AP Lang -- Exam Tips

Multiple Choice Techniques

Elimination, fill in the blank, context, anticipation, educated guessing

Multiple Choice types

Reading and Writing, 30 minutes each

Is there a penalty for missed responses?

No

MC Question Types

Identification, inference, all but or except, roman numerals

Should you work in order for multiple choice questions?

Yes

Free Response Order

First synthesis, then rhetorical analysis, and then argument

Synthesis techniques

Deconstruct the prompt and annotate the material with positive or negative symbols, take a clear stance

Synthesis structure

Peel for all paragraphs, using EL as strongest. Cite sources as directed and ONLY present a counterargument if you have a strong one

Rhetorical Analysis Techniques

Read the content twice, once for context and second for analysis; focus on a rhetorical device based on the prompt’s purpose (tone, argument)

Rhetorical Analysis Structure

2-3 devices, including the passage’s background and author in the introduction for context and the chosen devices in your thesis

Rhetorical Analysis: Explanation is more important

than naming the devices individually.

Argument Techniques

Focus on persuasive negation or affirmative argument, you can have a flexible tone as a writer

Argument Structure

All your experience or education, a clear position, and PEAL structure