AP Language & Composition TEST

The test A total of 3 hours — 2 sections 1 hour  50 - 60 multiple choice questions based on 4-5 different passages [45% of the exam] Points are award for correct answers, none are deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions 2 hours  3 essay questions [55% of the exam]

Multiple choice section 4 - 5 different passages (various genres) 12 - 15 questions for each passage These are “skill”-based, not fact-based Very few, if any, will test recall

Multiple choice section cont’d Sample questions: The purpose of paragraph 4 can best be described as… The terror of the emerging body on the stretcher is emphasized by the author’s use of… In paragraph 3, all of the following are images of death EXCEPT… In lines 21-24, the author lists the images of the naked people using the syntactical technique of…

The essays Timed writing

Rhetorical (Style) analysis After reading the passage (fiction or non), analyze how devices are used to develop the author’s attitude toward the subject Sometimes prompt will identify the attitude/purpose for you Sometimes the prompt will identify the devices for you You have 40 minutes to complete this essay

Style analysis Sample prompts: Read the following two passages about human skin carefully. Then write an essay in which you analyze how the distinctive stylistic and rhetorical differences between the passages reveal the purposes of their writers. (comparison essay—yes, it’s possible) …Read the entire passage carefully. Then write an essay analyzing the rhetorical strategies that Twain uses to convey his attitude. You have 40 minutes to complete this essay

explain something (rhetorical analysis) or argue a point (persuasive) Synthesis essay This essay tests your ability to read and evaluate multiple sources and integrate appropriate ones into a coherent, cogent essay. Asks you to either: explain something (rhetorical analysis) or argue a point (persuasive) You are to use ONLY the sources provided. You have 55 minutes to complete this essay 15 minutes to read 40 minutes to write

Synthesis essay Sample prompt (follows introductory paragraphs): Read the following sources (including the introductory information carefully. Then, in an essay that synthesizes at least three of the sources for support, evaluate the most important factors that a school should consider before using particular technologies in curriculum and instruction. You have 55 minutes to complete this essay 15 minutes to read 40 minutes to write

Synthesis essay cont’d Follow the directions—answer every aspect of the prompt MUST use at least 3 sources 8-9s will use all the sources effectively Choose the sources that best support your argument/explanation You MUST cite your sources You can’t score higher than a 2 if you fail to cite any source

Persuasive (argument) essay This essay asks you to develop an argument using your own prior knowledge as support. Typically, you are given a quote, or very brief passage and asked to “support, challenge, or qualify” what has been said. Variations: *Presented with an argument and asked to simply analyze it—no opinion needed or wanted** *Presented with two different passages on the same topic then asked to explain each and develop your own opinion Always write about the position that is easiest to support, even if you don’t necessarily agree with that position. You have 40 minutes to complete this essay

Persuasive essay cont’d There is NO correction position—what matters is how effectively you argue and support your stance. In other words, you must have a stance. Support stance with relevant evidence throughout the essay Staying focused tends to be a problem for some students Sample prompt: Think about the implications of de Botton’s view of the role of humorists (cartoonists, stand-up comics, satirical writers, hosts of television programs, etc.) Then write an essay that defends, challenges, or qualifies de Botton’s claim about the vital role of humorists. Use specific, appropriate evidence to develop your position.

The end… …for now…

The five-paragraph essay (ugg…) Five paragraph essays can, in this case, really help you keep focused Use a brief intro & conclusion (that is not a simple repetition of the intro) 3 (or 2 or 4) body paragraphs Each paragraph, e.g., could be focused on a specific rhetorical strategy Writing: Outline (NOT a formal outline, bullets are fine) sample: *rash decisions; house keys/cops *love/friendship; waiting for Jim; looking lost notebook with Steph *Bill Gates

Crafting the essay The Introduction Avoid long intros like the plague! Keep “intros” to very specific “roadmaps” that include your thesis and main points. You don’t have to rephrase the prompt, but it doesn’t hurt either. Body Paragraphs Follow the order you establish in the intro Start with a concise TS, end with a concise CS The Conclusion Include one! Keep it brief, but do NOT repeat the intro verbatim

The simple things in life Answer the prompt! Write neatly Clearly indent your paragraphs Consider the organization of your arguments