THE END. Together we've tackled the college essay and honed our abilities as writers. I say together because my writing has improved as well. It's practice that makes the difference. Each year our writing improves as it evolves. Me, I'm getting pretty good by now. You're well on your way to college. Those Pre SATs are behind you and next year the ACT and SAT await, both now requiring writing. Many of you are ready. Many of you still require what amounts to the hardest thing of all: practice.

Your FINAL will include at least one essay on one of the four major works we read in class. It will also include multiple choice on everything we've read, including the summer reading project novels The Martian Chronicles and Catcher in the Rye. You'll also need to know your rhetorical terminology: allusion, hyperbole, aphorism, infinitive, oxymoron, metonomy, foreshadowing, paradox, symbol, setting, verisimilitude, alliteration, personification, simile and metaphor. A mere 15 words; an important 15 words.

What we've learned is forever. You'll use these skills in college, in life, in your careers. Successful people are good writers. Most of you have proven your potential for success.