<p>So after having a rough start to senior year (I got a 60 on the first AP Calc BC test, although my average has improved substantially) the class I'm most concerned about is AP English Lit. Right now, I'm feeling like I'm getting better at reading after having really bombed a quiz; however I got a 75 on one quiz and a 70 on the other, as well as a 75 on a paper having procrastinated too much with it. I do like this class and I feel like I can get better, but the one thing I'm worried about is that first quarter ends in a little over two weeks and I want to be able to pull my average up to at least an 80, or more preferably an 83 if at all possible.</p>
<p>The problem probably lies in my reading skills; I can read but I tend to be a little slow and get stuck in the same part of a chapter. I've tried to do this by skimming faster, but that hasn't been the best strategy for me, so now I'm trying to read a little more slowly and highlight the important parts of a chapter as I go along and make my own study notes. It seems to work, but I'm still tending to miss some parts that eventually come up when I have a chapter quiz, even though I feel better taking the quizzes. In addition, I have a bunch of B's to worry about in senior year, especially since I'm trying to reverse the effects of a not-so-good junior year (several B's) after having had straight A's on my transcript both freshmen and sophomore year. Any suggestions?</p>
<p>I’m also trying to find better ways to solidify an A/A+ in AP English LIt. After getting a 56% on my first reading check (for Their Eyes Were Watching God) I started reading at times when it was quiet, I wasn’t in a rush and I wasn’t tired. So far, reading at those times has helped a lot. </p>
<p>Things that have helped me include:
Reading the assigned chapter or section and making sure to reread unclear parts
Sticky-noting
Writing down several important quotes per chapter
Reading analysis in Sparknotes
Reading Shmoop</p>
<p>You seem to have identified your problems so you probably know what you need to do. From your post, these are the two problems you mentioned:</p>
<ol>
<li>Procrastination (for your essay)</li>
<li>Reading skills (quizzes)</li>
</ol>
<p>For the first one, creating a schedule (draft on this day, edit on this day, etc.) may help you. I’ve tried many tools to do this. I found just writing down due dates and working it out works best for me. For large projects I like to write out some steps that can be checked off, and I know some people like to do this for everything. It’s just a matter of finding what works for you.</p>
<p>For the second, the tips @BPearlman97 gave are great. It’s basically what I do with any reading assignments (English/history/etc.)
- Read through and mark everything. Interesting points, themes, symbols, unclear spots, etc.
- Write up quick summary of above notes (I used OneNote but basically anything works)
- Reading other sources: I like Cliff Notes and will use Sparknotes or Shmoop if necessary. See if there is anything major you missed and if there is re-read that section.</p>
<p>@Andr01d @BPearlman97 Yes, that is actually what I’ve been doing. Though I have typed my own study notes to make sure I know the chapter before the quiz, putting down what I’ve highlighted/sticky noted</p>
<p>You’ve done all of that @RacquetSmasher76? Either your teacher’s tests/reading checks are insanely hard or you just need to “de-stress” before taking graded things. Do you get anxiety during big tests? </p>
<p>@BPearlman97 A little anxiety but I have felt a little better.</p>
<p>Hmm I mean when I personally take tests I try and build up some confidence in my
head. Sometimes I get a bit nervous (generally for APs) but I try and stay as relaxed/focused as possible. </p>
<p>As far as remembering specific quotes or information used for the chapter quizzes you mentioned, I just think that if you can grasp the overall feel/purpose of a chapter, the plot and the general feel for characters you will be able to figure out specific parts of quizzes. Thats what I do, I figure it’s not worth memorizing or stressing over the small things…</p>