AP Lit ExamEssays

Spring, 2013Mrs. Harbison

The Approach

• Bring a watch and note the time. Remember, 40 minutes per essay.

• Pick the essay (prose, poetry, free response) you want to write.

• Identify the key words in the essay prompt (Do-What Chart)

• Skim the passage

The Approach

• Work the passage, making notes and identifying quotations you will want to use.

• Use the Idea Machine to plan your first paragraph

• Support and develop the points you made in your first paragraph in your body paragraphs

The Approach

• Get a solid conclusion on the page. Your conclusion can be as important as your introduction

• Repeat the process with the other essays.

*You don’t have time to write an outline!!

The Idea Machine

1. What is the meaning of the work?

a. What is the literal, face-value meaning of the work?

b. What feeling (or feelings) does the work evoke?

The Idea Machine

2. How does the author get that meaning across?

a. What are the important images in the work and what do those images suggest?b. What specific words or short phrases produce the strongest feelings?c. What elements are in opposition?

The Classic Essay Question

• What does ETS (Educational Testing Service) want from me?

• Breaks down into 3 questions:– What does the poem or passage mean?– How did the author get you to see that?– How do the answers to Q1 and 2 direct

your knowledge to adequately answer the question?

The Classic Essay Question

• Avoid Summary!!!!• Identify the Key Words in the

Prompt• No Fear – use the Idea Machine –

and Be Confidant• The key is a great start• It’s always a safe bet to talk about

imagery

The Classic Essay Question

• Opposition (Compare and Contrast)– Blatent– Low-key– Opens up discussion

The Classic Essay Question• After the first paragraph – do an essay

check– What points does my 1st paragraph

indicate I’m going to cover?– Do those points address the specifics the

essay question calls for?– In what order am I going to put my

points?

*Don’t cramp your style……04/18/23 10