<p>AP Lang is generally considered to be one of the easiest APs; unfortunately, this has not been the case for me.</p>
<p>I struggle in the class overall, even though my grade is sufficient for a good GPA. I have difficulty writing good essays, and I simply don't score well on MCs. So far, I have never received above a 6 on my essays.</p>
<p>I really want to thrive in this class, but I don't know how to effectively push myself. I would be asking the teacher for advice, but I personally think that she's not very good at helping, let along teaching, other students.</p>
<p>I'd appreciate it if I can get feedback for improving my general English skills (including reading), MCs, and essay writing. I'm thinking of reading more frequently and starting a journal.</p>
<p>Practice, practice, practice. Try applying what you learn in class to books that you read for leisure (I know this sounds unpleasant, but the best method is doing it. Reading and writing critically are acquired skills, as I’m sure you’ve noticed.)</p>
<p>Try taking practice AP tests every so often to see how you’re doing. </p>
<p>Spend more time on your essays. Learn to identify your writing style and preferences–what works best for you? Do you like to outline everything out or just sit down with a general idea? Do you start with a thesis and work from that main point or would you prefer to explore your argument before you articulate it? How much time do you spend writing a rough draft? On editing and revising? Do you get feedback from other people, and is it good feedback? Does your school have a campus writing center you can go to for tutoring? You need to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and consciously think about them as you draft. </p>
<p>For MC, the only way to get better is practice. Sorry about that.</p>
<p>For the analysis essays make sure you aren’t summarizing. Focus on what the author is trying to portray to his or her audience and discuss how he or she uses different tactics to get this point across. Think about tone, structure, and literary devices to get started. Keep in mind, if you can support something with textual evidence it is fair game. As far as the apmcs go, understand how you best comprehend. Is it easier for you to read the entire passage and then answer the questions after? I personally like to skim the passage and then go back paragraph by paragraph and answer the questions as the pertain to the paragraph I just read. Try different techniques! Hopefully you’ll be able to discover what works best for you!</p>