AP Test Free Response Question

I chose to focus on the construction essay, Question 3, from 2008. This question reflected on corporate sponsorships of schools, asking if the cash rewards outweigh the potential distractions. If I were to answer this question, I would have taken the position that the sponsorships are unnecessary in a school environment, while acknowledging the definite monetary benefits. The media and large corporations are so prevalent in our society through the media that schools are one place that I believe should be left pure, away from their profit-driven influence.   

The first response I read, 3A, was a very well-developed answer to the question. The essay had a great hook, as the writer opened with his personal experience with school sponsoring and related it to the prompt. One thing I would have done differently however, was in regards to one claim the student made about funding. He said that the extra money would have little influence which is definitely incorrect, as schools are in dire need of extra cash.

With the second essay, 3B, I did not agree with many of the writer's points, but it was overall a satisfactory argument. This student stated that since youth are already so bombarded with the media, sponsorships of schools is perfectly acceptable. I wouldn't have taken this side, but I can see the reasoned logic.

The third example essay, 3C, was pretty terrible. There is little I would have done similarly to this essay, the writer opens with a strange hook that is somewhat confusing. The writing as a whole is disconnected and lacking, and the argument is weak.

I think I would have done well with this essay, I could have definitely developed a strong case against corporate sponsorships in schools because of the potential distractions and the exploitation of the learning environment.

Formalism

Formalism looks to treat each work as an individual piece, apart from the time period, author, etc. Formalists also assume that understanding a text comes from the text itself through form especially.

The Poisonwood Bible is undeniably a formalistic novel. It is about a white family traveling to the Congo during a time period where such was unthinkable. By going to a place where they are the only whites, they are disregarding American cultural norms, as most would think such a feat unthinkable. They bring various items with them from home, only to find that such items are useless in such a varying location. The Congo stands on its own as a part and America as another. The Poisonwood Bible largely focuses on the attempted merging of these two parts, with little success.

Furthermore, the format of The Poisonwood Bible reflects formalism. The sectioning of this novel into chapters narrated by different individuals creates sections that stand alone. Each female brings a specific perspective that sets her chapter apart. Yet, put together, the chapters form the complete story.

Heart of Darkness Confusion

I was slightly confused with a few of the quotations on page 104. I felt they had significance, but I didn't quite grasp their full meaning. The first problem I had was with a quotation reading, "The danger is in Europe..."

Another quote was, "But the rest-- oh, my goodness! They die so quick too, that I haven't had time to send them out of the country--it's incredible!" Is this referring to the Europeans or to the Africans?

Psychology of Exploration and Conquest

To be honest, before reading this book I never really thought much about the psychology underlying conquest. I always thought of those who engaged in exploration and conquest as power-hungry and eager to show their superiority, but not as "seriously screwed-up people". In fact, in studying World and U.S. History,  always had a certain respect for the initiative such enterprises took in expanding their global influence. Furthermore, it always seemed to me that the intense drive for monetary profit seemed to be an act of human nature, not an indicator of mental issues. Yet, in King Leopold's Ghost, it becomes clear that an obsession with colonization and exploration is not entirely normal.

Nearly all of the key characters in this book have some sort of emotional trauma that they want to escape, and conquest provides them with relief from the demons of their past. They look to Africa as a place far away from the world that has treated them poorly, a location where they can prove a dominance they never could back home. King Leopold, at the root of things, seems to be the craziest of all, which becomes evident as he seems to gradually lose his mental stability. Thus, this book has definitely changed the way I view imperialism and conquest, just from the in-depth background information it provides on the characters' troubled pasts. The explanations show that behind colonial conquest is a desire to prove a value, worth, and power that could not be gained otherwise, often without exploitation.

This book also demonstrates the traumatic disruption of the way of life in the Congo that has still not been remedied. The lasting influence of King Leopold's terror still haunts the Congo today, as it is plagued by a vicious war, extreme poverty, and general unrest. The state of the Congo today reflects the common nature, perhaps to a heightened extent, of countries disrupted by exploration and exploitation.

