Monday, November 15, 2010

HAMLET Essay Test

I went back and looked over old A.P.English Literature and Composition Tests to find a good essay question  for Hamlet.  I found one I feel is germane to what you have read: The 2008 English Literature and Composition Test, Question 3 (40 minutes). I simplified this question and tailored to fit Hamlet.
 
You may wish to refer to the October 29th blog posting on foils.

Hamlet has two foils in this play, Fortinbras and Laertes.  Write an essay in which you compare and contrast Hamlet to each of these foils and in which you analyze how the relationship between these minor characters and Hamlet illuminate the meaning of the play.  Substantiate what you say by making accurate specific references to the play.
This will be a closed book essay test.
Prepare to write this essay and be sure to get to class early. 

18 comments:

  1. Mr.Bagley, I am unable to find the A.P English format for the Hamlet Test.... :-(

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  2. UMM actually I think i foudn it... but im not sure if it is IT. It should be the 2008 Test... but Im not too sure! Hmmm

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  3. Raymond don't worry. I'll post the URL for the site in a few minutes. Are you preparing for the essay by rereading parts of HAMLET?

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  4. Mr.Bagley,How long does the essay have to be for this test?

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  5. Kenia, depending on the size and nature of your penmanship, two to four pages.

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  6. http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/public/repository/ap08_eng_lit_frq.pdf
    This URL will get you to the actual test. But Raymond, please don't trouble yourself with this now. Prepare yourself for the essay by rereading parts of HAMLET tonight, so the play is fresh in your mind tomorrow when you write your essay. This is not an open book test.

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  7. OK so will this questions be ONLY related to Hamlet? Sounds redundant yes, so will it be an essay relating to Hamlet, the play?

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  8. The essay question is above in GREEN. In class you are expected to write a three to four page essay.

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  9. three to four pages in 40 minutes?? theres only so much you can write -.-

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  10. Can someone tell me direct pages yo go to ?

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  11. The Educational Testing Service expects students to write a three or four page essay (approximately 750 to 1000 words) in forty minutes, for this part of the AP Exam. You must write in depth, reveal mastery of the text you have chosen to write about, and address the topic given to you to write about. That is what is expected of you. Alexis you as well as your classmates should try to be prepared to do this tomorrow in class.

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  12. Okay Mr.Balgley, I hope I am prepared.

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  13. On the real AP test, what other plays or novels can they ask us to write about foils on?

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  14. I also agree with Alexis even if that is what they wish of us on the AP Exam.. I believe that 3 or 4 pages in 40 minutes very unrealistic, but on any case I understand how Laertes is a foil for Hamlet but not the other guy. Can anyone try to explain? (please)

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  15. the test didn't seem as hard as i thought hopefully i got a good grade..

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