Hey all, I'm studying for the AP English Literature and Composition exam and I would like to see some high-scoring samples to better understand what the AP examiners are really looking for. Anyone knows a reliable source where I might find some? Your help would be much appreciated.
Absolutely, studying from high-scoring sample essays is an effective way to grasp what AP examiners look for. A great free resource is the College Board's website, which gives access to free-response questions from previous AP English Literature and Composition exams, along with examples of high-scoring student responses, and scoring guidelines.
Remember that the essays for AP English Literature and Composition generally ask you to analyze literary works. You may be asked to explore the author's use of stylistic elements, literary features, or themes. A high-scoring essay generally will not merely summarize the text; it will provide a thoughtful analysis.
In addition, these essays often closely follow an organized, clear structure. They typically start with an introduction that presents a clear thesis statement, followed by body paragraphs that provide detailed evidence or examples from the text to support the thesis, and a conclusion that restates the thesis in a new way and summarizes the essay's main points.
One thing to look out for in high-scoring samples is the effective use of literary terminology. Phrases like "symbolism", "irony", or "character development" get thrown around a lot, but high-scoring essays use them appropriately and accurately. For example, they don't just claim that an author uses symbolism—they show how a certain symbol is used, why the author might have chosen that symbol, and what larger themes or ideas it could relate to in the text.
As helpful as studying previous high-scoring responses can be, make sure you also practice writing your own essays under timed conditions to simulate the testing environment. This can help you manage your time effectively during the actual exam. Good luck with your studies!
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