Lecture Notes on AP Lang Exam Preparation Tips by Coach Hall

Overview

In this lecture, Coach Hall offers extensive advice on how to succeed in the AP Lang Exam in 2023. He details strategies for both the multiple choice and free-response sections of the exam and provides methods for calculating potential scores based on practice test results.

Test Scoring and Structure

• Overall Scoring System: Scored on a 1-5 scale; 3 or higher generally considered passing.
• Exam Parts:
  • Multiple Choice: 45 questions, worth 45% of total score. 1 hour to complete.
  • Free Response (FRQ): 55% of total score with three essays (synthesis, rhetorical analysis, argument). 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete all essays.

Multiple Choice Section

• General Tips:
  • Answer all questions; educated guesses are better than blank answers.
  • Two passages are for reading comprehension, and three for "writing" related questions.
  • Approximate split of 50% reading and 50% writing questions.
  • Use of process of elimination is crucial.
• Strategy for Reading Passages:
  • Longer, non-fiction texts usually provided.
  • Read any provided information about the passage before starting.
  • Consider reading questions first to focus attention on relevant parts of the text.
  • Understand the main topic and author's tone.
• Strategy for Writing and Editing Questions:
  • Focus on word choice and correct usage.
  • Transition words and contextual suitability are often tested.

Free Response Questions (FRQs)

• General Advice:
  • Attempt all essays even if under time pressure; writing at least a thesis and one paragraph might fetch some points.
  • Essays are timed; practice under timed conditions is recommended.
  • Develop a clear strategy for each type of essay.

Synthesis Essay

• Craft an argument using provided sources.
• Cite at least three sources.
• Consider pairing sources that complement each other.
• Plan the thesis and main ideas before writing.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

• Focus on analyzing how the author's rhetorical choices develop their argument or convey a message.
• Use specific, powerful verbs to describe these rhetorical choices.
• Proportionately more commentary than evidence.
• Connect rhetorical strategies to the larger message or purpose of the text.

Argument Essay

• Develop a clear argument on the provided issue.
• Use specific, real-world examples; avoid hypotheticals.
• Personal experiences can be powerful if relevant and well articulated.
• Clear connection between evidence and thesis is crucial.

Exam Day Tips

• Bubble the correct question number for each essay.
• Strikethrough errors; readers will ignore anything crossed out.
• Start each essay on a new page for clarity.

Additional Resources

• Coach Hall recommends checking his other video tutorials for more detailed advice on each section and encourages participating in the live sessions he holds on YouTube and TikTok for real-time Q&A and further discussion.

Conclusion

To maximize your chance of success on the AP Lang exam, actively engage with each section of the exam as outlined, practice regularly under timed conditions, and use additional resources such as live Q&A sessions and detailed tutorial videos to address particular areas of difficulty or uncertainty.