Requirements of this AP Test:
On the morning of Wednesday, May 14, 2008, you will take this three-hour test. The first 60-minutes are devoted to a multiple choice test, consisting of 4-5 passages over which you will answer questions on the author's purpose, effect and style. Then, there's a fifteen minute reading period. (During this period, you may take notes, but you cannot begin your essay on the lined paper.) There are three essay prompts, and you will be given an average of 40 minutes to write each essay. These essays will be a combination of the following types: stylistic analysis of a passage, rhetorical analysis of a passage, comparison of two author's styles when writing about a similar topic, an argumentative essay, and the synthesis essay.
Preparations inherent in this AP class:
To prepare for your AP English Language and Composition test, we will thoroughly study literary devices* and their effects, rhetorical devices and their effects, and we will review and write weekly essays in the aforementioned forms. Additionally, we will take practice multiple choice tests on a monthly basis.
Your first responsibility is to learn the literary and rhetorical devices on the list I gave you. Then, you can start applying these in your coursework. My job will be to ensure your definitions are precise and the effects you state are reasonable. Sometimes, there will be more than one "right" answer, and through class discussion, we will learn which ones are the most impressive.
*Note: The list of literary devices will open in a separate window. Just close the window to return to this page.
Preparations outside of class:
Past students have varied widely in how much review they've personally done for the AP English Language test. In addition to materials I supply, you may want to purchase a practice guide. Bookstores sell a variety of practice manuals specific to this AP test and a few directed toward both AP English tests. At Solon, juniors take AP English Language and seniors take AP English Literature. So be sure to get the guide for the Language test.
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I like Cliff's AP English Language and Composition Preparation Guide by Barbara Swovelin. (Cost: ~$15) |
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I like the Five Steps to a Five book by Murphy and Rankin. |
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I was also impressed by the APCD for English Language, produced by The College Board. Purchasing information is available at the College Board website. (Cost: ~$55) |
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I do NOT recommend Petersen's Guide to AP English Language. It is pointlessly hard and contains numerous errors. |
| Visit the AP Central website for more information about any of your AP tests or for a specific overview of the English Language test with sample test questions. |
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