"From Florida to Berlin"

1. This chapter focuses on King Leopold's calculated persuasion to get his claim on the Congo recognized by the governments of various countries. The beginning of the chapter begins with a shift in focus, as it follows General Henry Shelton Sanford as he persuades the president, and then Congress to recognize Leopold's Congo state with sly propaganda and crates of oranges from his plantation. Thus, the U.S. becomes the first to acknowledge Leopold's reign. Leopold also gains recognition by the French goverment, capitalizing on the fear of the British somehow obtaining the territory otherwise. A conference addressing the colonization of Africa is held, however, Leopold does not attend, instead opting to disperse his loyal intermediaries throughout the event. As all of these occurences play out, Leopold continues to blur the realities of his plans for the Congo, relying on false promises of philanthropic work to gain recognition from the various nations. Once everything has fallen into place though, he drops the lie and acknowledges his new role as the one ruler of one nation.

2. The most controversial sub-topic that was presented in this chapter comes from the Berlin Conference. Various European nations attend the event, however, “Not a single African” is present.
The Berlin Conference was held for the purpose of dividing Africa among many nations looking to colonize, yet the population that has an established way of life has no say in the matter. This draws attention to the harsh and unjust nature of colonization as a whole and the greed of societies to take control of territory that already belonged to the indigenous people.

3. The Berlin Conference marked a pivotal stage not only for colonialism, but for the continent of Africa.

4. Quiz Questions:

1. Why does Leopold choose America as the first nation to recognize his Congo state?

2. What is the significance of Hochschild noting, “not a single African” attended the conference in Berlin?

3. Why does Leopold change the name of his claimed territory from International African Association to the Congo Free State?

4. The chapter focuses on Leopold’s rise to dominance, yet he does not directly negotiate any of the agreements that propel him to his new powerful position. Why did he choose to act solely through intermediaries?

5. How does Belgium’s small size and lack of previous international recognition work to Leopold’s advantage?

 

Purpose of Colonization and Imperialism

The nineteenth century was characterized by heightened immigration, the utilization of new technology, and the rise of imperialism. By this time, Northern American, Japanese, and European superpowers adopted a new mission of expansion and forced rule over less-developed populations. This expansion seemed in practicality, to be driven by a philosophy of mercantilism and the idea that the cultures would further increase their economic standings by gaining raw materials and new markets for their goods. Nonetheless, as their influence increased, colonization and imperialism took on an additional, less profit-based standpoint, morphing into a competition between the reigning powers of the world in a race to proclaim dominance.

The exact purpose of imperialism, nevertheless, is hard to pinpoint, as the practice took on a different meaning for each specific nation that decided to engage in it. Intellectuals have long debated the theories behind imperialistic expansion, with conservative to liberal ideas proposed without a clear verdict reached. Intellectuals such as Hans Morgenthau and Benjamin Cohen have argued that the basis of imperialism is to decrease the strategic and political vulnerability of a nation. On the other hand, however, social-psychological theories circulate as well, from theorists such as Joseph Schumpeter. He rationalizes that imperialism is merely expansion without a purpose that nations learn from the actions of other nations. He concludes that this behavior then becomes institutionalized as a way to show authority. All in all, it seems that the motivation behind becoming involved in various poor locations was so that the dominant nations could showcase their wealth and capability as world powers.

Another much-discussed drive for U.S. imperialism was Manifest Destiny, popularized by Democrats in the United States in the nineteenth century. This belief stated that Americans were destined, by the will of Heaven, to expand across the continent and gradually the world. In this scenario, liberals cited divine intervention as the reasoning behind colonization and imperialism, providing yet more reasoning for expansion.

In any case, imperialism has come to dominate many corners of the world, for better or for worse because of wealthy nations drive to utilize resources and more vainly, display their supremacy.

Senior Project/ Paper

For my senior project, I chose to focus on dance and the arts. The actual field work of my project is currently being completed at Expressions Dance Studio, volunteering as an assistant and observing classes and practices. My paper was about the correlation between the arts and academic success, as there is proof of higher test scores and graduation rates.

