FAQ
What is the difference between the AP English Language and Composition Test and the AP English Literature and Composition Test?
Be careful not to confuse the two AP English tests that have similar sounding names! AP English Language and Composition Test and AP English Literature and Composition Test are two different exams. You can read details about each on the AP site, but in general, the AP Literature exam focuses on literature and poetry while the AP Language exam is broader and usually covers non-fiction works such as journalism, speeches, essays, memoirs, satire, academic writing, comics, and even visual communication. Most important to know is that the tests are on different days and you must make sure you sign up to take the correct one!
When is the AP English Language and Composition Test and when is the AP Literature and Composition Test?
AP tests are usually given in May and you can find out the current dates on the AP website. It’s a good idea to find out the date and put it on your calendar early so you do not schedule anything else for that day or even the week before so you have time to study and be healthy and not tired on test day. Be sure to look for the right test. It is easy to get confused.
Do you need to take an AP English class in high school to take the AP English tests?
No. Most students take an AP class, but not all. Many IB students take the AP English Language and Composition Test or the AP English Literature and Composition Test and score well. Any student can take the tests. In fact, the AP English Language and Composition test is the most popular AP test. For more information, see the AP website.
I am taking an AP English class so why do I need a tutor?
High school teachers often do not want to “teach to the test.” And that is probably for the best! You will get a much more well-rounded education from a teacher who is passionate about the English language, not just about passing a test. However, if you want to score well on the test, you do need to study specific strategies.
How many hours tutoring will I need for the AP or SAT English tests?
Each student is different depending on current skills; familiarity with the specifics of the test; commitments competing for time; and determination to study and practice. I tailor sessions taking into account an assessment test I send; the amount of time you have available; your budget; and the amount of time before the test. For the AP English Language and Composition test, I recommend you have at least one tutoring session on each of the three essay types. I also offer intensive review sessions closer to the test in May. In reviews I cover all of the tips and techniques for the entire AP test, giving you strategy and helping you avoid common mistakes. For intensive reviews you will not write essays but may outline in bulleted format the content you would have written if you had time. We review these together. For information on rates, see the rate page.
Do you give discounts for multiple sessions? For the AP English Language and Composition Test, I offer a “5-to-a-5 Special”— buy four sessions, get fifth free. Please see my rate page for complete rate information.
Do you give discounts for siblings? Please see my rate page for complete rate information.
What resources do you use for tutoring for the AP English Language and Composition Test, the AP English Language and Literature Test, and the SAT Literature Subject Test??
I have built up an extensive library of resources that I share with my tutoring students, and I also recommend books to purchase. Resources may include study materials published by AP or SAT, test prep books by different publishers, and test prep materials I developed. I give my tutoring students a password to private Quizlets, enabling you to study on your mobile device. For essays, I use prompts from prior AP tests so you have a good sense of what actual prompts look like. For the AP English Language and Composition Test, I set up a Google docs folder with resources for each of the essay prompts and for the multiple choice section.
What is a typical weekly assignment for the AP English Language and Composition test?
Assignments are tailored to the individual based on the assessment test and then the essays and multiple choice tests you take. A typical assignment for AP English Language and Composition, for example, would include review of a handout, such as “How to Approach the Synthesis Essay,” review of a set of Quizlet Flashcards, such as “200 Rhetoric Terms,” and an essay prompt. In addition, every week I ask students to complete a few Multiple Choice questions.
How do we review essays in a typical tutoring session?
When you finish your essay, you send it to me at least one day in advance of our tutoring session. I analyze it, mark it up with comments and corrections, and share it with you via Google Doc. AP readers look for different things in the content of each of the three types of prompts. In our tutoring session, I help you see where you did well and where you need to improve so that you get as many points as possible from the AP readers. We also review techniques to make you an overall stronger writer. In addition to the essay, we review the handouts and talk about any difficulties you had with the multiple choice questions. The multiple choice section of the AP test is worth 45% of the total score, so we work on multiple choice for a part of each session. Our consult usually takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour in person or on the phone.
Why do so many test takers only score a 1 or 2 on the AP English tests?
Both the AP English tests are difficult with about half passing, and less than 10 percent earning a 5. Many of these students took an AP class and still did not pass. The AP English Language and Composition test is one of the most popular AP tests, with more than a half million people taking it in 2018. It has a low pass rate in part because a wide variety of students take it. That being said, it also has a low pass rate because it is not an easy test. The multiple choice section, worth 45%, requires critical reading, knowledge of rhetorical terms, and the ability to make discerning decisions. The three essay prompts require an ability to accomplish three different types of writing. To score well on all sections requires preparation. The AP English Literature and Composition Test is similarly difficult.
Why do you cc parents on assignments?
Students need to take ownership of their decision to take AP tests and they are the ones who need to be in charge of the process. At the same time, parents are footing the bill. They need to know that their money is well spent. I cc parents on the assignments so they are kept in the loop.
Will AP English tutoring improve my score?
No tutor can guarantee that your score will improve. Tutors can guide you, provide resources, and give feedback. But it is up to you to put in the effort to master the test. I begin with an assessment to see where you stand. As tutoring progresses, you complete additional multiple choice practice and write essays based on past AP prompts. I have seen tremendous improvement by students. The ones that improve the most are the ones who are motivated to do well on the test and want to learn strategies to do so.
Will AP English tutoring help in my other writing?
Yes! An added benefit of AP English tutoring is that the skills learned will help you in any high school or college class that involves writing! You learn how to write essay types that are similar to the prompts, and in addition, you strengthen your overall writing. So even though I teach to the test so that you achieve your primary goal of scoring well, an added benefit is that you will elevate your writing skills, which will serve you through college and your professional life.
Do you tutor for other AP tests? I specialize in the AP English Language and Composition test and the AP English Literature and Composition Test as well as the SAT Literature Subject Test. I do not tutor in other AP or SAT subject areas because I feel that a tutor is only worth the money spent if he or she is an expert in the test. I do have recommendations for tutors that are experts at other AP and SAT Subject tests. So if you are interested in a recommendation, please email me and I will be happy to pass along contact information. Do you offer tutoring in academic subjects such as English or other subjects that require writing? Yes. I am a writer and an editor and I am experienced helping others improve their writing. If you need help strengthening your writing for a paper for class, or for a college application essay, I am happy to tutor you either in person or remotely using Google docs.
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