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.