My project has been going well, I have completed about half of my hours and am scheduled to finish up the rest within the next few weeks. I have critiqued the students in class myself and watched the teaching methods of my mentor who is the owner of the studio.

I was fortunate not to receive my research paper back, so format-wise I think I did well. My paper, in actuality, came out better than i thought it would, as I was reading it over it was very interesting and thought-provoking. My paper took on the issue of budget cuts and the elimination of the arts from school curriculum by demonstrating through statistics the academic rewards to be gained. Nonetheless, I think I could have planned better and chosen better sources because I found statistics, but there were a lot of interesting articles that required a subscription or a fee to view. I feel that if I had really investigated at the library or through databases more extensively, I could have gained a deeper understanding from similar free studies.

Flip-Flops.

Though flip-flops may seem a current trend, their presence actually dates back to many locations in the ancient world.

Flip-flops were featured as far back as the stone age, where they were made of basic materials such as, papyrus, straw, and rawhide because of the simplicity of creating them. The crafting was very similar to today, a base with a strap attached and worn in between the toes. Flip Flops were a staple in Ancient Roman, Egyptian, and numerous other cultures.

Flip-flops first graced the U.S., however, after World War II, when soldiers returned sometimes with Zori, a form of Japanese footwear. This imported style could be found on beaches and poolside. In the 1960s, flip-flops were given their American name, derived from the sound they make on their wearer's feet, though the interesting shoes had already been deemed "thongs" in Australia and "slippers" in Hawaii. By the 1990s, Americans truly embraced the versatility of the shoe and flip-flops of quality materials such as wood and leather debuted, priced high above their beach-oriented predecessors.

Today, flip-flop sales are booming, with 2 billion in sales per year noted in the U.S., despite criticism from foot and ankle specialists who attribute the rise in foot problems in youth and younger adults with the ever-present flip-flop. Brands continue to create variations on the classic style to accommodate these concerns and less-supported versions are available nearly everywhere as well. In either case, it is doubtful that the flip-flop will go out of style in the near future.

Research Paper Questions

1. My topic is examining American attitudes towards immigration and how they have evolved over time. I will analyze immigration patterns of the past and how U.S. citizens reacted to them versus how they react to immigration primarily from Latin American countries today. 

2. The most useful finding I have looked at in my research is the number of illegal immigrants in this country because the numbers are surprisingly large. 

3. Right now, I believe that tougher immigration laws should be enforced, but not to the extent that they are in say, Arizona. However, racial profiling and unfair treatment should not be allowed. 

4. My topic I believe mostly everyone is at least vaguely familiar with, as the influences of immigration are present in our everyday lives. Nonetheless, there are intricacies of immigration that the general population is probably unfamiliar with, such as Arizona's specific immigration laws, such as SB 1070.SB 1070 is very controversial, as it is the unconstitutional law that requires police officers to demand legal documentation of individuals suspected of being undocumented immigrants under the premise of "reasonable suspension" and ignited a firestorm of controversy.

5. I never realized the sheer number of illegal immigrants in the U.S.. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security estimated that in 2009 there were 6,650,000 illegal immigrants from Mexico alone in America. They represent the vast majority, but there are also hundreds of thousands from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and the Philippines. These numbers really shocked me, just because of how large they are. 

Response to "Why You Truly Never Leave High School"

With the arrival of the Great Depression and an end to child labor, small societies with different priorities and values than adults emerged in America, begginning a new era. As this age persists into the present day, it becomes increasingly clear that high school is a morphed form of reality. The unnatural isolation from adults is peculiar and prompts immaturity. Furthermore, there are far too many students of the same age in one place to possibly characterize by things that actually matter, such as personality or interests, so students take the easy route and make judgements from appearance. These snap judgements, in turn, create a disfigured social hierarchy, reliant on superficial traits that perpetuate a transparent self-confidence among those with the right "look".

