AP Vocabulary Overview Words are the root, the basis, the foundation of any language; English, being the borrower-language that it has been for ten centuries, contains nearly 2,000,000 a number which is growing rapidly. It follows that the student must be very well versed in the word stock of the language; consequently, AP students will be challenged to learn 1,000 NEW vocabulary this year (.05 percent of the total word stock - one fifthieth of one percent). Here is that agenda:
The vocabulary list is composed of words in the following categories:
Rhetorical Terms
Literary Terms
Archaic English Terms
Teacher Selected Term
Student Found Terms
The rhetorical and literary terms I or student study groups will likely present in class or will provide lists for you. Take notes on these. The other words will be assigned ten or more at a time each of five weeks in each six week period. Some weeks will require knowing 20 words, some 15, some only 10.
Each week students will have the opportunity to prove their knowledge* of the week's vocabulary words which are posted the previous week. Each student who wishes to earn credit will approach the teacher, say "I am ready" and will be asked to define, give a synonym or parse the root of one of the words on the list. If the student succeeds he/she will place his/her name on board to receive credit. Also, at the end of the marking period I give a vocabulary and terminology final of fifty to one hundred questions. The final and quizzes count 75 - 100 points, up to 20% of the marking period grade.
AP students will be expected to compile their own lists of words to learn on a weekly basis, called STUDENT FOUND WORDS. These weekly lists should be composed of ten words which are encountered in English class and in ENGLISH CLASS homework reading (but not from the weekly vocabulary lists). . Though I feel scientific terms are important, the use of biology or chemistry class vocabulary for this class is not encouraged as such. Students will be invited to quiz fellow students on these words. The student word list will follow the required format showing the word, where it was found (essay reading, written assignment, soup can label, teacher) specifically identified, the meaning in context, date found and dictionary definition. (300 words)
Students will subscribe to "Word of the Day" and will be responsible for knowing each of the words presented each of the school days of the marking period. Up to 10 of these words will be on the marking period final.
In addition, students will work up a complete "word history" study on one or two words per week. Each "word history" is worth 5 points when completed. If not completed, each "word history" costs 5 points subtracted from quizzes and finalst. The "word histories" require etymological, cognate, affix, synonym and antonym research as well as definition and an exploration of the grammatical forms of each word. I select words which have important and interesting etymologies.
In AP Mr. Jollymore will introduce, surreptitiously, one or two words in context per week. These words will be presented orally during discussion and lecture. Students are encouraged to know or learn these words which will appear on the quizzes as appropriate. (100 or more words).
*Beware of using on-line dictionaries other than The Oxford English Dictionary or American Heritage College Dictionary! Most on-line dictionaries over-simplify definitions, others distort definitions. Instead use a print version of American Heritage College Dictionary or equal. This dictionary costs about $26 and can last from your junior year in high school through college, grad school and into adulthood (about $1.50 or less per year). You also use the dictionaries provided in class.
