Studying for the AP exam on English Literature and Composition
We have been preparing for this all year! But, a few things you can do to help you get that 5.
1. Know your literary terms. I recommend playing around with this quizlet:
http://quizlet.com/11619425/barrons-ap-literature-vocabulary-flash-cards/
There are 175 terms on this site, but you should know the majority of them already. We will
have an in-class test on these terms the week before the AP exam.
2. Review the interactive SAS assignments on poetry. Remember those from the beginning of the
year? I know they weren’t your favorite, but I suspect you’ll be amazed at how much easier they
are for you now. Work back through them - especially the multiple choice portions - as review.
Poetry is usually 50% of this exam, and often, it’s the old stuff.
QL# 875
QL# 876
QL# 877
QL# 878
QL# 879
QL# 880 (We did not do this one for class.)
3. Use the free-response essay prompts to review novels and plays. I’ve given you many prompts
over the year, and I’ll be giving you more to review.

I’d start by picking one that lists the 19th century British novel you read last summer.
Outline how you’d answer the question, looking at the book for help. Do the same for
Crime and Punishment.

Next, I’d choose one that lists either The Great Gatsby and/or Catcher in the Rye, and
review at least one of those books, in the context of the question. Pick your favorite.
They are great back-up.

Next, move on to Hamlet. Make sure you review Hamlet. (If you didn’t give yourself
much time to do these reviews, I’d start with Hamlet.) In the rare event that you get a
question that doesn’t list a book you’ve read, you can probably choose Hamlet. Or,
Beloved. (But, Beloved should be clear in your mind without review.)
Finally, if you have time, review whichever book you did NOT write about in the third quarter. If
your paper was on Native Son, review As I Lay Dying. Hopefully, the books we’ve covered after
the winter break are clear in your mind, but you be the judge.
4. Take the practice test, in a 3 hour period. I will be providing the class with a full practice test. I
strongly recommend that you find a 3 hour stretch when you can take this test without
interruption. Time yourself for each section.
Answers for the multiple choice will be provided. Go through and not only score your answers,
but try to understand why you missed any answers. If you don’t understand an answer, bring it
to me, and we’ll discuss.
I will be happy to review and score your practice essays, if you give me time. (I won’t have time
to grade all 30 the week before the test.)
If you’ve done your work all year, and take the time to study, you will likely be celebrating some
free college credit!