This skewed social dynamic not only alters the present for high schoolers, but as this article addresses, affects their future social confidence and self-image. Void of time on the farm or in the workforce with adults as adolescents, high schoolers see the hierarchy of high school as a valid reality an develop their social characteristics accordingly. Upon leaving high school, it becomes clear that the way they were treated there may not have been correct, but many will still bear the detrimental effects for the rest of their life. This proves that the crude nature of high school can reach past its allotted four years.

has anyone really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like

I should probably learn to log off "blogger" at school yo.

-By a friendly troll

Response to Racial Profiling/ FBI

About two years ago when my sister and I were at the airport going through security, my suitcase passed through the scanner easily, however, my sister's luggage was paused mid-conveyor belt. One security worker motioned to another and before we knew it a flock of them were gesturing and squinting at the screen. They pulled my sister over to a small cubicle with her suitcase and cautiously opened it up, only to find blocks of cheese with her laptop cord sitting on top. The security guard examined her quizzically and explained that the blocks appeared to be suspiciously connected with wires on the screen. "Yeah I just got back from Wisconsin" my sister replied.

That day was the first time I had ever seen someone I know get pulled aside by airport security. However, I can't help but wonder if she had been of a different ethnicity if the scenario would have played out differently. One minute they were convinced she was a terrorist, but then shortly after sent her on her way. In the post-9/11 world I have known, it has become glaringly clear that different ethnic groups are unfairly stereotyped often, due to their appearances solely. These four essays granted me a perspective that I never fully grasped on my own, because as a white female, racial profiling has  never caused me grief like so many others.

The essays were interesting to read, as each author had a different take on national security and his or her role in it. Though all of the essays seemed to possess a certain disdain for unjust security measures, the authors recognize that the guarded tactics work to make America a safer place.

The essays also drew attention to the fear at the root of opposition to heightened security measures, a fear of the loss of personal freedom. In our society today, it seems that many are increasingly taking safety for granted in their struggle to maintain complete personal liberty. At this point our country needs to start recognizing that freedom cannot be relinquished without a cost, and thus, citizens need to accept that America needs to stay under watchful eyes, or pay a possibly hefty price.

Sentence Fixes

Link to Revisions

Research Paper Update

My topic is analyzing the changes in American attitudes towards immigration in recent years as opposed to the past. I will look to uncover the reasons behind this new hostility and propose possible ways to remedy the problem.

Sources:
Hanson, Gordon H., Preface to "Does Illegal Immigration Harm US Citizens?" This is a great analysis of the ways the recent influx of immigrants has affected America in regards to finances and the workforce. 

Hainmueller, Jens and Hiscox, Michael J., "Attitudes toward Highly Skilled and Low-skilled Immigration" This study is unique in the ways that it focuses on the opinions of individuals as they relate to immigration and also tries to pinpoint the varying attitudes towards immigrants of different skill levels.

Ruark, Eric A., and Matthew Graham. "Immigration Is Increasing Poverty in the United States." A solid argument against claims that immigrants take away large numbers of jobs from established citizens.

Hainmueller, Jens and Hopkins, Daniel J., "The Hidden American Immigration Consensus: A Conjoint Analysis of Attitudes Toward Immigrants." A great study that aims to identify the specific attributes of immigrants that provoke especially positive or negative reactions among Americans.

 

Huerta, Alvaro. "Arizona's Immigration Law is Racist." A reflection from someone who personally identifies with those attacked in Arizona, addressing the racism present in our society.


"Introduction to Illegal Immigration: Current Controversies." A concise explanation of the Arizona controversy and its immediate aftermath.

Anti-Gay Marriage

Here's an anti-gay marriage blog...

Lazy People

The greatest notable annoyance about our society today is the epidemic of laziness that has overcome the American people. It seems that all products, services, and pastimes are designed to aid this unfortunate predicament, worsening the cycle and fostering impatience and obesity.

Ever since the invention of cars, our motivation to simply walk places has been consistently declining. Nowadays, we take for granted our transportation by automobile, often times seeing no plausible way to arrive at a destination without the involvement of one. The idea of walking or bicycling to a given location seems daunting and strenuous to many. Furthermore, society caters to our reluctance to walk extended distances. Parking lots can be found today adjacent to all businesses, many featuring even closer spots rewarding people who promise not to stay long. Thus, shoppers will take advantage of these close spots, even if they anticipate staying for an extended time period, simply because they are lazy and the prospect of walking an extra hundred feet is an unbearable concept.

