Dear Michelle…
How do you get a 5 on your AP Lang exam?
Thank you for the question! Getting a 5 is definitely possible but it requires some preparation. One senior, Billy, earned a 5 and told me his success lay in studying the essay rubrics. He memorized each essays’ specific requirements, and on the AP, he graded his essays based on the rubric, adjusting his essays as needed. I definitely suggest becoming familiar with the rubrics. Make sure to use at least 3 sources on the synthesis essay, 2 or more rhetorical choices for the rhetorical essay, and 2 or more pieces of evidence for the argument essay. Don’t overwrite as well; quality over quantity should help you stay under the time limit and write a well-developed essay. Other students (thanks SUPA group!) highlight the helpfulness of timed writing and learning new vocab words. Make sure to take in-class timed writing seriously because it helps simulate the test environment and inform you where you need to improve. If you find yourself running out of time on the essays, make sure you at least have a thesis written for all of them. Lastly, check out Mrs. Villaverde’s Survival Guide.
For the multiple choice, use the process of elimination and don’t spend too much time on any given question. Become comfortable with Bluebook and AP Classroom practice. Last year, we had long passages followed by multiple questions, so understanding the passage as a whole is crucial. You could read the questions first and then skim the passage for the answer, as well. In the MCQ reading portion, consider the literal and abstract meaning of the text and follow your gut instinct—the interpretation/answer should be supported by the text. For the MCQ writing portion, when they ask you about eliminating/adding lines to a certain text, consider if the added text adds understanding (grammatically/passage’s purpose), to ultimately make the text stronger. Practice MCQs and past FRQ prompts, reviewing the feedback. I think it would be helpful to look at sample essays and read the graders’ commentary/score justifications to see what the writer did well and how they did it and parts where they could have elaborated as well. This way, you feel more confident knowing what the graders are looking for on the day of the exam. A positive to the exam being digital this year is for questions that refer to a quote, the quote will be highlighted in the passage, so you won’t need to search for it. My final advice I’ll leave you with is this: don’t take on too much and remember practice makes perfect!
Do you ever feel like giving up? And what do you do to cope with this?
Yes, sometimes I do. It can be hard to be a teenager sometimes so you are not alone in feeling this way. When I am feeling especially tired and worn-out, I take a break. Remember, you don’t need to keep the weight of the world on your shoulders. It’s okay to lack motivation sometimes. I suggest walking away from what’s causing you stress, whether that be school or overwhelming situations. Taking time alone to let yourself process your feelings and refresh does wonders. You can find a quiet spot, like your room, to relax or go outside to take in the fresh air. Do something you enjoy. Our bodies do a lot for us and it’s normal to not feel like yourself at times. If you do feel like giving up, try talking to someone like a good friend or your parents. It doesn’t necessarily have to be about what you’re feeling but just someone to hang out with because you deserve some fun in your life! You could read a good book/maybe separate from your phone for a little while as well. Just remember, you can do it – I believe!
How much gabagool can a gabagool chuck if a gabagool could chuck gabagool?
Gabagool
What are the best ways to study?
Thank you for the question! While the most effective studying methods look different for everyone, I’ll take a shot at this question. When I need to study, for example math, I look over my notes and then practice a lot. Usually on paper. If I have a test or quiz on a given day, I study during my free time up until the exam. While some may suggest finding a quiet place to study, I can’t say the same about myself. I like to be surrounded by some type of activity so I don’t feel like I’m missing out on things that are happening, which may lead to some distractions (haha), but I found that if I’m by myself in my room, I’m more likely to go on my phone and become distracted. So, having some type of accountability has been helpful for me. Try to limit distractions to get the most out of your studying. I recommend writing things down so the information retains better.
Here’s some additional advice!
In our last issue, Michelle was asked…
How can I get my community hours up to 50 hours? I only have 11 right now.
We received an email from Friends of the Great Swamp (FROGS) who in response to this question, provided us with some opportunities! Here is their email:
Current opportunities available: Community reach-out, Education, School partnerships, Newsletter (writing, editing, photography, and graphics), Research, and Plein air artist events: need on-site helpers with registration and staffing the event.
Trail Maintenance – We are looking for trail STEWARDS, swamp WATCHDOGS, and help with our trail work parties.
Citizen scientists – Are you a star gazer?, Bird watcher?, Know your native plants/trees?, Grant writer?, Social Media maven? WE WANT YOU to get involved!
And volunteers are needed for these events:
5/4 Paddle North Flow – arrive 6:30 am.
5/17 and 18 Paddle Green Chimneys. 8 and 10 am launch times. Help is needed with both with registration, waivers, assisting folks in and out of boards, loading boats on and off the truck, help on the river as sweeper.
For any information about the above, or to sign up for any events, or to inquire about our many new VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, please reach out to Jenny Pirc, Volunteer Coordinator (914-629-0597)