The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric

by Renee H. Shea, Lawrence Scanlon, Robin Dissin Aufses

The Language of Composition is the first textbook built from the ground up to help students succeed in the AP English Language course. Written by a team of experts with experience in both high school and college, this text focuses on teaching students the skills they need to read, write, and think at the college level. With practical advice and an extensive selection of readings —  including essays, poetry, fiction, and visual texts — The Language of Composition helps students develop the key skills they must master to pass the course, to succeed on the AP Exam, and to prepare for a successful college career. Revised based on feedback from teachers across the country, the second edition promises to be an even better resource for the AP Language classroom.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Teaching, Read For School, Textbooks, School

1060 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 14, 2007

Reviews

[Noelle/Eli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss u mr johnson

[Deer Dot · Rating 1 out of 5]

We read this book twice in the entire year
I got a four on the test
Fuck the great Gatsby
Fuck this class
I’m going to go jump off a bridge

[Karen]

This is one of my AP English texts — and I'm loving it so far. It's very accessible, and unlike most textbooks, it's not boring.

Here is my favorite quote from the book so far:

Rather than make a quick response that reflects an opinion based only on what you already know, you must research and read sources — what others have written. Then you can develop your own informed opinion, a measured response that considers multiple perspectives and possibilities.

Another great quote:

The purpose of education, finally, is to create in a person the ability to look at the world for himself, to make his own decisions, to say to himself this is black or this is white, to decide for himself whether there is a God in heaven or not. To ask questions of the universe, and then learn to live with those questions, in the way he achieves his own identity. But no society is really anxious to have that kind of person around. What societies really, ideally, want is a citizenry which will simply obey the rules of society. If a society succeeds in this, that society is about to perish. The obligation of anyone who thinks of himself as responsible is to examine society and try to change it and to fight it—at no matter what risk. This is the only hope society has. This is the only way societies change.
— James Baldwin

[Fs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book clearly depicts the aspects to rhetorical devices in the English Language. The textbook's clarity makes it a valuable tool for students of all ages. After using it in class, students (in my experience) have become more comfortable with identifying the rhetorical devices for the AP Language and Composition exam. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who wishes to pass the exam with flying colors. The essays are very well chosen in this book. The collection is a valuable one and will definitely aid in the test. Good luck to all those taking the test!

[Ari Santillanes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one is bittersweet. I started teaching with this book in a school year during which administration knew I would miss 1/3 of the school year due to maternity leave. Let that sink in: I was assigned to teach an AP class for the first time when I had been completely transparent that I was also becoming a parent for the first time during the school year. Meaning I had August-midOctober and midMarch-earlyMay to prep students for a college level test. 🤯

I continued to teach the course with this textbook for 2 more years. At this moment, it is not on my schedule for fall (fewer sections, my colleague usually teaches the number of sections we are offering in 20-21), and I am relieved, but also sad not to have the opportunity to keep growing as an educator with this course. I have learned so much, and love the way this it has shifted my thinking about what to read and how to think about it.

[Cooper Ackerly · Rating 4 out of 5]

11,000 words of commentary later...

[Lolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Actually a really great textbook. The sample texts were so interesting and definitely helped in my AP language class and exam.

[Salam · Rating 1 out of 5]

lowkey racist

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

well not entirely sure how to write a review for a text book.

So far I really appreciate the consistence between this and the 50 Essays book. Both acknowledge at least 2 of the same essays, which helps me psychologically back up the idea that these are actually good, well known essays, and not randomly picked by each other. It helps me appreciate the essays more, and make them feel worth reading.

[Stephanie]

I have to read it since I'll be teaching it, but at least it's got some good essays in it.

[jacky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read one essay out of this, but I wanted to keep track of where it came from because I really liked it. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read" by Franicine Prose.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

My text for AP so I'm not sure if it counts, but it's what I spend all my time reading. Crazy helpful if you're taking the AP Language exam.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love how this resources is organized by themes.

[Sarah Ryburn]

an anthology i'm using for my ap language & composition class, and a veritable treasure trove of rhetorical greats spanning fiction, the essay, and oratory.

[Andrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I mean...it's a textbook. How fun is that?

[Claire · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not read the whole book.
Student.
AP Language and Composition.

I think that says it all

[Monica Pimentel]

love it

[Kiran Munir · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's tedious but necessary for AP English

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read this whole book since it's a textbook, but we read a few excerpts.