THE PLAN FOR ACING THE ESSAY EXAMS! AP English Lang. & Comp. © L.J. Perales All rights reservedwww.apeng3.com

AP Exam Scoring Multiple choice counts for 45% of your score Try to answer all questions MC Score is the number correct minus.25 the number wrong. Essays are scored 9 to 0. If you receive 5s on all 3 of your essays, you would need a raw score of 18 on your multiple choice to get a 3 on the exam. You would need a raw score of 46 to get a 5.

Essay Section There are 3 prompt categories for the AP Exam. You will complete three essays total, one from each category. The categories are synthesis, argumentative/persuasion, and analytical.

Pacing the Essay You have approximately 40 minutes for each essay. Spend about 10 minutes reading the topic and the passage carefully and planning your essay. You can make an informal outline on your test booklet. Take about 25 minutes to write the essay. Save about 5 minutes to proofread!

Synthesis Essay Synthesis Essay: This essay type presents 6 or 7 passages on the same subject; one of these documents will likely be a visual chart, photograph, or political cartoon. You will be asked to present your views with support from specific texts.

Planning the Synthesis Essay You need to read these documents carefully Choose your position Use 3 or 4 sources to write a thoughtful essay in which you present your views while acknowledging views in your chosen documents. Consult the Rogerian Argument!

Argument/Persuasive Essay Argument (Persuasive) Essay: This essay presents a passage; read it, then discuss the extent with which you agree or disagree. These come in several different forms. Different Approaches 1. Take a Position 2. Defend/Challenge/Qualify 3. Evaluate Pros and Cons

Planning the Argument Essay Your thesis statement A list of supporting evidence The order of presentation of that evidence Strongest argument last! Weakest argument in the middle. Speak to the opposing view. Opponents of this issue propose….. However,…. Those who disagree maintain…..On the contrary,… (Remember the Rogerian Argument)

Analytical Essay Analytical Essay: This essay presents a passage to read, then asks you to analyze the rhetorical and literary strategies the author uses to create effect or meaning in his essay. Think back to our list of AP terminology that relate to this type of prompt. You may be asked to identify the way in which satire was used and for what effect.

Planning the Analysis Essay Begin with SOAPTStone for your introduction. Pull out of your hat the rhetorical devices you see in the authors essay that contribute to the way he/she communicates/develops the essay. Read the prompt carefully to determine HOW you are being asked to analyze.

THE PLAN FOR ACING THE ESSAY EXAMS! AP English Lang. & Comp. © L.J. Perales All rights reservedwww.apeng3.com