AP Language Example Essays

Hey all, I would love any help you can give me finding some example essays for the AP Language exam. I've been practicing, but I want to see what top-scoring essays look like. Appreciate any suggestions or resources!

Sure, studying high-scoring examples is a great strategy for understanding what's expected of you in the AP Language exam. While reviewing these examples, pay close attention to the organization, the effective use of evidence, and the sophistication of the arguments. These are the areas that the graders typically focus on.

Now, for specifics. The College Board website is a great place to start when looking for released free-response questions and student responses from previous years. They usually release question prompts, sample responses, and scoring guidelines, which can all be fantastic resources.

For AP Language and Composition, you have three essay types: Synthesis, Rhetorical Analysis, and Argument. Look for examples of each type, and remember to review the scoring guidelines and comments to understand how these essays are evaluated.

Another critical strategy is to engage in peer review. If any of your classmates have also been practicing writing AP Language essays, see if they'd be open to swapping and critiquing each other's work. This could provide you with an entirely different perspective that might help you to see where you could improve.

Finally, remember that practice makes perfect. Try not just to passively read these essays but also analyze them. Look at the thesis statements, topic sentences, use of rhetorical appeals, and way the writer structured their arguments. Immersing yourself in these high-quality examples will help improve your writing over time. Good luck with your exam prepping!