AP English Lang Readers’ Tips for Students 2022

Summary

A group of AP English Language and Composition teachers offers a range of tips and advice for students preparing for the AP exam. The tips focus on key areas such as crafting strong thesis statements, providing clear evidence and commentary, staying focused on the prompt, and avoiding small mistakes like improper source integration. Teachers emphasize the importance of connecting evidence to the thesis, developing strong arguments, and ensuring clarity in writing. Overall, the message is to trust your voice, stay organized, and approach the exam with confidence and authenticity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Make sure to connect evidence to your thesis in commentary for a stronger argument.
• 😀 Avoid focusing on minor details like punctuation when analyzing larger rhetorical strategies.
• 😀 Use at least three sources in the synthesis essay to score more points.
• 😀 When quoting sources, do not use ellipses as it weakens the connection between evidence and commentary.
• 😀 In the argument essay, look for nuance in the question instead of seeing it as black or white.
• 😀 Pay attention to the prompt’s details, and make sure to avoid misspelling words from it.
• 😀 Your voice should be evident in your writing; don’t let the sources take over your argument.
• 😀 In rhetorical analysis, focus on shifts in tone or topic to understand the speaker’s message.
• 😀 Always make your line of reasoning clear, using your thesis and connecting evidence to your argument.
• 😀 Avoid simply summarizing or listing sources; aim to analyze and integrate them into your argument effectively.

Q & A

What is the most common advice given by teachers in the script for writing the AP essays?

The most common advice is to focus on clear commentary and make sure your evidence is directly connected to your thesis. Teachers stress the importance of using your own voice and reasoning in the essays, and many emphasize avoiding superficial details or over-reliance on sources.

What key aspect should students focus on when working on the rhetorical analysis prompt?

Students should focus on identifying shifts in tone or topic and explain how these shifts contribute to the speaker's message. Teachers also suggest paying attention to repetition and the impact of certain rhetorical choices in the analysis.

What is the main advice regarding the synthesis essay?

In the synthesis essay, students are advised to use at least three sources, avoid using sources at face value, and integrate the sources into their argument. They should also focus on showing how the sources interact with each other and directly support their own thesis.

Why is it important to connect evidence back to the thesis in the rhetorical analysis and argument essays?

Connecting evidence back to the thesis helps to establish a strong line of reasoning and ensures that the essay stays focused and coherent. This strengthens the overall argument and demonstrates clear, logical thinking.

What advice is given about the use of commentary in all types of essays?

Teachers emphasize that commentary is crucial in all essays. It should explain the significance of the evidence, answer the 'so what' question, and link it back to the main argument. Strong commentary sets apart higher-scoring essays from those that simply list information.

What is suggested for students regarding their thesis statements?

It is recommended that students develop a clear thesis statement that directly answers the prompt. Some teachers suggest qualifying the thesis with phrases like 'although' to show a balanced perspective, and to always tie it back to the argument throughout the essay.

What role do sources play in the synthesis essay?

In the synthesis essay, sources should be integrated into the writer's argument to support their thesis. Teachers advise against simply listing what each source says; instead, students should focus on how the sources interact, conflict, or reinforce each other in relation to the argument.

How do teachers feel about the length and structure of essays?

Teachers encourage students to be concise yet comprehensive. They advise against writing overly long essays that lose focus. If students are unsure of what to say, they should make sure to express their points clearly and stop when they have made their argument effectively.

What should students avoid in their writing, according to the script?

Students should avoid using clichés, overly broad generalizations, and unsupported claims. They are also advised not to focus on small details like punctuation marks or make assumptions about how the audience will respond to their writing.

What is the importance of handwriting or legibility in the AP exam?

Legibility is critical for the AP exam. If the handwriting is not readable, even well-crafted arguments will not be evaluated effectively. Teachers encourage students to write clearly to ensure that their ideas are understood and properly scored.