AP Lang Exam Review

Exam Date & Time Wednesday, May 10th. First session. See guidance for room assignment.

Multiple Choice 50-60 questions. 1 hour. Answer all questions. Only gain points for correct answers. Not penalized for incorrect answers.

Synthesis Essay 15 minutes to read sources; 40 minutes to write essay. Readers want to see that you understand complexity of issue; therefore, acknowledge both sides in essay: In Introduction: present both sides; take your position. In body paragraphs: Present sources that disagree and refute validity of source with which you disagree. In body paragraphs: Present sources that agree but offer different information.

Synthesis Essay (cont.) Use number of sources prompt suggests: usually three. Cite sources in any of the following ways: “According to Source D, …” “In Emerson’s opinion, …” “A survey of recent graduates (Source D) shows that …” “25% of recent high school graduates view their high school community service experiences as rewarding” (Smith). Can include own ideas in addition to (but not instead of) ideas expressed in sources.

Rhetorical Analysis 40 minutes Analyze author’s choice of rhetorical strategies for the particular audience, occasion, and/or purpose. Answer: HOW do the rhetorical strategies help the author achieve his/her purpose? WHY does the author choose those strategies for that particular audience and for that particular occasion?

Rhetorical Analysis (cont.) Appeals Ethos: writer’s credibility Pathos: emotions of audience Logos: how argument is developed and supported Style Diction: word choice; remember to characterize diction (colloquial diction). Syntax: sentence structure, length, type, arrangement, beginnings, endings Point of View Details: included or excluded Imagery: sensory detail Tone: Describe and explain what contributes to tone (all of above).

Rhetorical Analysis (cont.) Introduction: SOAPS Work chronologically through document, identifying how the writer develops his/her argument; each body paragraph should focus on a section of the document in which the argument is developed. If possible address a device and appeal in each paragraph. Include text that contains the device you are focusing on. Be sure to include analysis, not just observation. The “why” and “how” part: How the device helps the writer achieve his/her purpose and/or Why the writer chooses that strategy for the particular audience or occasion.

Argumentative Essay 40 minutes Defend, challenge, or qualify a quotation about a specific topic. Take a position on a debatable statement provided. Evaluate the pros and cons of an argument and indicate why you find one position more persuasive than another.

Argument Essay (cont.) Use knowledge in any of the following subject areas to support your argument: literature, history, current events, science, technology, music, sports, human behavior. Use less: personal anecdotes and pop culture/celebrity references. Acknowledge and respond to real or possible opposing views in one body paragraph (block) or all body paragraphs (alternating). In introduction, acknowledge the complexity of the issue (both sides).