* For the passage-based essays, work for subtlety; avoid simplistic clichés in your interpretation, thesis statement, or development. The AP passages will be rich—treat them as such.
* For the passage-based poetry response, if you have a modern poem, do not use lack of rhyme or rhythm as a literary device...it doesn't mean anything. Look for other structural cues like a shift in perspective (3rd to 1st...or "You" all of a sudden), a shift in tone (bright to dark, wistful to doubtful, etc.), a shift in tense (past, present, future), unusually short or long stanzas, or other volta-worthy movements to tie to your illuminating theme.
* Odds are reasonable that you will have a sonnet on the test somewhere, so give your notes a quick gloss if you have time.
More Preparation
Essays:
- Read a few sample 8 essays if you haven't yet.
Multiple Choice:
Just attack one passage, look at the answers, and figure out how to arrive at those answers. Take your time. Then do another one or two passages in the same way if you wish. No need to tackle an entire practice test:
- 1999 AP English Literature and Composition Released Exam
- 1987 AP English Literature and Composition Released Exam
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