The following comments are from the AP Lit Twitter chat on April 23rd. These are exam tips from teachers across the nation. In the interest of getting these out in a timely manner, I did not put names with tips. These are copied and pasted from Twitter so go easy on grammar errors.
Multiple Choice
Fill in multiple choice bubbles after you are done w/ each page not each Q. Saves time
Don’t get rattled when you don’t know an answer in MC. It’s not a 100% kind of test.
Circle the verbs in a passage… know the action that transpires
If you finish MC with extra time, go back to make sure you’ve answered every question.
Each question is weighted the same so don’t freak out if you can’t answer a question; it’s only one. Narrow, guess, and move on
Skim through the MC questions before you read the passages. Know what you are reading for, helps figure out the passage
Skip MC questions you are unsure about. Return to them after you have answered the ones you do know first
Essay
While there are thesis formulas, here’s the only one you need — answer the prompt with insight and originality.
Perhaps the most important essay tip– the prompt will likely mention complexity. Show that things aren’t so simple.
Identify several lit devices but discuss the literary techniques that most affect the meaning in the text.
Write more.
Do NOT use the phrase “the author uses imagery to create a picture in the reader’s mind.” Please.
When embedding quotes, keep them short & integrated smoothly. Should read like a normal sent, quote or not
More isn’t better. Less isn’t better.. Just make it insightful from start to finish… Insightful is best.
Instead of hand turkeys use the time to proofread or add another paragraph to an earlier essay.
Avoid words such as “very,” “good,” “nice,” and “bad.” Write with purpose… PROMPT purpose!
Starting the majority of your sentences with “This” &/or “The” makes for sophomoric writing
If you don’t understand the piece, choose 1 or 2 aspects that you “get” write about what you know. Don’t try to fake it
I know you’re turbo busy writing that essay, but pay attention to your syntax. Vary sent lengths & beginnings
Use the correct name for the author, lots of Q2s last year with Wilbur instead of Hardy or they called him Tom :/
Spend five minutes planning with P.O.E.T. will save you 15 minutes while writing.