Advanced Placement Writing 1 is designed to help honors, gifted, and Advanced Placement students refine and expand their writing ability. This unit is geared toward the English Language and Composition examination, which focuses on nonfiction and includes intensive work with syntax and diction. Special emphasis is placed on the reading/writing connection. Both Advanced Placement Writing units involve close textual analysis, synthesis, and evaluation; clear, effective writing about literary passages; and ongoing development of appropriate, authentic writing voices and styles.

Part 1 aims to generate writing fluency.
Part 2 emphasizes audience awareness.
Part 3 examines stylistic elements, including images, figurative language, tone, diction, and syntax.
Part 4 prompts responses to discourse from Plato, Cicero, Chaucer, Bacon, Swift, and others.
Part 5 presents a series of writing strategies specifically aimed at preparing for the essay sections of the Advanced Placement exam.

Students create a multi-genre portfolio of extended writing projects, learn how to write for an educated audience, seek examples of various stylistic elements in the media and reflect on their effects, and explore the changing nature of thought, as well as its constants. Activities include timed writings and objective questions. Research suggestions include the use of the Internet and an appendix that lists print and online reference materials.