1. Attacking the Poetry Prompt
AP English Literature and Composition

2. Mark the prompt. Underline, circle, or highlight key words or phrases.
STEP 1: READ THE PROMPT CAREFULLY. MAKE SURE YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT THE QUESTION IS ASKING.
Misreading the question is a common mistake in timed writing. Study the question/prompt thoughtfully.
Mark the prompt. Underline, circle, or highlight key words or phrases.
Ask yourself: Exactly what am I being asked to do?
Practice: What are you being asked to address in this prompt?

3. For the Poetry Prompt. . . Ask yourself What does this poem mean?
How did the author get you to see that?
Who is the speaker? Who is the audience?
What is the situation that prompted the speaker to speak?
What problem is explored? What solution is offered?
You might consider using TPCASTT or some other tool to help you analyze and annotate the piece.

4. STEP 2: PLAN
Give yourself a couple of minutes and write a BRIEF outline of what you want to say
Ask yourself: How many requirements do I have to fulfill? How can I organize a cohesive response? Think logically. What response leads to what response?
Which quotes PROVE my ideas? HOW do they prove my ideas?
Organize ideas and quotes/textual evidence
Try one of these techniques for organizing your thoughts:
- Outline
- Brainstorm
- Make a list of your ideas and textual evidence
Does anything in the text contradict your answer?

5. STEP 3: START WRITING Introduction:
Answer the prompt! The first paragraph SPECIFICALLY answers the prompt.
A creative opening draws readers in. However, if you are struggling to think of one, skip it and leave space to go back later. Move directly to your answer. Avoid making general statements—you are writing only about this poem (or a set of poems).
Use the language of the prompt in your answer, but do not simply restate it. Leave NO DOUBT that you have addressed what the prompt is asking you to address.
Give the author’s FULL name and the title of the work (For a short work, the title should be in quotes. For longer works: play, novel, epic poem, you must underline.)
If you use the author’s name again, just give the last name. NEVER use the author’s first name.

6. Step 4: BODY PARAGRAPHS
Each body paragraph must begin with a topic sentence that gives a specific example to prove one aspect of your answer/thesis.
The topic sentence can contain a quote, but it cannot BE a quote.
The body of the paragraph should elaborate or explain the example in your topic sentence.
Use textual evidence to support your assertion. NOTE: When you quote (phrases or words), you MUST address the quote. Why did you offer that quote? What is your commentary?
Look at the prompt again and again. Be sure each paragraph is addressing some aspect of the prompt. USE the language of the prompt. --Embed your quotes into the sentence. Don’t just write a quote.
--Make ALL comments relevant to the prompt. DO not editorialize or preach. You are analyzing a text so keep your tone and language scholarly and analytical.
Cover the entire text in your answer. Organize your essay from beginning of the text to middle to end.

7. Step 5: CONCLUSION
Come up with a conclusion that ties back to your answer, but does more than simply restate your answer.
Make a statement that makes a judgment based on what you have proven.
For timed writing, the conclusion can be 2-4 sentences.
RUNNING OUT OF TIME? Unless the directions require a conclusion, a conclusion is not always needed. It might be better to spend your time editing and proofreading, making sure you have answered the prompt.

8. From the scorer’s perspective. . .
If you want a high score, keep the following in mind
Neatness counts
Indent (the overall look of your essay is a first impression— make it count!)
Write perfectly—for the first paragraph
This is your second “first” impression; take extra care in crafting this paragraph—it is your answer
Show off your literary vocabulary
Scorers do not give high grades for merely parroting the prompt
Use snappy verbs and tasty nouns
Juice up your writing, add some pizazz! (avoid cliché’s, colloquialisms.)

9. Reminders…. Write in present tense
 Don’t end a paragraph with a quote. What is your point? Relate your ideas to the prompt.
 Don’t Use “I,” “me,” “you.” Try to avoid saying “the reader,” but never say “the audience” unless the work is a play. 
  Do not offer insights into the author’s state of mind or reasons for writing what he does. NOT RELEVANT. Focus only on the text.
 Avoid “it is obvious” or “it is very clear” unless you KNOW that everyone would agree.
 NEVER begin the concluding paragraph with “In conclusion.”
 DO NOT flatter the author or say anything about the quality of the work.
 DO NOT start a paragraph with a pronoun. You need an antecedent. Start with a noun. Also, watch pronouns. BE CAREFUL that the meaning is clear.
  DO NOT include rhetorical questions. Your purpose is to ANSWER the prompt, not ask questions. Also avoid saying “etc.”
 Do not abbreviate “and,” “without,” or other words. Look sophisticated. Sound sophisticated.
 Do not use exclamation marks. They are disturbing (and not very scholarly)