Taking an AP Exam can be a daunting task. It is ESSENTIAL to practice before taking the exam if you want to pass.
Here are some things to do before the test:
Here are some things to do before the test:
- Study and expand your vocabulary
- Take practice tests (both multiple choice and the free response questions) in class and if you want to heighten your chances of a good score, do them at home too.
- READ. The more you read, the better you get at it.
- Become familiar with classics. This includes novels, plays and poetry. I'm not saying you have to read everything, just the big ones (Shakespeare is a big example).
Here are some resources to help you prep:
This is the place to find all official information on the AP Test, and they give you past tests and responses to look at.
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This set is just basic terms that everyone should know, like literary devices and such. Feel free to make your own set with your own words.
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A lot of kids have used this to fake their way through books for English class, but if you don't have the time to read up on things(as mentioned in my list of things to do before the test) and become more familiar with reads outside of class without all the time. Not to mention that it can help push analysis as well as comprehension.
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Now you've studied and prepared your butt off, here's what you need to do during the test:
- Multiple Choice
- Read the questions first. This will help you get some understanding of the text without reading it
- Annotate the passages as you read them, anything that comes to mind could help you.
- The right answers will have evidence to prove them right
- Read the passages once for basic understanding and analysis
- Read a second time for an even deeper analysis (if you think you have the time)
- Free Response Questions
- Annotate the prompt
- Plan
- Have a solid structure that works for you
- Try writing from a unique perspective
- Focus on deeper meaning more than just the summary and whats read on the surface
- Have real world connections
- Have a strong conclusion that's not just summary of what you've already written.