AP Lit: Q1 Poetry Essay - Prompt Breakdown, Thesis, & Exemplar Reflection Lesson

Whether you are just beginning to teach your students the Q1 Poetry Essay on the AP Literature and Composition exam or merely looking for another resource to guarantee your students the thesis point AND set them up to earn sophistication - this resource is calling to you!

PLUS, now you can have your students follow up their learning by reflecting on exemplars and become more familiar with the grading rubric.

• The lesson uses the 2015 Question 2 Poem prompt for Derek Walcott's "XIV"
• prompt is updated with the current formatting from the 2019 exam

Prompt Breakdown & Thesis Lesson

• In seven steps, the slideshow breaks down to students how to:
  • read and interpret the prompt
  • analyze the poem
  • craft a thesis statement
• Students can fill out a chart that is mimicked on the slideshow while the lesson is occurring
• The thesis statement works for ALL ESSAYS on the AP Lit Exam

What's Included

• The poem & prompt
• 52-slide presentation
• 2 templates for students to complete notes over the lesson (both blank & filled out)

Exemplar Reflection Lesson

• In the lesson, students will reflect on TWO exemplars. One exemplar would probably score a 3-4 on the AP grading scale, and the other would likely score a 5-6 on the same scale.
  • Using an embedded rubric, students will grade both of these essays and justify their reasoning.
  • The goal is for students to understand what separates a good essay from a great essay.
• After, students will reflect on their own writing and set goals for how to improve their future Q1 essay writings.

What's Included

• typable document with the above lesson
• 2 exemplar essays

Other Related Resources

• Teach the Q2 Essay: Step-by-Step Slideshow
• Teach the Q3 Essay Bundle
• Multiple Choice Strategies Slideshow
• Other AP Resources

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