<p>Did anyone take the English languae or literature AP exams without taking the course?</p>
<p>How did you score?</p>
<p>What did you do to prepare?</p>
<p>Thanks!!</p>
<p>I personally don't know anybody who has taken either English exam without a course, but that's because most schools in the states offer AP English classes. If this isn't the case for your son/daughter's school or they're just ambitious, that's fine too. I've self-studied for 5 exams, and the best way to solo it always seems the same. </p>
<p>Familiarize yourself with the desired test through the collegeboard's website or by reading the introduction of an AP review book. Make sure you know the reading list for Lit.</p>
<p>Then, read the review book. I used Princeton Review for English Language in order to help myself remember those pesky rhetorical stratagies, but this is probably less important now than in years past, as it seems that CB is trying to move the Language FRQs away from analyzing speeches and more towards constructing sound arguments (i.e. Argument and Synthesis essays). </p>
<p>You can then buy old versions of the AP test from CB to get a feel for how you'll do.</p>
<p>Honestly, though, the MC section for the English tests measure basic reading skills with understanding of the text. It reminded me of my state's exit level test in english, on steroids.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>I think for the AP English exams it's hard to self-study. There's not a lot of concrete information you need to know and they're not really exams that test you on facts. I took the AP Lit exam and it's more about learning skills to analyze literature. these type of skills need to be learned and practiced a lot in order to be perfected and a year-long course is ideal. If you want to self-study go for it but i at least recommend getting a teacher to read some of your essays and tell you what you could do better.</p>
<p>S took Eng Lang last year and, I guarantee you, he didn't study at all and got a 5. The course he took at the time was Brit Lit. However, his English teachers throughout HS always emphasized grammar, word usage, etc...all the stuff I remeber from 12 years of catholic school.<br>
I think if your child is a good reader, a good Eng student in general, he'll do well with consistent use of a good prep book.</p>
<p>i took the lit this year, although you cant really call it self study. even the books can only tell you so much...they are useful to tell you literary terms and test format, but other than that you're going to have to rely on what's inside. ive taken honors english grade 9 and 10, and honors american lit this year. i havent checked my scores yet, but i plan to soon, i'll let you know later today. it's not so bad if ur not bad at english i guess</p>
<p>I took the English Language test this year without taking the class and got a 5. I didn't study at all either (well actually, I looked over a list of literary terms the morning of the test, but that's about it). The English class I took this year was Honors British Literature.</p>
<p>My brother took the English Lang test when he was a senior ('03) and didn't take the class or study at all but received a 5.</p>
<p>I don't know anyone who actually did this either, but I don't believe it would be very difficult at all. The AP English teacher at my school sucked, showed us movies rather than reading books, and had us practice for the wrong test. The kids in my class who were naturally good writers and had read a lot on their own did well anyway. Do the practice tests and read the review books, so that you're familiar with the format of the test. If you're a good writer and can interpret the multiple choice well and everything, it's a subject very conducive to self studying. A teacher can't do much for you if you suck at English, anyway.</p>
<p>I took the English language test this year, after being in a regular English class (my school doesn't offer honors or AP English, but I do go to a challenging private school). I didn't study, and got a 5...honestly, know how to write a coherent essay (I didn't finish 2 of mine, actually), and you'll be fine.</p>