xiv ❯ Introduction: The Five-Step Program
- show you models and rubrics on which you can model and evaluate your own work;
- anticipate and answer your questions;
- enrich your understanding and appreciation of the writing process;
- help you pace yourself; and
- make you aware of the Five Steps to Mastering the AP English Language and
Composi tion exam.
Organization of the Book
We know that your primary concern is information about the AP English Language and
Composition exam; therefore, we begin at the beginning with an overview of the AP exam
in general. We then introduce you to the Diagnostic/Master exam we use throughout the
book to show you the “ins and outs” of an AP test. In separate chapters, you will become
familiar with both sections of the exam. We lead you through the multiple-choice ques-
tions and how to go about answering them, and we take you through the essay questions
and approaches to writing these essays.
Because you must be fluent in the language and the process of composition, synthe-
sis, and analysis, we provide a full comprehensive review part in analysis, synthesis, and
argument. 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. However, do not fear. You will
find terms and concepts clearly delineated within their contexts. We will also provide you
with annotated suggestions for high-interest readings for analysis, synthesis, and argument.
After carefully working your way through Chapters 4 through 10, you may wish to go
to McGraw-Hill’s 5 Step series website which provides review, reinforcement, and enrich-
ment questions that refer to the skills covered in each chapter. You can compare your
response(s) with what we provide on the website for this book: http://www.mhpracticeplus.com
A separate section of this book contains the practice exams. Here is where you will test
your own skills. You may be sure that the selections included in each exam are on an AP
level. The multiple-choice questions provide practice with types of questions asked on 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, but broad enough to
suit all curricula. After taking each exam, you can check yourself against the explanations
of every multiple-choice question and the ratings of the sample student essays.
The final part is one you should not pass over. It contains a glossary of terms, a bibli-
ography of works that may be of importance to you, and a list of websites related to the AP
English Language and Composition exam.Introduction to the Five-Step Preparation Program
The Five-Step Preparation Program is a powerful tool designed to provide you with the
best possible skills, strategies, and practice to help lead you to that perfect 5 on the AP
English Language and Composition exam administered each May to more than 250,
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 “Holy Grail” to all AP students.Step 1: Set Up Your Study Program- Month-by-month: September through May
- The calendar year: January through May
- Basic training: the 4 to 6 weeks before the exam