Writer’s Notebooks

AP US History

Table of Contents

· The Table of Contents needs to include Writer’s Notebook number, title, and page number for each Writer’s Notebook.

· No Writer’s Notebook numbers = –1.

· No titles = –3.

· No page numbers = –1.

Entries

· Each needs to be at least as long as the minimum stated.

· If the Writer’s Notebook is less than a full page or half page (whatever is specified), that Writer’s Notebook earns a percentage of the points possible. For example, if instead of a full page, you write 70% of a page, you would earn 70% of the points or 7/10.

· Each entry needs to start at the top of a page. If not, –1.

· The pages need to be numbered. One point off total (not per page) if the pages are not numbered.

· Please use standard notebook paper. If your Writer’s Notebooks are on small pages, -5.

Absences

If you are absent for a Writer’s Notebook assignment, you have several options.

1. Check with a classmate to find out what the class did. Sometimes you may be able to do the same Writer’s Notebook assignment on your own (e.g., slave narratives, 1920’s research, etc.).

2. Go to the Documents page of the class web site. Click one of the first four links (Avalon, Oklahoma, American Memory, Gilder Lehrman) and choose a document from the time period we are now studying. Choose one that looks relevant and interesting (and there are many that are neither). Do APMS for that document (see http://www.csd509j.net/staff/sherwim/AP%20US%20Page%20Docs/APMS.htm ). Write at least half a page. If the original Writer’s Notebook entry was a full page, choose a second document and repeat.

3. Choose a significant item from the Key ID’s for the current chapters. Find a reputable web site that provides additional background on the topic. Take notes that go beyond what the Key ID’s and the text say. a) Make the total length a half page or a full page depending on the length of the original Writer’s Notebook. b) Provide the correct MLA citation for the web site. (See http://openc.k12.or.us/citeintro/citeintro.php?Grd=Sec.)

4. Choose one or more significant items from the Key ID’s for the current chapters. Devise a mnemonic device to help you remember the relevant information. You could, for example, write a poem or a song (specify the tune). Be sure that what you write is at least as long as the original Writer’s Notebook assignment.

5. Choose a significant item from the Key ID’s for the current chapters. Devise a good essay question. Write a thesis statement and a body paragraph (or two for a longer Writer’s Notebook). Be sure this is at least as long as the original Writer’s Notebook assignment.