Name ________________________________

AP English 11 Initial Survey

DIRECTIONS: Answer the following questions. We will share some of the responses in class. I will also collect and read this, but you will not get it back until the end of the course when you will evaluate your progress and growth.

Personal Goals and Questions: Take some time to reflect on yourself as a student of English. I want you to honestly evaluate where you are at this point as a student, a reader, a thinker and a writer. At the end of the course, you will again reflect on yourself and your growth. Whenever possible, use specific examples.

1. What are your strengths in English class- as a student, a reader, a thinker and a writer?

2. What areas or skills do you need to improve? Think about your habits as a student, a reader, a thinker and a writer?

3. Set two-three specific goals for yourself for this course and write them below:

4. What do you think you can expect from this class- the content and the teacher?

5. Please tell me any information about yourself that you feel I need to know to better understand you as a student. (For example: special circumstances at home, outside activities, health issues, etc.)

Course Content: Take some time think about some of the ideas and concepts that we will cover in this course. Answer the questions and whenever possible, use specific examples.

6. What do you know about rhetoric, persuasion and manipulation?

7. Where are people persuaded in life? What methods or techniques are used to persuade?

Give some examples.

8. Do you find that you are easily persuaded? Why or why not? Do some methods work better to persuade you than others? Why?

Reading, Writing and Viewing: Take some time think about some of the areas that we will cover in this course. Answer the questions and whenever possible, use specific examples.

9. Think about summer reading! How do you feel you did with those readings? Which was your favorite? Which made you think outside of your comfort zone? Which was the most challenging?

10. In the past, have you read much non-fiction? If yes, what and if no then why not?

11. Do you or members of your family read the newspaper and magazines on a regular basis? If yes, please name the ones you most frequently read or receive at your home.

12. Describe yourself as a reader. What are your strengths, weaknesses?

13. Do you or members of your family watch any non-fiction television shows, news programs, or documentaries? (NOT “reality” TV). If so, please list them below.

14. Can you list any current issues/ideas that you are interested in learning more about?

15. What aspect/type of writing do you find the most difficult to create?

16. What aspect/type of writing do you enjoy?

17. How would you describe your confidence when it comes to writing?

18. Do you read or watch anyone who has a style that you like? What about it do you like?