require students to participate in online discussions or blogs. The AP Language Blog requirement will help prepare you for college courses while also improving your writing skills.
The blog will take place on the AP English Language Facebook group page. To go to the Facebook page, click on the Facebook link under the links at the right-hand panel of this page. You are NOT required to participate in the blog; you may select to write a Character Sketch instead. In the past, the blog was located on Facebook and on Typepad. Since so few students used the Typepad site, however, I have discontinued posting topics on Typepad.
How Do I Sign-Up?
Join the Facebook KMHS AP English Language Group
How Do I Participate in the Blog?
After you have signed up in TypePad, you are ready to begin.
- Read the requirements on this page carefully.
- Click on Topic of the Week #1 under the Discussions on the Facebook page.
- Introductory Discussion. Read the topic and then post your response.
Do I Have to Participate in the Blog?
No! You must decide whether or not you want to participate. Students who successfully participate in the Topics of the Week for 9 weeks will receive a 100 on the Character Sketch (next-to last writing assignment) and will not have to write the paper. Obviously, I think it is a valuable experience for you to participate in the blog.
If you do not want to participate in the blog, you will just write the Character Sketch. You will not be punished in any way if you do not participate online.
How Will I be Graded?
All students will receive a 100 for a daily grade called Blog during the first week of the semester as soon as you post comments to the Introductory Discussion. Each Monday morning for the rest of the semester, I will add 1 point to this Character Sketch/Blog grade for each Topic of the Week that you successfully complete.
When the Character Sketch is due, I will change the Character Sketch/Blog grade to a MAJOR grade. Students who have 109 points will then have their grades changed to 100 for the Character Sketch. Students who have fewer than 108 points will have to write the Character Sketch. Their Character Sketch grade will replace whatever score is in the Character Sketch/Blog category.
Why Won’t I Receive Credit if I Respond to a Topic of the Week?
Remember – you must successfully respond to the Topics of the Week for a minimum of 9 weeks. Most students will automatically receive credit. However, some students may not receive credit because they make one of the following mistakes:
- Comments contain too many grammatical, spelling, or usage mistakes. Don’t forget to proofread!
- Student posts his own comment, but fails to respond to at least one other student.
- Student does not respond initially to the Topic of the Week by MIDNIGHT on Friday. Responses to other students must me entered by NOON on Sunday. Late entries, even if they are the result of Facebook or computer problems, will not count because no one will go back and read old comments. Do not wait to respond until late in the week!
- Student posts comments but does not respond to the assigned topic – off topic.
- Student uses inappropriate language. Do not use profanity. When in doubt, choose another word.
- Student fails to maintain a respectful tone. Do not call other students bad names or ridicule their ideas. Convince people that your ideas hold more merit because of the strength of your argument – not by making fun of other people or by intimidating other students.
- Student’s original post to the Topic of the Week does not meet the length requirement, 250-300 words.
If I do not give you credit for an assignment, I will e-mail you and let you know why you are not receiving credit. You can keep track of how many Topics of the Week you have successfully completed during the semester by looking at your Character Sketch/Blog grade. Remember: you must have 109 points to receive a 100 on the Character Sketch without writing the paper.
The online discussion must remain civil at all times. As the teacher, I reserve the right to prevent a student from participating in the blog. I don’t want to do this! Please follow the rules and remain respectful. If you read a response that is offensive or that uses profanity, please send me a Facebook message ASAP.
