1. AP Essay Prompt
Or “Okay, now what?”

2. Overall Complete the Open-Ended (Question 3) prompt first.
Shoot for no more than 35 minutes on this question.
Complete the “harder” of the remaining two prompts next.
Save the “easier” prompt for last.
Overall

3. Before Reading What information is there?
Read the background and assignment carefully.
What information is there?
What is the task you are asked to do?
What are you really being asked to do?
What guidance are you given?
Before Reading

4. Before (Continued) What is happening?
Read the excerpt carefully.
(10-12 minutes)
What is happening?
What is the author’s, character’s or narrator’s tone?
What literary techniques stick out?
How do these techniques relate to one another?
How do they work together or against one another?
What is the larger picture?
Before (Continued)

5. Before (completed) Context Text Reference Verb Literary Term
Construct a thesis or interpretative sentence
Context
Text Reference
Verb
Literary Term
Interpretation
Before (completed)

6. During Writing Discuss HOW the author employs techniques
How to WHAT (maybe to WHY)
Discuss HOW the author employs techniques
Connect this HOW to WHAT the author’s purpose is (or WHAT the question is asking of you)
For example: How does metaphor help describe a character’s experience?
Perhaps WHY the author does this
During Writing

7. Use a coherent structure to make a coherent argument.
Use an introduction, body, and conclusion
Organize around idea or structure, NOT device
During (Continued)

8. During (Others) Quote often! Quote snippets, small quantities of text
Finish the essay! Use a conclusion!
Use the best, most apt word.
Vary your sentences.
Watch your punctuation and spelling.
REMEMBER, THIS IS A FIRST DRAFT.
During (Others)