Moreover, as a society we have an acceptance for the pastime of laying around and doing nothing. Many refer to Saturdays or Sundays as their “lazy days”, opting to lay around in pajamas while eating various forms of junk, rather than venturing out and being a productive member of society. Additionally, we are taught early on as children that if you are tired, it is alright to spontaneously lie down during the day and sleep. This pastime is commonly referred to as “napping”, but in reality it is just deciding mid-day that life is too demanding and an unconscious break is necessary.

My argument against laziness in our society would not be complete without at least mentioning the detrimental effects the television has wreaked upon human activity. Don’t get me wrong, I believe that televised programming is beneficial in the way that it disperses information throughout our country and the world, but the prolonged activity of “vegging” out in front of a television watching pointless sitcoms or trashy reality TV only produces negative consequences. Instead of going outside and taking a walk or playing a game of catch, many families plant themselves in front of the screen. This practice is especially unfavorable because it teaches children that nightly inactivity is alright, a lesson that will most likely be passed down to their children as well.

Overall, I do not think that humans in general, or even Americans, contrary to popular belief, are destined to be lazy creatures. Our sluggish state spawns from cultural customs we become used to early on and then accept as normal. Though I admit that I occasionally am a participant in all the patterns I mentioned, I try to distance myself from their tempting grasp as much as possible. Essentially, that is all we can personally do in a society where the automobile, television, fast food, and ultimately laziness reign supreme.

Definition Essay

Link to Essay

Senior Project Update

The topic for my senior project still remains the same, as I will be an assistant teacher and choreographer for a class at Expressions Dance Studio. Life has been hectic lately, so I have not begun my actual field work yet, but I have secured my mentor and a position at the studio. My mentor will be Cassie Geremia, an amazing dance teacher who I worked with previously in middle school when she coached my competition team and last year when I was involved in her company. I have arranged for us to meet this upcoming week so we can discuss all the particulars of the project and deal with the requirements that will be due soon.

For my dance for the girls, I have been researching different styles of choreography through online videos from both amateurs and professionals. Since I will be working with younger students, I feel that this form of preparation is necessary as their material and skill level will be vastly different from my own. Thus, my dance for them will vary from if I were to choreograph a dance for myself.  The choreography I will be focusing on will be fun and upbeat and simple enough for them to execute effectively. Nonetheless, in my time working with the girls, I want to be able to improve their skill levels through my instruction, so I will attempt to challenge them whenever manageably possible.

Clearly, there is still much I have to complete in regards to my senior project. It is still necessary for me to solidify the exact class I will be working with for the project and then determine the amount of choreography to craft. However, I have definitely already determined the basic components that my project will entail, now I simply need to fill in the remaining gaps.

Response to "Drugs" by Gore Vidal

 

I do not necessarily agree with Vidal's assumption that people with easy access to drugs pose no threat to their neighbors. It seems that anyone engaging in regular usage of addictive drugs inevitably suffers from erratic side effects, which could lead to unpredictable and in some cases, possibly dangerous behavior. Even in the case of marijuana, which is not physically addictive, psychological addiction can arise causing less detrimental, but similar consequences as well. It is undeniable that people who periodically use drugs would be more likely to exert negative influence on those around them, whether the drugs are officially legalized or not. With that said however, I believe that simplified access to drugs would lessen the potential danger of these individuals to their neighbors. Readily available drugs would take the desperation and forced secrecy out of the illegal drug- obtaining process and thus, addicts would not be forced to resort to drastic measures as a result of the stress of trying to safely buy their goods. The psychological and physical dependence of addicts causes them to resort to crazy measures to maintain or regain their high and with the assurance of available drugs, these would not be necessary. Overall, though, relying on past crime rates alone, it is clear that drug users exert negative influence because of the drugs themselves, a trend that would most likely not change with any form of legalization.

Essay Analyzing Benjamin Banneker's Argument Against Slavery

Link to my essay