Calculus HW

How to pass the Prose section of the AP test

So a little birdie told me that you want to pass the Prose passage of the AP English Literature? If so, check this out.

Analytical Focus

In order to pass this section of the exam you will need to understand the various techniques used by the author, and how they relate to the overall theme. Some of the most common literary devices asked on this section of the test include

1.      Characterization- Some test questions revolve around one character’s choices and their actions, and how it affects the story AS A WHOLE. The question may also ask how a character undergoes through changes in the story, and why the author included this.

2.      Diction- Words are a powerful thing my young son, and some questions may ask you how an author’s word choice contributes to the overall tone and mood of the work.

3.      Compare and Contrast- Many test question may also ask you to compare characters, conflicts, or themes within one or two works of literature. In order to answer these questions you will need to analyze character’s actions and how they contribute to the story AS A WHOLE.

4.      Imagery- You may also be asked to explain how an author’s diction and syntax help to convey imagery throughout the work, and how this imagery emphasizes on certain aspects of the work.

5.      Setting- The setting of a work also influences characters, conflicts, and the overall themes within a story. The question may ask how a setting, or change in setting, affects the story AS A WHOLE.

Pro Tips When Encountering a Prose Question with an Analytical Focus

·         Make sure to read the question before writing your essay.
·         Do not simply summarize the passage, as that would be ludicrous and may cost you your future.
·         Be sure to annotate. Unless of course you want to fail this test. Then by all means, don’t annotate.

Thematic Focus

In order to escape this test with your life and sanity intact, you will need to focus on the unifying idea or theme of the work of literature. All literary elements used in the story help to fortify the main theme of the passage. As each passage deals with a different theme, you will need to be able to understand and recognize the theme while reading the passage. Some reoccurring themes found on this section of the test include loss of innocence, societal conventions, and oppression. The test may ask you to use literary elements to support the main theme, such as

1. Symbolism- You may be asked to explain how a reoccurring symbol throughout the work helps to emphasize and support the main theme. The symbols found can range from a location such as an ocean or a forest, to a small item such as a flower or bird. You must be able to identify the symbol within the work, and must be able to relate it to the overall theme.
2. Author’s Purpose- The author’s choice in diction, mood, setting, and characterization all help to reinforce the theme of the work. Some questions may ask you to identify the author’s purpose in choosing these literary elements, and how it relates to the theme. You must be able to find and understand these elements in order to further analyze and depict the theme.
3. Summarization- NO questions will ask you to merely summarize the work. But some may ask you how specific plot points add to the theme of the work. Certain events within the story are used to reinforce the main theme, and you may be asked to describe these events and how they are important to this overall theme.

Pro Tips: Thematic Edition

·         When facing one of these questions be sure to relate your essay to the main theme of the work. Be sure not to blab on and on without explaining on how your blabbering relates to the overall theme.
·         Be sure to understand and explain why the author do what he do. Otherwise, you may sound like an illiterate idiot.
·         When writing this essay, be sure to incorporate esoteric words to elevate your intellectual standing in the eyes of the inquiring party. Using words such as debase, arcane, clandestine, and antidisestablishmentarianism can be real neat for your essay you are writing.

·         Don’t stress, it’s just a test that determines your future.