Truth be told, experiences help you grow, and "practice makes perfect" is actually a very relevant idea. Today in class we wrote an essay, one from a previous A.P. Literature and Composition Exam. The essay asked us to think of a novel in which a character was exiled, or cut off from their home, homeland, whatever you wish "home" to be considered to be, and analyze how this situation created alienation and enlightenment for the character and how this illuminated the writing as a whole. From this experience and looking at our homework from a few nights back which gave tips and tricks and an example, gave me the preparation to be asked two questions on the exam, or there be two parts to the essay. I also learned that they both equally need to be evaluated, which I know I probably did not do very equally today. From class periods, to homework, to practice essays, I realized that there needs to be some previous knowledge of past literature, and not even some but some definite knowledge, and recently read to be able to give a more detailed and concise essay. For the essay we were to write today, the first novel I really wanted to write my essay on was Frankenstine. This book would have been a perfect choice and most certainly an easy essay to write; however, I haven't read this book in over a year so my knowledge on it isn't exactly completely clear. My latest read was a good choice though--except--the problem with The Kite Runner was that I didn't know exactly what the "overall meaning" was. From today's essays and our discussions, I think having a vast recent knowledge on two different books would be a good idea just because for some topics some books are easy to write about. A good tip and from examples was to keep it short. When people see long, long essays after reading hundreds, you lose focus and will to read so you skim; keep it short and in the small length keep it well written and that will help with a better grade. After the past few days of focusing on the A.P. Exam I have learned a plethora of things to do, and not do.
For the A.P. Literature and Composition exam I will be taking near the end of the school year there are few things I do know, with many, many things I still don't know about the exam--more so questions than previous information.
As of right now there are only a handful of things I know about the exam. I know that when I get to the exam I know that there is a multiple choice section, and three writing samples I have to complete. Some of the multiple choice questions will be from a short story, and some from a form of poetry. For the writing pieces, I know there will be sort of a "free-write" essay, and an analytical essay. I also know that this test will be times--which is a factor I know I will struggle with because I'm just an anxious person. Questions for the A.P. Exam? I have so many I couldn't even think of them all if I tried. Some questions I have are the following: How long do you have for the multiple choice? How much time do you have combined and separate for the essays? Is there a minimum or maximum length for the essays, or a guide I should follow for length? What are some strategies for thinking on the spot for the free write essay? What are ways to prepare myself for the essays? What are ways to even prepare myself FOR the exam? What are some things that I should really prepare myself for? What is the portion the majority of students struggle with? Do well on? I'm a student who makes themselves totally anxious for everything--so something like the A.P. Exam gets me on edge. I feel there are many things I still have to learn about the A.P. Exam. |