How to prepare for an in-class essay?

<p>we have to write a 5 para essay (40 minutes) for AP language with a prompt that is given to us in class. it's about a book that we read over the summer. how can I prepare if I don't know the prompt? we're allowed to use our book to cite quotations and support our thesis. so it's nothing like the SAT writing section. I'm very very nervous. How can i prepare?</p>

<p>Go back and refresh your memory on the book so you don't spend so much time flipping through your book. For my AP Lit class, we had to write three essays due the first day of school, another 2 in the first week, and then every week after that a timed 40 minute essay (plus any big take home essays). I felt that I just got better and more prepared to write in-class essays the more I wrote. Just try to organize yourself as much as possible and try not to worry about it so much. Good luck!</p>

<p>I would go through and put sticky notes on important parts of the book.
most of the key themes, motifs, and whatnot can be used to support many different arguments. just knowing exactly where to go will save you lots of time.
my only other advice is to have a good thesis. don't make it generic. make a thesis that NEEDS to be proven. I recommend the "although" thesis. it is a good way to show analysis. analysis essays show you really understand what is going on.</p>