4 Expert Test-Taking Strategies to Master the AP English Language Exam Unveiled

Taking the AP English Language and Composition exam (or APeL, as my students and I have affectionately named it) requires a combination of strong writing skills, critical thinking, use and application of rhetorical techniques, and effective time management.

The test is really approaching soon, and during the third grading period or second semester, I go over test taking strategies and tips for the exam’ I add these to our regular lessons on rhetoric, writing, developing and analyzing documents and arguments.

Here are 4 strategies to help you and your students succeed on the test this year (you know I use em all the time):

1. Understand the Exam Format:

Familiarize students with the format of the exam, which includes a multiple-choice section and a free-response section.

The multiple-choice section consists of passages with corresponding questions, while the free-response section includes three essays: synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argument.

2. Annotate Passages:

As students read the passages in the multiple-choice section, they should underline key information, circle important terms, and make marginal notes.

Annotating helps them stay engaged with the text, and not get bored or fall asleep. This strategy also facilitates answering questions.

Hey, throw in chewing gum – they stay awake and focus during the reading and annotation of text.

Here’s a glimpse of an annotation exercise in my class. Typically, before diving into group discussions, students go through the document once and annotate it. Then, as they engage in conversations within their groups, they add new information and ideas to their document. Today, they were quite chatty though. 🙂

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQuz2BDBFzM

3. Master Rhetorical Analysis:

Students should understand the elements of rhetorical analysis, including ethos, pathos, logos, tone, syntax, and style.

They should practice analyzing how authors use these elements to convey their messages.

4. Strengthen Argumentation Skills:

Get students to practice constructing well-organized and logically structured arguments. This could be through classroom debates, teacher-posed random statements to engage critical thinking, group discussions, or the obvious, formal essays.

Remind students to support your arguments with relevant evidence and examples.

These are just some of the amazing strategies you and your students can use to prepare for their exam in May.

For an even longer list, be sure to sign up for my EMAIL LIST below.

In the meantime, check out the following RESOURCES I use in my classroom to help get my students ready for this exam.

Happy teaching!

Here are some strategies to help you succeed on the test.