The document provides test-taking tips for the AP English Language and Composition exam. It is divided into three hours and 15 minutes, with section one being multiple choice questions on reading comprehension and section two consisting of three free response essays. The multiple choice section has strategies for pacing, annotating passages, eliminating incorrect answers, and practicing question types. For the essays, tips include understanding the prompt, developing a clear thesis, planning with an outline, and incorporating evidence effectively. Specific strategies are outlined for the synthesis, analysis, and argumentative essay formats.

1. Test-Taking Tips
AP English Language and
Composition Exam

2. Test Overview
 Test: 3 hours 15 minutes
 Section I: Multiple Choice
 52-55 multiple choice questions
 60 minutes
 Reading passages with 10-14 questions each
 45% of the test score
 Section II: Free-Response Questions
 3 free-response questions: Synthesis, Rhetorical
Analysis, Argument
 2 hours 15 minutes—15 minute reading time, then 2
hours to write
 55% of the test score

3. Things You Need
 Several pencils—sharpened!
 Several black pens
 A watch
 Water, quiet snack?
 Tissues

4. Multiple Choice Strategies
 Take one minute:
 Thumb through the section
 How many reading passages, how many
questions?
 Read the passage FIRST
 Annotate
 Reread as needed

5. MC Strategies
 Generally work in order
 Questions generally follow the arrangement of
the passage
 Do the easy and medium questions; you may
choose to skip more difficult questions and go
back to them
 If you skip questions, circle the number so you
will remember to go back to it.

6. MC Strategies
 Mark in the exam booklet!
 Consider all choices
 Mark out the ones you can definitely eliminate
 Substitute your words/rephrase
 Go back to the context
 Don’t fight the question!
 Answers are in the text
 Don’t rely on your own outside knowledge

7. MC Strategies
 Stay aware of the time
 After 30 minutes, you should have finished
about half the questions.
 Running Out of Time?
 Scan for shortest questions
 Look for questions that direct you to a certain
line
 Scan for questions that don’t require you go
back to the text as a whole

8. How to Prepare for MC
 Know the types of questions—review the stems
 Practice passages—make up your own
questions using the stems
 Preparation Books—5 Steps, Barron’s,
Princeton Review
 SHMOOP!

9. Essays: General Tips
 Understand the prompt—what is it asking you
to do?
 Develop a clear, strong thesis that answers the
prompt.
 Develop strong evidence for body paragraphs
 Plan! Have a clear outline to follow so that you
can concentrate on writing well.

10. Essay Strategies
 You will have 15 minutes at the beginning of
the free-response section to read. Use it
wisely!
 Read ALL THREE PROMPTS (Annotate)
 Deconstruct the Synthesis Prompt
 Read/Annotate each of the texts for the
synthesis prompt
 Decide how to address the synthesis prompt

11. Synthesis Essay
 3-6 minutes: decide what evidence you will use
 8-10 minutes: plan support
 20 minutes: write the essay
 3-4 minutes: check to make sure you have
included the required # of sources and cited
them!
 3 minutes: proofread

12. Tips for Synthesis
 Establish a position on the issue given.
 Read the sources critically and draw
inferences.
 Know how to summarize and paraphrase
effectively
 Know how to incorporate sources into the text
of your essay smoothly and effectively

13. Analysis Essay
 1-3 minutes: read, annotate the prompt
 5 minutes: read, annotate the passage
 10 minutes: prep and plan—highlight, annotate,
make an outline
 20 minutes: write the essay
 3 minutes: proofread

14. Analysis Essay: Tips
 Remember the focus: author’s purpose
 Use strong evidence
 Explain thoroughly
 Don’t just go on a device hunt!

15. Argumentative Essay
 1-3 minutes: read, annotate prompt
 3 minutes: decide your position
 10 minutes: planning—support and
organization
 20 minutes: write the essay
 3 minutes: proofread

16. Argumentative Essay Tips
 Be sure you know what the prompt is asking!
 Choose a position; don’t try to play both sides.
 Come up with a variety of types of evidence and
reasons.
 Draw from history, personal or observed
experience, law, statistics, anecdotes, etc.
 Address the counterargument!