3 Common Mistakes on the AP Lang Exam

Summary

In this video, Coach All highlights three common mistakes students make when preparing for the AP Lang exam. These include insufficient development of ideas in essays, weak lines of reasoning, and poor time management. Coach All offers practical tips on how to improve commentary, utilize evidence effectively, and organize essays with clear main ideas. Emphasis is placed on the importance of planning, managing time wisely, and focusing on quality rather than quantity. The video also provides helpful advice for synthesis, argument, and rhetorical analysis essays, preparing students for a successful AP Lang exam experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lack of development is a common mistake in AP Lang FRQs; aim for quality over quantity when writing your essay.
• 😀 Focus on developing your ideas fully; avoid underdeveloped short paragraphs to achieve higher scores.
• 😀 Prioritize more commentary than evidence in your essays to demonstrate analysis and critical thinking.
• 😀 Ineffective commentary can stem from being underdeveloped, repetitive, or simplistic. Keep asking 'why,' 'how,' or 'so what?' to improve it.
• 😀 In the synthesis and argument essays, use varied verbs to strengthen your commentary, like 'emphasizes,' 'illustrates,' and 'underscores.'
• 😀 For rhetorical analysis, be specific about the message, argument, or purpose and how the writer’s choices help convey that.
• 😀 Organize the rhetorical analysis chronologically, ensuring each paragraph connects to the writer’s message or purpose.
• 😀 In argument essays, ensure your thesis directly answers the prompt, and select specific, concrete evidence to support your ideas.
• 😀 Effective time management is crucial—make a plan before writing to help you structure your response and manage time effectively during the exam.
• 😀 If you're struggling with commentary, aim to write more, even if it's repetitive, to help develop your analysis and ideas further.
• 😀 On exam day, focus on your strengths, create a game plan, and avoid perfectionism to manage time and pressure efficiently.

Q & A

What is the first common mistake students make on the AP Lang FRQs according to the video?

The first common mistake is a lack of development in their essays. Students often fail to fully develop their ideas, leading to weaker essays and lower scores.

How does the video suggest students can improve the development of their essays?

Students should focus on quality rather than quantity. They should aim to develop their ideas more thoroughly, ideally using layers of evidence and commentary to support their points.

What is ineffective commentary, and how can students address it?

Ineffective commentary is underdeveloped or insufficient analysis of the evidence. Students can improve it by asking themselves questions like 'why,' 'how,' or 'so what,' and using the word 'because' to develop deeper analysis.

What does the video recommend students do when writing a rhetorical analysis essay?

In a rhetorical analysis essay, students should connect the rhetorical choices the writer makes to their message, argument, or purpose. They should avoid vague connections and be specific in their analysis.

What advice is given to students about the number of body paragraphs in their essays?

The video advises that two well-developed body paragraphs are sufficient. Students should prioritize quality over quantity and avoid underdeveloping their ideas in an attempt to write three body paragraphs.

How can students avoid the problem of ineffective commentary that is too simplistic or repetitive?

Students should assess whether they have enough commentary and ensure it is not repetitive or simplistic. To improve, they should keep asking themselves 'why,' 'how,' and 'so what,' to deepen their analysis.

What does the video suggest about using sources in a synthesis essay?

In a synthesis essay, students should aim to include two sources per body paragraph to create a conversation between sources. They need to use at least three different sources, but they can repeat a source within the same essay.

How should students approach time management during the AP Lang exam?

Students should plan their essay beforehand, focusing on their thesis and main ideas. It's important to allocate time for the body paragraphs and not stress about having a lengthy introduction or conclusion. The body paragraphs are the most important.

What is a common mistake regarding line of reasoning in synthesis essays, and how can students improve it?

A common mistake is presenting disjointed ideas. To improve, students should aim to include two sources per paragraph and create a logical flow of ideas, ensuring each body paragraph contributes to a strong, cohesive argument.

What is the recommendation for addressing a counterargument in an argument essay?

The video advises that addressing a counterargument is optional. If students feel it will strengthen their essay, they can include it, but it is not required. They should focus on two well-developed main ideas instead.