Tips and Tricks for the AP Lit Exam

Essay

• If running out of time, and are in the middle of the second essay, at least write the thesis for the third with some supporting evidence.

• Do not write line numbers for citation,

• You can write a 1 sentence thesis statement or intro paragraph

• first two sentences of the body paragraph should include some insights into the text, showing what literary elements were used, and how the relate to the overarching thesis

• To get the sophistication / complexity point, you have to analyze two opposing sides within the story, it has to be an essential part of the analysis. It cannot be repetitive, but it is not essential

• I have to explain “why its complex“.

• Don’t just use the evidence as your reasoning, expound upon the textual evidence and devices to connect and explain your ideas

MCQ

• Read the question stem before the passage

• Mark key words when reading like adjectives, adverbs, verbs. They develop the tone of the passage.

• Put a + sign if the adjective, adverb, or verb leads to a positive tone, and a - sign if it leads to a negative tone

• Answer the question out of order; answer the easy questions first, or answer line-dependent questions (referencing a specific part)

• Read above and below the line-dependent questions

• Eliminate answers that are too broad, or that don’t follow the overall tone ofthe passage. Focus on specific details that align with the author's intent to enhance your response.