Top 5 Things AP Lang Students Should Know: #4

#4 Analyze  Text


You might be able to do this well already, but it becomes even more crucial. This skill is invaluable, especially when it comes to timed writings. You will learn how to write synthesis, compare/contrast, rhetorical analysis, and other types of essays. And you know what? You'll have to be able to analyze the text you are reading and write a decent essay on the prompt around 40 minutes (Depending on which kind of essay)

Here's a sample of a bad analysis (Divided into 3 parts)

I got a C- on this one 
(To be truthful, I filled the one above during lunch)

Here's a sample of a good analysis (Divided into 3 parts)

I got an A on this one 

How do you get an A? Well, follow these easy steps and you'll be right there!

1. Read the passage, but before that, see when and where it was written. This opens up a lot of ideas, as the writing could reflect thoughts from the era of Romanticism, transcendentalism, etc. A person can be inspired to write because of the events occurring around them.

2. Now pick a sentence or two to analyze. This is when you use your vocab skills! Talk about what the device does, how it is being used, and what it accomplishes.

3. After all that is done, write about what exactly is the point? Usually, the quotation says something beyond the obvious, which is interpreted through your own thoughts. This is often about human nature, societal habits, anything cynical really can be applied here. It's basically the message the author is presenting.

NOTE: The author's argument can be implicit. People are smart, and they are clever. This is shown through their writing! Decipher rhetorical devices, modes, approaches, syntax, and diction! It all means something.

The secret to getting an A is really just about being able to argue and articulate your ideas well. Of course, this is done through analyzing!

Below is an example of a good analysis with an implicit argument...




Don't be afraid of writing essays. After some practice, you'll get the jist of it.
When you see the prompt, say to yourself," CHALLENGE ACCEPTED" and do it!



In all honesty, the analyzing part isn't so important as proving your thesis and sticking to it, but we'll get onto that subject later.

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