Introduction
The Advanced Placement (AP) Latin essay is a demanding but rewarding assessment that evaluates students’ proficiency in the Latin language and their ability to construct reasoned, persuasive arguments. To excel on this exam, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of the essay rubric. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the rubric, including its structure, criteria, and specific expectations for each section.
Structure and Criteria
The AP Latin essay rubric is divided into three main sections:
- Thesis and Organization (30%)
- Evidence and Analysis (40%)
- Language and Vocabulary (30%)
Each section is further subdivided into specific criteria, which are evaluated on a scale of 0 to 9. The total score for the essay is out of 100 points.
Thesis and Organization
This section assesses the student’s ability to develop a clear, concise thesis statement and organize their essay in a logical and coherent manner. The specific criteria include:
- Thesis Statement: The thesis statement should be specific, arguable, and relevant to the prompt. (0-9 points)
- Organization: The essay should be organized into distinct paragraphs, each with a clear topic sentence and supporting evidence. (0-9 points)
- Transitions: Transitions should connect ideas smoothly and enhance the flow of the essay. (0-9 points)
- Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main arguments and restate the thesis in a new way. (0-9 points)
Evidence and Analysis
This section evaluates the student’s ability to support their arguments with specific evidence from the source material and engage in thoughtful analysis. The specific criteria include:
- Evidence from Sources: Students must provide specific examples from the source material to support their claims. (0-9 points)
- Accuracy of Evidence: The evidence cited must be relevant to the argument and accurately cited. (0-9 points)
- Analysis of Evidence: Students must analyze the evidence, explain its significance, and draw meaningful connections to their thesis. (0-9 points)
- Synthesis of Evidence: Students must combine evidence from multiple sources to build a persuasive argument. (0-9 points)
Language and Vocabulary
This section evaluates the student’s command of the Latin language, including grammar, vocabulary, and syntax. The specific criteria include:
- Grammar and Syntax: The essay should be written in grammatically correct Latin, with accurate use of tenses, moods, and word order. (0-9 points)
- Vocabulary: The essay should demonstrate a strong grasp of vocabulary, including the use of idiomatic expressions and specialized terms. (0-9 points)
- Clarity and Style: The essay should be written in a clear and concise style, avoiding ambiguous or confusing language. (0-9 points)
- Sentence Structure: The essay should exhibit varied sentence structures to enhance readability. (0-9 points)
Tips and Tricks
- Practice writing essays regularly, using real or practice prompts.
- Review the source material thoroughly and identify key evidence that supports your thesis.
- Use specific, relevant examples from the source material to support your claims.
- Analyze the evidence carefully and explain its significance to your argument.
- Use transitions and connecting words to ensure a smooth flow between paragraphs.
- Write in grammatically correct Latin, using a variety of vocabulary and sentence structures.
- Proofread your essay carefully before submitting it.
Additional Resources
Conclusion
The AP Latin essay rubric is a valuable tool that can help students prepare effectively for the exam. By understanding the structure, criteria, and expectations of the rubric, students can focus their efforts on developing well-written, persuasive essays that demonstrate their proficiency in the Latin language. Remember, practice and preparation are key to success on the AP Latin essay exam.