AP Lang Exam Review

Multiple Choice

• 50-60 questions.• 1 hour.• Answer all questions.– Only gain points for correct answers.– Not penalized for incorrect answers.

Synthesis Essay

• 15 minutes to read Sources; 40 minutes to write essay.

• Readers want to see that you understand complexity of issue; therefore, acknowledge both sides in essay:– In Introduction: present both sides; take your

position.– In body paragraphs: Present sources that disagree

and refute validity of source with which you disagree.– In body paragraphs: Present sources that agree but

offer different information.

Synthesis Essay (cont.)

• Use number of sources prompt suggests; usually three.• Cite sources in any of the following ways:

– “According to Source D, …”– “In Emerson’s opinion, …”– “A survey of recent graduates (Source D) shows that …”– “25% of recent high school graduates view their high school

community service experiences as rewarding (Smith).”• Can include own ideas in addition to ideas expressed in

sources.

Argumentative Essay

• 40 minutes• Defend, challenge, or qualify a quotation

about a specific topic.• Take a position on a debatable statement

provided.• Evaluate the pros and cons of an argument

and indicate why you find one position more persuasive than another.

Argument Essay (cont.)

• Use knowledge in any of the following subject areas to support your argument: literature, history, current events, science, technology, music, sports, human behavior.

• Avoid personal anecdotes and too many pop culture/celebrity references.

• Acknowledge and respond to real or possible opposing views.

Rhetorical Analysis

• 40 minutes• Analyze author’s choice of rhetorical strategies

for the particular audience, occasion, and/or purpose.

• Answer:• HOW do the rhetorical strategies help the author

achieve his/her purpose?• WHY does the author choose those strategies for that

particular audience and for that particular occasion?

Rhetorical Analysis (cont.)

• Appeals • Ethos: writer’s credibility• Pathos: emotions of audience• Logos: how argument is developed and supported

• Style • Diction: word choice; remember to characterize diction (colloquial

diction).• Syntax: sentence structure, length, type, arrangement, beginnings• Details: included or excluded • Imagery: sensory detail• Tone: Describe and explain what contributes to tone (all of above).