Jennifer Sarmiento
Data based on 2 reviews.
What kind of test questions does this teacher use most often (choose one):
Multiple ChoiceIs the teacher available for extra help during study halls, lunchtime, before or after school, etc.?
Almost AlwaysThe teacher responds to emails promptly. Do you...
Strongly AgreeThe teacher posts in-class materials online for reference (slides, etc.):
Almost AlwaysThe teacher lets us know at the beginning of the course and along the way how much each part of the class (homework, papers, quizzes and tests) counts towards our total grade:
Strongly AgreeHow much homework does this teacher assign?
Way too muchThe amount of writing required in this class is:
Very HighThe teacher allows us to use technology in class (e.g. laptop, calculator, smart pen, etc.)
Almost AlwaysHow much memorization is required to do well in this teacher’s course?
Very HighWhat advice would you give yourself if you were just starting the class now?
Class of 2019
AP Language and Composition is one of the hardest classes that I have taken in high school. The amount of work and the standard of work are both very high. It is unlike other English classes in that it truly focuses on rhetoric and development/communication of ideas, rather than content and literature. Do not slack off in this class if you want to get a good grade. I underestimated the amount of work needed initially in this class, and I had to work harder for the rest of the quarter to make up for that mistake. The class is very harsh in terms of grading because corrections and extra credit are not allowed. You must attempt to do your best on every assignment and ask for feedback on major assignments when you are unsure if your work is acceptable. Multiple homework assignments are typically given each night at the beginning of the semester. These can take literal hours, but still try to do them well; slacking off can easily lead to Cs. At the end of the semester, the numbers of homework assignments decrease, but the assignments are replaced by essays to complete in a day or so. You must follow the guidelines exactly for rhetorical analyses to earn good grades. The same applies to occasional essays and current event précis. Basic rubrics and outlines are given to you, and the readings each night will inform you on how to do the writing assignments. It is easier to earn high grades in the “Classroom Engagement and Agency” category, which consists of small, informal presentations and in-class work. However, you do not always need to talk in your small group presentations to get good grades. In informal discussions and after occasional essay readings, there is no pressure at all to participate, and opting out of participating (except when required for specific assignments) rarely affects your grade. There are few quizzes and presentations; most of the grading is on your analyses of texts and writing. The midterm and final are extremely long, but you are given extra time after class to finish. Take all the time given to you to come up with responses to the questions on the exams.