Why do students struggle with AP Lang?

Okay I've heard from so many people that AP Lang is notoriously difficult. I might take it next year, but I'm sort of nervous about it. Can anyone tell me why AP Lang has such a reputation for being so difficult? What is it about the class that makes people struggle?

There are a few reasons why students might find AP Lang challenging, and it's essential to understand these factors to prepare effectively for the class.

1. Analytical reading and writing skills: AP Lang focuses heavily on refining analytical reading and writing skills. It requires students to dissect sophisticated written pieces, understand the author's arguments and motives, and develop logical and persuasive essays in response to the author. These tasks require a strong grasp of rhetoric and a deeper understanding of language.

2. Time management: Crafting well-structured and persuasive essays can be quite time-consuming for some students, as you’ll often need to revise your essay at least a couple of times to get it to where you want. It's crucial to develop good time management skills, so that you can balance your AP Lang workload with other academic and extracurricular responsibilities.

3. Multiple-choice questions: The multiple-choice section of the AP Lang exam covers various aspects of language, such as vocabulary, syntax, and rhetorical strategies. Many students find these questions challenging because they require a thorough understanding of the material and careful attention to detail.

4. Writing style diversity: Throughout the course, students explore different rhetorical modes (narration, exposition, description, argumentation) and essay formats (e.g., synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argument). The need to adapt writing styles, analyze texts from various genres, and maintain a strong voice across assignments can be tough for some students.

5. High expectations: As an AP course, AP Lang expects students to excel at a college level. Relative to other high school English classes, the course may involve increased workload, group discussions, and assignments that go beyond simply understanding the material. Students are encouraged to think critically, engage in complex ideas, and formulate original and persuasive arguments, and doing those things consistently takes a lot of brainpower.

To tackle these challenges and succeed in AP Lang, it's essential to stay organized, practice reading and writing consistently, and develop strong analytical skills. Seek help from your teacher or peers if you need assistance, and don't be afraid to challenge yourself! Good luck!