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How to Study for AP English Literature
USINFO | 2014-01-03 14:50
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are rigorous, college-level courses that students can take while still in high school. AP exams are given each year to test students' understanding of a variety of subjects. There are two AP English exams: "Literature and Composition" and "Language and Composition." The AP Literature exam focuses on critical reading and writing skills used to analyze pieces of literature. Students must develop a rigorous course of study in order to get the score they need on the exam to obtain college credit.
Instructions
●Enroll in an AP English literature preparatory course. Most high schools offer advanced placement courses that students can take as part of their high school curriculum. AP literature courses offered by your high school are taught by certified English instructors and are free of charge, as they can be taken in lieu of the required English course for your grade level. If your high school does not offer an AP English literature course, ask your English teacher or school guidance counselor where you can enroll in a preparatory course.
●Purchase a study book. Your study book should have at least one full-length exam with answers and explanations so that you can learn from your mistakes. Your practice book should also contain helpful information about the exam, such as registration information, so that you are adequately prepared for test day.
●Compile a reading list. If your study book does not include a suggested reading list, your AP instructor can. Remember that books on this list are recommended and not required; however, the more literature you read, the better prepared you will be for exam questions on similar texts.
●Create a time schedule. AP exams are administered every May. Make sure that you are ready for your exam by creating a schedule of what you need to accomplish and when you must do so. The schedule should include everything from books you must read to when you must register.
●Take a practice test. This is the best way to provide you clues as to how you will perform on the actual exam. Take the test in a quiet environment, but try to mimic the same constraints that you would face during the actual exam, such as time limits and resource availability.
●Analyze results to determine weaknesses. The AP Literature exam tests a variety of skills across several genres, and certain areas of your exam may be weaker than others. Determine which types of questions you got wrong and consult your book or teacher to understand why.
●Hone weak areas. Study the information from the sections on which you scored poorly. Review the difficult material using your study book. Your teacher can also provide supplementary material to help you improve on troublesome section.
●Register for the exam. You must register officially through College Board by the required registration date. You must also pay a set fee for registration and your exam. Failure to comply with any of College Board's regulations will result in your inability to take the AP exam.
Instructions
●Enroll in an AP English literature preparatory course. Most high schools offer advanced placement courses that students can take as part of their high school curriculum. AP literature courses offered by your high school are taught by certified English instructors and are free of charge, as they can be taken in lieu of the required English course for your grade level. If your high school does not offer an AP English literature course, ask your English teacher or school guidance counselor where you can enroll in a preparatory course.
●Purchase a study book. Your study book should have at least one full-length exam with answers and explanations so that you can learn from your mistakes. Your practice book should also contain helpful information about the exam, such as registration information, so that you are adequately prepared for test day.
●Compile a reading list. If your study book does not include a suggested reading list, your AP instructor can. Remember that books on this list are recommended and not required; however, the more literature you read, the better prepared you will be for exam questions on similar texts.
●Create a time schedule. AP exams are administered every May. Make sure that you are ready for your exam by creating a schedule of what you need to accomplish and when you must do so. The schedule should include everything from books you must read to when you must register.
●Take a practice test. This is the best way to provide you clues as to how you will perform on the actual exam. Take the test in a quiet environment, but try to mimic the same constraints that you would face during the actual exam, such as time limits and resource availability.
●Analyze results to determine weaknesses. The AP Literature exam tests a variety of skills across several genres, and certain areas of your exam may be weaker than others. Determine which types of questions you got wrong and consult your book or teacher to understand why.
●Hone weak areas. Study the information from the sections on which you scored poorly. Review the difficult material using your study book. Your teacher can also provide supplementary material to help you improve on troublesome section.
●Register for the exam. You must register officially through College Board by the required registration date. You must also pay a set fee for registration and your exam. Failure to comply with any of College Board's regulations will result in your inability to take the AP exam.
