How to Study for AP Lang

Whether this is your first AP® class or not, figuring out how to prepare can be overwhelming. No one wants to spend hours studying only to earn a grade lower than desired. Therefore, it is imperative to learn how to study for AP Lang. Reviewing these tips and tricks will help ensure you have a positive mindset during your preparation. Ultimately, these suggestions will help reduce some of your stress and gain self-confidence.

 

Listening to Podcasts and TED Talks 

 

If I were a student learning how to study for AP Lang, podcasts and TED Talks would be at the top of my list! This is because the evidence for the argument essay comes from your own knowledge. While students often have great ideas, they struggle to have enough background knowledge to really support their argument. This is precisely why podcasts and TED Talks provide so much help! You will build your knowledge base significantly by listening to a few a week. Then, you can use this information while writing the essay portion. 

 

But where do I start? What should I watch or listen to?

Start with a subject that interests you. It doesn’t have to be “fancy,” because let’s face it–if you aren’t interested, you won’t want to listen, and you likely won’t remember what you learned.

 

Bonus tip: As you watch documentaries or TED Talks or listen to podcasts, be sure to take notes. You can use these notes to study later. These notes can be in a notebook or on a doc–your choice!

 

Enrolling in Additional Classes 

 

An AP® Lang assessment includes material over so many subjects and topics. Honestly, you have no idea what the passages or writing will be about until you receive the test. So, it will be essential to learn how to broaden your knowledge. Like podcasts and TED Talks, you want to be sure you understand material on various subjects. A great way to do this involves looking into other classes. For instance, APUSH, AP® World, and AP® Bio, etc. build knowledge on many other topics. The more you know, the more confident you will be on exam day!

 

Multiple Choice Preparation 

 

You’ve probably heard about the importance of using the process of elimination for years. Since you’re in an AP® class, I’m sure you’ve practiced this skill multiple times. However, it is essential to look into your practice sources when applying this skill. For instance, utilize practice SAT® or ACT® released items. By studying for those tests, you are also preparing for the Lang exam! Just be sure to look for the nonfiction passages to provide the best help when learning how to study for AP Lang. Additionally, it will be helpful to have a timer on since you will be working against a clock on the AP® test. 

 

Timed Writing Practice 

 

The second half of the AP® Lang exam involves writing. Specifically, the FRQ section includes synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argument essays. You wouldn’t go into a big game or recital without practicing. The same applies to AP® exams.

 

Since you’re writing against the clock, you should practice writing timed essays as part of your exam prep. You can even use prompts from previous years! However, before you starting looking for past exam prompts, ask your teacher if there are any prompts that they would prefer you don’t use. 

 

Final Thoughts

While it would be amazing just to walk in and take the test, it is not possible with AP Lang. Honestly, any AP assessment is going to be hard! Therefore, you must learn how to study for AP Lang and practice different techniques and tips repeatedly. The time spent preparing will give you the confidence and background knowledge needed to achieve the score you are hoping for. 

 

Want more tips about how to study for AP Lang? Be sure to subscribe to Coach Hall Writes on YouTube or follow Coach Hall Writes on TikTok.

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: I am not affiliated with The College Board. The advice and opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.