12 ❯ STEP 1. Set Up Your Study Program
Calendar for Approach B:
Semester-Long Preparation for the AP English Language and Composition ExamThe following calendar assumes that you have completed one semester of lan-
guage and composition and will use those skills you have been practicing to
prepare you for the May exam. You still have plenty of time to supplement your
course work by taking our study recommendations, maintaining literary nota-
tions, doing outside readings, and so forth. We divide the next 16 weeks into a
workable program of preparation for you.STRATEGYJA NUARY–FEBRUARY (Check off the activities
as you complete them.)Carefully read the Introduction and
Chapter 1.
Write the three essays on the Diagnostic/
Master exam.
Compare your essays with the sample stu-
dent essays.
Complete the multiple-choice section of
the Diagnostic/Master exam.
Carefully go over the answers and expla-
nations of the answers.
Take a close look at the Bibliography for
suggestions regarding possible outside
readings.MARCH (10 weeks to go)Form a study group.
Choose a favorite essay or excerpt from a
book and create an essay question to go
with it, or you can use one of our sug-
gested prompts.
Choose a prose passage or essay and create
an essay question to go with it, or you can
choose one of our suggested prompts.
Write one of the analytical essays.
Write one of the synthesis essays.
Compare essays and rate them with your
study group. (Use our rubrics.)APRIL
Take Practice Exam 1 in the first week of
April.
Evaluate your strengths and weaknesses.
Study appropriate chapters to correct
weaknesses.
Practice creating multiple-choice questions
of different types with your study group.
Develop and review worksheets for and
with your study group.M AY—First two weeks (THIS IS IT!)Highlight only those things in the
Glossary about which you are still unsure.
Ask your teacher for clarification. Study!
Write at least three times a week under
timed conditions.
Take Practice Exam 2.
Score yourself.
Give yourself a pat on the back for how
much you have learned and improved over
the past nine months.
Go to the movies. Call a friend.
Get a good night’s sleep. Fall asleep know-
ing you are well prepared.GOOD LUCK ON THE TEST!