<p>So here’s the official AP Lang 2009 discussion thread. I really need some tips as far as the writing goes for the essays. If anyone can make a comprehensive or even short response to how to write 9 essays, that would be awesome.</p>
<p>I’ve always been a pretty good essay writer, so I’m going to have to figure out what I do…</p>
<ol>
<li>Bedazzle your beginning! Some people can pull out using the old “‘Blah blah blah,’ John F. Kennedy once said on the topic of courage. Courage is what we see in the novel…” I think it’s dry. Look at magazine articles to get an idea of a good beginning; their job is to get your attention. </li>
<li>Relate your beginning to the end. Make it full-circle. If you begin comparing the novel to xyz, end with a similar comparison. I don’t like the method of making this a one-sentence deal like I tend to see; I make the entire conclusion a metaphor.</li>
<li>Mix up the usual structure. I don’t agree with those books that say “5-paragraph-method is BAD!” and I don’t agree with the “5-paragraph method is AMAZING!” Sort of depends on you. I keep with the 5-paragraph method, but I vary lengths, move things out of order, and so on. </li>
<li>If you can choose your own book or stand on something, pick something you love. “The Great Gatsby” is one of my all-time favorite books. I memorize pages out of it. I sleep with it under my pillow. I thoroughly enjoy talking about it and writing about it. Therefore, I tend to use it when I can.</li>
<li>Develop a love of ____. Know you have to analyze poetry? Read up on some, as well as its critiques. Someone else may have a better idea of the time periods most of these poems tend to come from, but focus on the era you think you’ll have to read.</li>
<li>If you’ve done practice tests, ask to see the essay of someone who got a 9. Look online for examples. Find a way to read good writing.</li>
</ol>
<p>As you can see, most of that was personal opinion. I can say it works for me, but I can’t guarantee it helps everyone.</p>