A.P. LANGUAGE AND COMP EXAM Test Reminders

MULTIPLE CHOICE SECTION Answer ALL questions since there is NO PENALTY any longer for incorrect answers. If you run out of time, guess Do not spend too much time on the hard ones. Make sure you get the easier ones answered first, and then return to the hard ones later on. All questions are equally weighted, so don’t spend too much time on any given one.

MULTIPLE CHOICE SECTION Beware the “main detractor.” Always make sure you consider ALL answers before selecting the best one. Read, very carefully. Reread difficult passages. Read the questions very carefully. Always think in terms of the following AS YOU READ: What’s the main idea? (there will always be global questions like this) What rhetorical techniques is the writer using (there will always be questions about this) Obviously, keep track of time, and USE IT ALL.

ALL ESSAY QUESTIONS READ THE PROMPTS VERY CAREFULLY!! Make sure you are writing in the correct mode: expository or persuasive. Take the time to THINK DEEPLY, and in a SOPHISTICATED manner about all prompts. This will be rewarded by the graders. Make sure you follow all parameters: use of at least 3 sources, cite all CD, etc. Keep intros and conclusions brief, but have them Take the time to write a brief outline: 5-10 mins max.

ALL ESSAY QUESTIONS Be quick, but don’t hurry. You actually need to SLOW DOWN when you feel pressured. Take the time to consider more than one organizational strategy before choosing the best one. You only have time to write one draft Strong word choice and interesting, effective syntax will be rewarded. CD and CM is of course crucial: try to weave them naturally You can use as much or little of the 2 hours and 15 mins as you like on each essay. You should look at all three topics to see which you may need more time on, if any.

TEST PREPARATION Study rhetorical devices Minimum of 8 hours of sleep the night before, even if it means skipping homework Eat a hearty breakfast: the brain needs fuel. Avoid too many sugars. Get up earlier then normal so as to give your body and brain more of a chance to wake up Avoid caffeine: it will make you nervous, and this is NOT what you need Breathe deeply; take short breaks; stand up and walk a bit when you have a chance—this gets blood circulating again and therefore sharpens your mind.

SYNTHESIS ESSAY Make sure you use at least 3 sources Make sure all CD from sources is cited. Read the sources very carefully, especially charts and graphs Take notes, highlight, underline as you read sources Understand the prompt before you begin outlining: read it at least 3-4 times and KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IT IS ASKING FOR.

SYNTHESIS ESSAY THE ARGUMENT IS PRIMARY; USE THE SOURCES TO SUPPORT THE ARGUMENT; DO NOT SHAPE THE ARGUMENT AROUND THE SOURCES!! Shoot for melding multiple sources for each BP. 2+1 or even 3+1 ratio is effective, but don’t neglect the CM CD from your own knowledge and experience can be used in addition to the sources.

RHETORICAL ANALYSIS This is more of a reading than a writing test, so make sure you read more than once, and read very, very carefully. There are two absolute keys: Be able to understand and clearly state what the writer’s main idea, thesis, purpose is Be able to show HOW SPECIFIC CHOICES THE AUTHOR MAKES helps the main idea, thesis, purpose come through in a POWERFUL, MEANINGFUL, EFFECTIVE WAY As you do the above, make use of your knowledge of rhetorical devices.

RHETORICAL ANALYSIS Avoid at all costs the “Easter Egg Hunt” approach: Do not simply list examples of devices. Rather, show how each choice helps the author advance his/her thesis 1+2 ratio is appropriate here Consider different organizational strategies: By idea By technique Chronologically Other Regardless of the way the prompt is stated, the task is always the same: define the main idea, and show how the author’s rhetorical choices advance it.

PERSUASIVE ESSAY Make sure you take a clear position; state that clear position in the thesis DON’T SIT ON THE FENCE Regardless of the way the prompt is stated, the task is the same: Understand the claim, or one of several claims Support, refute, or qualify the claim Try to use authentic CD Try to use a variety of CD from different areas or experience

PERSUASIVE ESSAY Try to synthesize pertinent CD to make your argument Try to organize BP’s around specific arguments that support the position you state in the thesis Consider the following strategies: Anticipate arguments against your position and refute them Call to action Admit a shortcoming of your argument, but then minimize it Multiple, broad based arguments for support 2+1 or 3+1 ratio

FINAL THOUGHTS Take it seriously, but keep it in perspective Doing well is great, but doing poorly does NOT mean any of the following: You won’t get into the college you like You wasted your time in the class You won’t do well in college You are dumb You are a loser Remember that learning and growing should be the primary goals of education: test taking is not.