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Here is the ppt with more details and examples about ways to present your final.

AP Lang Test

Greetings Scholars!

In preparation for Wednesday's AP Language Test, here are some tips.  The last synthesis is scored, stop by and pick it up to view comments.  

Quick Review Sheet

Multiple Choice.  60 minutes.  4-5 selections, 49-55 questions.

            You can work on these in any sequence you prefer. 

            No penalty for guessing.

It is nearly impossible to cram for the Multiple Choice Section.  You have several sample tests to use for skimming purposes.  Spend some time noting A) types of questions - purpose of word, purpose of a sentence, purpose of a paragraph, purpose of the entire piece and B) understanding any rhetorical terms listed in the possible answers.

BREAK.  Focus on the next part, not the last one.  Be thankful for your health and opportunities.

Document reading.  15 minutes.  3 prompts given to you, can take notes but not begin essays.

Prompt response.  2 hours. 

This is the area where a bit more cramming can really help your score improve.  Below are suggestions.

Have a plan.  I’ve found that another 5 minutes planning – even as you’re anxious about time – makes for a much stronger response. Here are some timings that some people use - you know what will work better for you.

Example:         #2 Essay          12 minutes to read/annotate/outline  8 minute intro  15 minute essay

                      #3 Essay          8 minutes to think and scribble  8 minute intro  15 minute essay

                      #1 Essay          20 minutes to read/annotate/outline    8 minute intro  15 minute essay

                                                10 minutes remaining as safety cushion.

#1 Synthesis.  ENTER THE CONVERSATION WITH YOUR OWN ARGUMENT.  You will not solve the issue, but you must enter the discussion about what might be a reasoned way forward.  Your argument is central, the sources support that view.  Use at least three sources, no need to use more.  With each source you decide to use, consider “what does this add to the discussion?  How might another source respond?”   Find nuance, probably with a spectrum which you identify and then describe your specific point on that spectrum. Let me repeat, because on the last Synthesis you wrote, many of you missed this by doing a review of sources (a "source tour") rather than using the evidence to create your own argument.

#2 Close Reading.  ANALYZE TECHNIQUES AUTHOR USES TO ESTABLISH HER POINT. This is your easy one, knock it out of the park.  Remember HOW that technique gets to the purpose and crank out your own language skills.  Use the Sentient Statement: Using [Technique] and [Technique] in order to [have this effect] on [the specific audience], the author [strong verb purpose].

#3.  Argument.  CHALLENGE/DEFEND/QUALIFY.  Like with the synthesis, find the nuance of your argument, but this time brainstorm possible support from your past decade of living and learning.  Cycle through Biology, Psychology, History, Current Events, Playing an instrument, the Sport field. . .Use some evidence and some examples. 

Language Tips: Choose a few of these you are more comfortable with, drill them into your head and forget the rest.

A.   Get really comfortable using semi-colon and colon.  Use at least one per essay.

B.  Use antithesis/juxtaposition/contrast/parallelism.  This really helps illuminate the spectrum.  Use one per essay.

C.  Use a simile/metaphor/personification in each essay.

D.  Anaphora establishes a repetitive structure that helps you persuade (essays 1 and 3).  Strongly consider doing the three appeals (ethos/pathos/logos) in the three sentences of your anaphora.

E.  A periodic sentence forces the reader to follow your reasoning to the concluding statement, leading to more successful argument.

F.  A thesis beginning with "While" forces you to recognize nuance.

G.  Try for an identifiable tone.  Write that adjective on scrap paper and try constructing your essay to reflect that.  (for example, choose optimistic, and try making your sentences otimistic. . .).

H.  Pop references are fun and okay.  From the new royal baby to Taylor Swift's Shake it Off, stay fresh.  Don't choose the references 90% of writers will use.  

I.  Answer "So What" concretely and specifically in the conclusion.

BE CORRECT.  BE THOROUGH.  BE STYLISTIC.  BE AWESOME.

Need more?

Go to http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/ for sample essays, with scored student samples.