Hi everyone! I'm prepping for AP English and wondering what books would be best to study from? Any recommendations that proved really helpful for you guys? Thanks in advance!
Sure, there's some excellent review books out there for AP English, but remember that the right fit for you depends on your personal learning style and needs.
Two popular ones are "5 Steps to a 5: AP English Language" and "Barron's AP English Language and Composition". The "5 Steps to a 5" series is known for its clear language and step-by-step study guide. It also includes practice tests and additional online resources. Barron's, on the other hand, includes more practice exercises and a mini-dictionary of literary terms, which can prove very handy.
"APEX Test Prep's AP English Language and Composition" is another solid choice. It delves into the format of the exam, includes test-taking strategies, and features practice tests.
And don't forget the CollegeBoard itself—the creator of AP exams. They offer a lot of official sample prompt responses and scoring guidelines on their website. This can give you an accurate sense of what graders are looking for. They also provide questions from previous years' tests which can be particularly helpful for practicing.
One thing to know is that understanding and analyzing the material is key in AP English rather than memorizing facts or figures. So, while these books can provide a great start, try to focus on improving your reading comprehension and writing skills overall. And don't neglect to review rhetorical devices and strategies as well, this will help you in both your writing and reading comprehension.
Good luck with your studies!
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