No No's and the Commandments of AP Essay Writing

No No No!

AVOID THESE HIGH SCHOOL WRITING HABITS - WRITE IN A MATURE ACADEMIC VOICE INSTEAD

Alot Lots Anything Nothing Something Everything Thing Bad Good Great Definitely Very Really Extremely Amazing Awesome Interesting Pretty Excellent Get, Got, Gets, Getting, Gotten Ok, Okay Show, shows Awesome Kind of, kinda Sort of, sorta I think, I believe, I feel I You

immature phrasing - vary your sentence length and style instead incomplete sentences or run on sentences - write carefully numerals less than 3 digits - write out numbers that are one or two digits instead don’t show off- be clear and precise instead don’t start a paragraph with a quote - integrate quotes in the 2nd or 3rd sentence instead don’t use semicolons incorrectly - use them to connect two related complete sentences instead don’t use parenthesis - say it or don’t say it don’t restate the prompt - use the author’s full name and give some historical context instead don’t use filler, fluff, or over generalize - be clear and precise instead don’t be lazy - turn in something that you are proud to have written instead

Is that it?  Is it really that simple?  

No - of course not.  

Here are the commandments.

Thou shalt write beyond the second page. Thou shalt write neatly in the ink of the Lord. The prompt is sacred; thou shalt adore and respect it. Thou shalt revere the proper noun. Quote thou with brevity and relevence. Thou shalt make a point in thy opening paragraph. Thou shalt avoid the extremes of sophomoricism and pedantry. Judge not, for thou art judged. Thou shalt embrace complexity with all thy heart. Thou shalt conclude as one of thy Lord’s gymnasts.

You’re welcome :-)