This can help you prioritize the major elements of the passage that could help you in your analysis, whereas smaller notes may be less relevant and unnecessarily eat up more of your time.ģ. However, be sure to specify when the author is stating a central theme, providing an illustrative example, citing an authority or providing background information. But keep them brief, since your time is limited. Question yourself about the meaning of each sentence or passage to enhance your reading comprehension. Self-question as you read passages: The general reading guidelines encourage test-takers to frequently ask themselves, “What does this mean?” This is a critical step you do not want to overlook.Įach reading passage contains a central theme, but it can be easy to lose sight of this theme as you work through each paragraph. Mark your likely response and continue reading the passage to ensure you have the correct interpretation.Ģ. However, do not select an answer immediately upon reading the first line. This is especially important for big picture questions, like sample questions 1 and 2 on page 49: “What is the relationship between the two paragraphs in the passage?” and “Which of the following best represents the author’s intended audience?”įor the first question, you might note that the opening paragraph argues for a particular theory that the author is clearly advocating, and the second paragraph begins with, “Such a writer is Thomas Carlyle.” This is an embodiment of the writer described in the first paragraph. Then, read the passage while searching for material that is relevant to the questions.Īs you encounter relevant portions in a passage, mark up the text.
Instead, skim the questions for each passage first. Reading a 75-line passage and storing it in your memory, under test-day stress, simply is not reasonable. Read the questions first: On a surface level, it may seem to make sense to read straight through the test. Here are five additional steps to take on test day - and to practice in advance - to ensure you answer the questions to the best of your ability.ġ. First, read the AP English Language and Composition general reading guidelines, which can be useful predictors for the questions you will face.
Given the number of multiple-choice questions you will encounter on this exam, you will want to be sure you know how to answer them. Section 2 is 2 hours and 15 minutes long and contains three free-response questions, which make up the remainder of your overall score. This section is worth 45 percent of your overall score. The AP English Language and Composition exam, which lasts three hours and 15 minutes, has two sections - section 1 is an hour long and contains 52-55 questions. Just like you would prepare for other exam questions, there are key steps you can take, especially on test day, to ensure you can tackle any question that comes your way.
But some exams - including the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition exam - are comprised of particularly challenging multiple-choice questions. Throughout your years as a student, you will no doubt have a multitude of experiences with multiple choice questions.