What I Learned from Reading IWAs for AP Seminar
- historymamateach
- Jun 20, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 9, 2024
Hey AP Seminar teachers! I just finished wrestling with a mountain of essays, and I wanted to share some observations and tips from the grading trenches (aka - my home office). Here's what jumped out at me this year:
Sharpening the Focus: Rows 3 & 4 Take Center Stage in the IWA
It seems like the focus on Rows 3 and 4 of the rubric (evidence and analysis) was especially strong this year. Many students struggled to score top points if their writing didn't directly address the specific criteria. Pro tip: Help students become familiar with the wording of the rubric and guide them in crafting arguments that directly align with it.
Avoiding the Off-Topic Trap
Let's face it, tangents happen. But this year, I saw a few instances where the source material seemed more like a springboard for a different topic altogether. Remember, the goal is to use the stimulus to support the argument, not just mention it and veer off course. Encourage students to stay laser-focused on how the source strengthens their main points.
The Importance of a Strong Finish
As graders, we love to reward strong writing. But it's frustrating to encounter well-written papers that fizzle out at the end, leaving the argument underdeveloped. Stress the importance of pacing! Students need to allocate enough time to craft a clear and impactful conclusion that ties everything together.
Context is King: Building the Upside-Down Triangle
Here's a helpful image: think of an upside-down triangle. The broad base represents the vast historical context. As students delve deeper into their topic, the information gets more specific, ultimately forming a clear and manageable point for their argument. Strong context is crucial! Guide students to understand the historical situation surrounding their source so they can build a truly compelling analysis.
Grading from Home Can Be Complex
I LOVE having the option to grade from home, especially when my school year doesn't end until after the AP Reading. It gives me an opportunity to score and hone my grading skills which I wouldn't have otherwise. I do miss the opportunity to speak with other AP Seminar teachers and gain valuable insight into other classrooms. I wish there was more of a discussion opportunity for at home readers. However, I am so grateful for the opportunity and the knowledge it has given me.
These are just a few takeaways from my grading experience. What were your observations? Feel free to share your insights in the comments below! Remember, we're all in this together, helping our students navigate AP Seminar and emerge as confident, successful analysts. Now, let's get those students writing like rockstars!
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