Upon
taking the practice multiple choice test for the AP Literature exam, I met with
familiarity. The work I have previously put into the AP Language and
Composition exam has prepared me for the format and time restrictions of the
multiple choice questions. I know from experience how to analyze and dissect
essays and arguments that can be found in those tests. For example, the fourth
piece in the text was an argumentative essay. I only missed one question in
this section because of the familiarity. I have also improved my concentration
skills through my previous AP English class., allowing me to be able to focus
on each question and come to a decision in a timely manner. This, however, is
where my advantages on this AP test stop.
While
I was taking the test, I realized that this exam deals with a very different
set of pieces. The two pieces I struggled the most with were the “Heart of
Darkness” and the Shakespearean sonnet. I am not used to having to taking apart
literature that is quite so complex. Poetry and other forms of literature are much
more in-depth and often more cryptic than the typically straightforward essays
that the AP Language and Composition exam exhibited. Another issue I found was
that the AP exam contains several terms that I am unfamiliar with. As easily as
I am sure I could familiarize myself with these terms, it also revealed that
there is much I simply do not know about this exam on a general scale. Lastly,
I often misinterpreted the language I read in this exam and missed several
questions because I did not read either the passage or the question carefully
enough. This goes to show that there is a lot of room for me to improve.
In
order to help my chances at a better score on the exam, I plan to study more on the different types of literature the exam makes use of. It will also be helpful to learn the terms and types of questions that are used on the test. I believe that the more often the skills necessary to score well on this exam are practiced, the better the chances I have at getting a 5. I am sure both the 5 Steps to a 5 and Literature and Composition textbooks have the answers to most of my questions regarding the AP exam. What the books can't answer, I can then find out from my classmates. Peer reviews and feedback from the teacher will be important to the improvement of my writing so that I am able to clearly express my thoughts on any question. I believe that these experiences, coupled with a greater exposure to the types of passages that appear on the exam, will help improve my score.
To motivate myself to make these improvements, I have set three specific goals for myself. My first goal will be to complete 6 full three hour AP practice tests before I take the exam in the spring. This way, I can accurately get a feel for how much time and consideration each aspect of the test will take. My second goal will be to continue writing practice essays until I have at least three that can be deemed worthy of an 8 or higher rating. This will ensure that I aim high and stay focused while writing every essay in order to better my skills. My final goal will be to read one book of classical poetry by the end of my second trimester of AP Literature and Composition. By reading such a book, I will get used to the various styles and meaning that can exist within poetry.
To motivate myself to make these improvements, I have set three specific goals for myself. My first goal will be to complete 6 full three hour AP practice tests before I take the exam in the spring. This way, I can accurately get a feel for how much time and consideration each aspect of the test will take. My second goal will be to continue writing practice essays until I have at least three that can be deemed worthy of an 8 or higher rating. This will ensure that I aim high and stay focused while writing every essay in order to better my skills. My final goal will be to read one book of classical poetry by the end of my second trimester of AP Literature and Composition. By reading such a book, I will get used to the various styles and meaning that can exist within poetry.
