By Sophie Tuan
The learning curve for AP lang is a steep one…this course genuinely had me questioning if I was any good at English. However, I soon realized that my mediocre results were because I did not understand how to answer the essay prompts or how to interpret the multiple choice questions. After a bit of practice, my grade drastically improved and the class became much easier! Here’s my pro tips so you can start off AP Lang stress free.
Practice MCQs!
AP Lang MCQs are truly a different beast. Different from any other English-comp questions, there’s no real way to prepare for them—no book to study or SparkNotes to review. Instead, all the answers are theoretically right in front of you (as the passage is given). However, MCQs are much harder than they seem as the questions are tricky and unfamiliar terms can make them hard to understand. The best way to get better is to PRACTICE! I would recommend doing a couple full practice MCQs over the summer or, at the very least, before your first full MCQ in class.
Know the Essay Rubrics
There are three types of essays in AP Lang (Argumentative, Rhetorical, Synthesis), but all of them are out of six potential points: one for thesis, four for evidence and analysis, and one for sophistication. It’s important that you know the rubric like the back of your hand so you know exactly what to focus on when writing under a time crunch. Additionally, you should know how many documents to use during your Synthesis Essay (3-5) and how to group them.
Use Sentence Patterns and Transitions
Syntax and diction are both important pieces that can help you earn the elusive sophistication point, and help you better articulate your ideas. Having go-to sentence frames and transition phrases in your back pocket can help tremendously when you are under pressure. Below are my most used sentence patterns!
- Semi-colon
- Colon
- Em dash
- Appositive
- Elliptical construction
Know Rhetorical Analysis Terms
Especially for the rhetorical essay, it’s important to know different rhetorical devices and how the author can utilize them to further convey a specific message. You do not necessarily need to name them but you must show in your writing that you can recognize and articulate their purpose. My personal favorites to write about include figurative language, diction (be specific), tone, and connotations.
Timing, Timing, Timing!!!
The AP Lang exam consists of a 45 question MCQ in 1 hour with 5 different passages and 3 essays with 8 documents (7 for synthesis and 1 for rhetorical analysis) in 2 hours and 15 minutes. Essays are expected to be written in 40 minutes with appropriate reading time when given documents. Timing is what most students struggle with; I recommend practicing timed writing before you have a graded in-class essay.