Q3: The Open-Ended Essay Question AP Literature and Composition Exam Preparation

WHAT IS AN OPEN-ENDED ESSAY?  This essay is based on a provocative prompt that highlights specific insights applicable to a broad range of literary texts.  The question provides for varied personal interpretations and multiple approaches.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE OPEN-ENDED ESSAY?  The College Board wants to assess your ability to discuss a work of literature in a particular context. The illustrations you include in your essay will demonstrate your insights and critical thinking as well as your writing ability.

WHAT MAKES THE ESSAY “OPEN”?  Although the prompt is the same for all students, you have the freedom to choose the piece of literature to which you will refer.  Once chosen, you have total freedom to select the specifics that will support your thesis.  Unlike the other essays, which have rubrics based on certain concrete interpretations and directions of the text, your open-ended essay will be uniquely your own.

WHAT ARE THE PITFALLS OF THE OPEN-ENDED ESSAY?  Providing only plot summary instead of analysis  Providing illustrations and examples that are obvious or superficial instead of using ones that are relevant, convincing, and insightful

WHAT ARE THE PITFALLS OF THE OPEN-ENDED ESSAY?  Depending on memory rather than on preparation  Rambling on in vague and unsupported generalities or providing incorrect information  Wasting too much time pondering on which work to use

WHAT WORK SHOULD I USE?  You will be asked to choose a full-length work, such as a novel or play. You may never use a film.  A list of works will be provided with the open-ended prompt, but you DO NOT have to choose a work from that list!

WHAT WORK SHOULD I USE?  Avoid trilogies or series (i.e. Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Chronicles of Narnia, Wheel of Time, Hunger Games, etc.)  You may not use the Bible.  It is recommended that you use a major work that you have read within the last year or so and know very well— especially ones that you have studied in AP Literature class.

WHAT WORK SHOULD I USE?  The College Board prefers works from the literary canon because they exhibit breadth and complexity. Don’t fight these requirements! You will do yourself a disservice trying to outwit or beat the system.

EXAMPLE PROMPT: 2004, Form B The most important themes in literature are sometimes developed in scenes in which a death or deaths take place. Choose a novel or play and write a well- organized essay in which you show how a specific death scene helps to illuminate the meaning of the work as a whole. Avoid mere plot summary.

EXAMPLE PROMPT: 2004, Form B 1.What is the topic of the prompt? 2.What is the concrete task that you must accomplish? 3.What is the abstract component to address?