Summer preparation for AP Lit

<p>Hello all, I am new to CC and this will be my very first post. I'd like to know how I can become better prepared for AP Lit this fall. I am not the best writer in my class (I'll be a senior this fall) and honestly I don't know how I got into this class. My writing and analytical skills are poor, as last year in Honors American Literature I typically get between a C and B+ on major assignments, like essays and timed writings. I've never gotten an A before except on my final project, but even then I think my teacher was just being nice because it was the end of the year and she knows I've been struggling to improve my skills. First semester of junior year I got a borderline A-, and this past semester I'm at a B+. I'm nervous for this fall because my skills aren't on par with everyone else. I consider myself to be one of the worst writers in the class- I've always struggled with improving my writing skills.
Before the school year ended, my future AP Lit teacher gave out the summer assignment, which includes reading the following books:
Fahrenheit 451
Choose either Scarlet Letter, Frankenstein, or Invisible Man</p>

<p>I'm planning to read all of the books above, mainly attempting to improve my reading and analytical skills. My cousin also took this class last year, and here are the books he read:</p>

<p>the great gatsby
to kill a mocking bird
life of pi
the namesake
jane eyre
wide sargasso sea
the road
brave new world</p>

<p>I am also planning to read those books I've listed above. Is this a good plan for me to improve my reading and writing skills? Is this too many books to read? What else can I do so that I can come well-prepared for the class?</p>

<p>You could attend writing classes at a local community college and sign up for ones that focus specifically on literature and language, etc. Other things that you can do to improve your rhetorical and analytical skills are to study the previous AP English Language exams from the College Board website. The skills you learn from AP English Language are actually vital toward your success in AP Literature.
Here’s what you can do:
Practice writing using the prompts from the FRQ section, which are broken up into three parts: a synthesis essay, a rhetorical essay, and an argument essay
1.<a href=“Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day – AP Central | College Board”>Supporting Students from Day One to Exam Day – AP Central | College Board;
Look at the sample responses as well as study how students effectively developed their arguments and why.</p>

<p>Practice the multiple choice sections as well:

  1. <a href=“https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/ap-student/course/ap-english-language-english-lit-composition-2012-course-exam-description.pdf[/url]”>https://secure-media.collegeboard.org/ap-student/course/ap-english-language-english-lit-composition-2012-course-exam-description.pdf&lt;/a&gt;
    2.<a href=“http://www.dsusd.us/users/christopherg/AP%20multiple%20choice%20reading%20comp%20handout.pdf[/url]”>http://www.dsusd.us/users/christopherg/AP%20multiple%20choice%20reading%20comp%20handout.pdf&lt;/a&gt;
    Or you can just buy AP English Language and Literature study guides and practice/study from those.
    Here is a rhetorical study packet (This is super helpful!) :
  2. [Language</a> & Compostion Rhetorical Terms Study Guide flashcards | Quizlet](<a href=“http://quizlet.com/12961582/language-compostion-rhetorical-terms-study-guide-flash-cards/]Language”>http://quizlet.com/12961582/language-compostion-rhetorical-terms-study-guide-flash-cards/)</p>

<p>I believe that with practice, dedication, and study, you CAN become a better and more articulate writer. One book I highly recommend for side reading and improving your analytical skills is The Norton Reader. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! This was one of my required readings for my AP English Language class. Here is the link: [Amazon.com:</a> The Norton Reader 12th (twelve) edition Text Only: Linda H. Peterson: Books](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Norton-Reader-12th-twelve-Text/dp/B004NMB2FI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371534823&sr=8-2&keywords=the+norton+reader]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Norton-Reader-12th-twelve-Text/dp/B004NMB2FI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1371534823&sr=8-2&keywords=the+norton+reader)</p>

<p>I hope that helps you a bunch. If you decide to practice from the AP Language exams, you can always send me your practice essays and I will happily grade them for you (I love helping other people improve their essays.)
Anyways, I am also an incoming Lit student and I have to read Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. I don’t know if you’d be interested, but this is my assignment for summer: <a href=“https://www.fsha.org/ftpimages/373/download/AP%20ENGLISH%20LITERATURE%20IV.pdf[/url]”>https://www.fsha.org/ftpimages/373/download/AP%20ENGLISH%20LITERATURE%20IV.pdf&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>As for your plan, it would work well only if you know how to apply your skills in analyzing that book. Learning how to become a better writer does not just mean reading books, it means knowing how to analyze rhetoric/language and effectively synthesize that into a coherent essay. If you wish to study what I outlined for you, figure out how to manage your time between that and your own assignments. You can do it! :)</p>

<p>The reason why I say to study from AP English Language is that it will teach you to become a more perceptive and analytical writer:

  1. You learn how to analyze prose through a variety of rhetorical and style ways
  2. Help you to understand how the author uses language to accomplish his purpose
    I’m not saying that you have to repeat the entire course; All I’m saying is that with initiative and drive, you can learn a little from self-study and hopefully become a better writer.</p>

<p>Yeah sorry, another book I recommend studying from in addition to The Norton Reader is The Best American Essays by Joyce Carol Oates</p>

<p>Thank you so much! It was very helpful :)</p>