AP English Literature and Composition
The Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature and Composition course focuses on reading, writing and analysis in literature for students in their senior year. The exam involves a multiple choice section and a free response section. According to AP Literature teacher Diane Ichikawa, various skills are emphasized and built upon over the duration of the class. 鈥淸First semester,] we read books and interpret those books, having a lot of in-depth questions,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hrough the second semester, there鈥檚 a two-month period for which there will always be a weekly in-class writing essay.鈥
Ichikawa advises practicing for the multiple choice section of the exam beforehand. 鈥淎ll of the AP English teachers have old exams,鈥 she said. 鈥淪tudents can start understanding what types of questions there going to be.鈥
AP Literature teacher Paul Dunlap suggests that students have their own books to mark notes. Additionally, he recommends referencing the MLA Handbook and 鈥淲arriner鈥檚 Complete Course of English Grammar鈥 by John Warriner, for grammar practice. AP Central is another resource available for students.
Alumni Kelly Mou, who took AP English Literature and Composition, strongly opposes SparkNotes but recommends using Purdue Owl for finding citations. She also advises research behind the scenes. 鈥淚 recommend looking up historical information on the events that are happening [to understand] the author鈥檚 backstory and the time period the story is set in,鈥 Mou said.
Discussions, requiring students to read, think and share, play an important role in the course. 鈥淭he time spent thinking is never wasted鈥攊t helps you be a better thinker,鈥 Dunlap said. 鈥淓ven if the end result is 鈥業鈥檓 more confused,鈥 you still spent that time thinking.鈥
According to AP Literature teacher Kate Weymouth鈥檚 experience, success in English class relies heavily on students completing the assigned reading. 鈥淒on鈥檛 do it when you鈥檙e exhausted,鈥 she said. 鈥淩eading more actively and recording your thoughts will mean you鈥檒l read more deeply, have richer discussions [and] be in a better position [to succeed].鈥
According to Mou, reading at a balanced pace is important. 鈥淔or reading, the most important thing is to space out your reading,鈥 she said. 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 want to turn all the pages in at 2 a.m. before class starts鈥攖hat鈥檚 not very efficient.鈥
Writing is also a major component of the class, and Mou suggests that students focus on a topic they鈥檙e passionate about. 鈥淵ou can write to get points, but also go look for things that interest you,鈥 Mou said.
AP Literature teacher Mark Hernandez believes the importance is for students to engage. 鈥淔or the most part, just come to class, pay attention and we鈥檒l take you through the skills that are necessary,鈥 he said.