Tips for AP Literature Classes

AP Literature is a class that focuses on the methodology of studying novels to find deeper meanings. (submitted by AW)

Read the book.

If you don’t like the book, the teacher should not care, so you don't need to pretend to like it in order to get a good grade.

Reading the book will help you to be well-equipped to discuss the book in class or write an essay on it at a later time.

If you need to write about a book you have read in class, remember that the essay is not about how much you enjoy the book or what the author did well, it is simply about the content of the book and how the author communicates the storyline and ideas of the book.

Use a variety of specific vocabulary. Ensure that you only use words that you know the meaning of and that also make sense in context.

Ask your teacher for suggestions on improving your writing. They can give you feedback on how well they understand your writing and whether your structure and word choices are effective.

Research the people you learn about. Get to know them outside of the class, and their work will seem so much better. (submitted by AW)

Write down your thoughts on the book as you go. It doesn't have to be detailed notes, just reactions at the end of each chapter. (submitted by JS)

This class requires a lot of reading, so block out time for it. (submitted by AW) Don't use sticky notes when annotating, just use normal paper so you don't have to go back and rewrite your annotations. (submitted by AW)