5 Steps to a 5: AP English Literature - Estelle M. Rankin, Barbara L. Murphy 2019

Introduction: the five-step program

Some Basics

Consider this section as a map of the new territory you are going to explore. We will provide the general directions, and you can decide when, where, and how you will follow this map.

Reading

We believe that reading should be an exciting interaction between you and the writer. You have to bring your own context to the experience, and you must feel comfortable reaching for and exploring ideas. You are an adventurer on a journey of exploration, and we will act as your guides. We will set the itinerary, but you will set your own pace. You can feel free to “stop and smell the roses” or to explore new territory.

The Journey

On any journey, each traveler sees something different on new horizons. So, too, each stu- dent is free to personalize his or her own literary experience, provided he or she tries at all times to strive for excellence and accuracy.

Critical Thinking

There are no tricks to critical thinking. Those who claim to guarantee you a score of 5 with gimmicks are doing you a disservice. No one can guarantee a 5; however, the reading and writing skills you will review, practice, and master will give you the very best chance to do your very best. You will have the opportunity to learn, to practice, and to master the critical thinking processes that can empower you to achieve your highest score.

The Beginning

It is our belief that if you focus on the beginning, the rest will fall into place. Once you purchase this book and decide to work your way through it, you are beginning your jour- ney to the AP Literature exam. We will be with you every step of the way.

Why This Book?

We believe we have something unique to offer you. For over 25 years we have addressed the needs of AP students just like you. And we’ve been fortunate to learn from these students. Therefore, the content of this book reflects genuine student concerns and needs. This is a student-oriented book. We will not overwhelm you with pompous language, mislead you with inaccurate information and tasks, or lull you into a false sense of confidence with easy shortcuts. We stand behind every suggestion, process, and question we present. There is no “busywork” in this book.

We know you will not do every activity. Therefore, think of this book as a resource and guide to accompany you on your AP Literature journey to the exam. This book is designed to serve many purposes. It will:

• Clarify requirements for the AP English Literature exam.

• Provide you with test practice.

• Show you rubrics (grading standards) on which you can model and evaluate your own work.

• Anticipate and answer your questions.

• Enrich your understanding and appreciation of literature.

• Help you pace yourself.

• Make you aware of the Five Steps to Mastering the AP English Literature exam.

Organization of the Book

We know that your primary concern is to obtain information about the AP Literature exam. So, we begin at the beginning with an overview of the AP exam in general. We then introduce you to our Diagnostic/Master exam, which we use throughout the book to show you the ins and outs of an AP Literature test. In separate chapters you will become familiar with both sections of the exam. We will lead you through the multiple-choice questions and explain how you should answer them. Then we will take you through the essay questions and discuss approaches to writing these essays.

Because you must be fluent in the language and processes of literary analysis and com- position, we provide a Comprehensive Review section in both prose and poetry. This review is not a mere listing of terms and concepts. Rather, it is a series of practices that will hone your analytical and writing skills. But, do not fear. You will find terms and concepts clearly delineated within their contexts. We also provide annotated suggestions for high-interest prose and poetry readings.

A separate section of the book contains practice exams. Here is where you will test your skills and knowledge. You may be sure that the prose and poetry selections included in each exam are on the AP level. The multiple-choice questions provide you with practice in responding to typical types of questions asked in past AP exams. The essay questions are designed to cover the techniques and terms required by the AP exam. The free-response essays are both challenging and specific, yet they are broad enough to suit all curricula. After taking each test, you can check yourself against the explanations of every multiple-choice question and the ratings of the sample student essays.

The final section is one that you should not pass over. It presents a Suggested Reading Guide, a General Bibliography, a Glossary of Terms that may be of importance to you, and a list of websites related to the AP Literature exam.

Introduction to the Five-Step Preparation Program

The Five-Step Program is a powerful program designed to provide you with the best possible skills, strategies, and practice to help lead you to that perfect 5 on the Advanced Placement English Literature exam that is administered each May to more than 350,000 high school students. Each of the five steps will provide you with the opportunity to get closer and closer to the 5, which is the gold medal to all AP students.

Step 1: Set Up Your Study Program

• Useful information about the Advanced Placement program and exams

• Three alternative study schedules and advice for determining which is best for you

Step 2: Determine Your Test Readiness

• A first look at the overall exam, to be repeated in greater detail later

Step 3: Develop Strategies for Success

• Learn about the test itself

• Learn to read multiple-choice questions

• Learn how to answer multiple-choice questions, including whether or not to guess

• Learn how to deconstruct the essay prompts

• Learn how to plan the essay

Step 4: Review the Knowledge You Need to Score High

• Practice activities that will hone your skills in close reading

• Practice activities in critical thinking

• Practice activities in critical/analytical writing

Step 5: Build Your Test-Taking Confidence

• Two practice exams that test how well honed your skills are

• Rubrics for self-evaluation

Finally, at the back of the book you’ll find additional resources to aid your preparation. These include:

• A comprehensive review of literary analysis

• A glossary of terms

• A bibliography for further reading

• A list of websites related to the AP English Literature exam

The Graphics Used in This Book

To emphasize particular skills and strategies, we use several icons throughout this book. An icon in the margin will alert you that you should pay particular attention to the accompa- nying text. We use three icons:

This icon points out a very important concept or fact that you should not pass over.

This icon calls your attention to a problem-solving strategy that you may want to try.

This icon indicates a tip that you might find useful.

Boldfaced and italicized words indicate important terms as well as those that are included in the Glossary at the back of the book.

Throughout the book you will find margin notes and boxes. We want you to pay close attention to these areas because they can provide tips, hints, strategies, and explanations that will help you reach your full potential.