How to Prepare for AP Language Before Taking the Class

Are you planning to take AP Language and Composition and wondering how to prepare ahead of time? This guide offers practical strategies to help you build the skills you'll need to succeed in this challenging and rewarding course. From developing strong reading and writing habits to participating in activities like speech and debate or tackling timed essays, there are countless ways to start preparing today.

Whether you're a bookworm eager to dive into literary analysis or a budding writer looking to fine-tune your persuasive essays, taking proactive steps now can set you up for success. So grab your favorite novel, fire up your laptop, and let’s explore how you can enter AP Language with confidence and enthusiasm!

Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition is typically taken by high school juniors and is one of the most popular AP courses. The class focuses on improving critical reading, analytical thinking, and persuasive writing skills. Students explore rhetoric—the art of effective communication—through essays, speeches, and non-fiction texts.

This is the course’s introduction, according to the College Board:

“We are surrounded by written language that is often used intentionally to achieve a purpose. In AP English Language and Composition, you’ll read nonfiction texts through the eyes of a writer, exploring the choices writers and speakers make to persuade their audience. By analyzing how writing is composed, you’ll be able to construct your own persuasive pieces.”

The course’s curriculum is comprised of nine different academic units of study and emphasizes the following skills:

• Analyzing an author’s argument and rhetorical strategies
• Crafting your own evidence-based arguments
• Developing clear, logical, and engaging writing

In other words—while rigorous, this class isn’t just about preparing for the AP exam; it’s about becoming a confident communicator in school and beyond.

Who doesn’t want that kind of power?

The AP Language and Composition exam is designed to evaluate your ability to read critically, analyze texts, and write under timed conditions. It includes:

• Multiple-choice questions: Testing your skills in reading and comprehension.
• Free-response questions: Three essay prompts requiring analysis, argumentation, and synthesis.

Keep in mind that the exam is now offered digitally, meaning you can use a keyboard if you prefer. This change removes the stress of messy handwriting, allowing you to focus on content. However you test, the exam’s essays are timed, with approximately 40 minutes allocated per essay. This is why developing a solid approach to timed writing is crucial.

Strong research skills are invaluable for crafting evidence-based arguments, a core focus of AP Language. Practice locating reliable sources by exploring academic databases like JSTOR or Google Scholar. Learn how to evaluate credibility and incorporate evidence seamlessly into your writing. These skills will also be useful for the synthesis essay on the AP exam.

You don’t need to wait until the first day of class to start building the foundational skills AP Language requires. Here are practical and engaging ways to get ahead:

• Schoolwork: Dive deeply into assigned readings, focusing on understanding arguments and themes.
• For Fun: Enjoy fun novels, nonfiction, and/or magazines that interest you. Publications like The New Yorker or The Atlantic offer thought-provoking articles that mirror AP-level texts.
• Podcasts: Expand your understanding of rhetoric and argumentation by listening to podcasts or watching TED Talks. These formats allow you to analyze spoken arguments, recognize rhetorical devices, and evaluate the effectiveness of a speaker's delivery. Look for podcasts like The Moth or TED Talks on persuasion and communication.
• Effective Annotation: As you read, underline key phrases, circle unfamiliar words, and jot down notes in the margins. Look for rhetorical devices, shifts in tone, or patterns in the author's argument. These notes will help you engage with texts more critically and prepare for classroom discussions and essays.

• School Assignments: Pay close attention to feedback on essays.
• Just for Fun: Journal about your day, write personal essays, or even pen opinion pieces (aka lengthy rants). The more you write, the better!
• Peer-reviewing essays with classmates or friends can improve your editing and analytical skills. Swap drafts of essays and provide constructive feedback, focusing on clarity, argument structure, and evidence usage. This practice will help you learn to critique your own work more effectively.

• Play word games like Scrabble or apps like Wordle to make vocabulary building enjoyable.
• Keep a journal of new words you encounter and actively use them in your writing.

• Use platforms like Quizlet or Grammarly to practice grammar rules.
• Watch YouTube videos from channels like CrashCourse or KhanAcademy for quick lessons.

• Watch period dramas like Pride and Prejudice, Bridgerton, or adaptations of Shakespearean plays to get accustomed to different styles of English. (Just be careful not to mix up the Hollywood version with the original text in your mind!)

• Look up lyrics to your favorite songs and identify themes, metaphors, or new vocabulary. It’s a creative way to approach textual analysis!

Write timed essays.

Timed essays are the cornerstone of both the AP Language class and the final exam. If you’ve never written under time constraints, the experience can feel intimidating. 

1. Choose a Prompt Find past AP prompts online or use topics from your English class.
2. Set a Timer Allow yourself 35 minutes to write, slightly less than the actual exam’s 40 minutes.
3. Write Without Distractions Don’t stop to edit as you go. Focus on organizing your thoughts and supporting your arguments with evidence.
4. Review Your Work After finishing, read your essay critically. Is your thesis clear? Are your ideas logically organized? Could your evidence be stronger?
5. Repeat the Process Aim to practice at least once a week. Over time, you’ll notice improvements in both your speed and the quality of your writing. Familiarize yourself with multiple-choice questions from past AP Language exams. These questions test your ability to analyze texts and rhetorical strategies quickly. Practice by timing yourself and reviewing why certain answers are correct or incorrect.

Getting involved in extracurricular activities is a fantastic way to strengthen the skills you'll need for AP Language and Composition. These activities not only prepare you academically but also make your high school experience more enriching and fun. Here are some options to consider:

Speech and debate clubs are excellent for honing argumentation and public speaking skills, both of which are essential for AP Language. These activities teach you how to craft persuasive arguments, analyze opposing viewpoints, and articulate your ideas effectively. Plus, participating in competitions provides hands-on experience in structured argumentation.

Competing in essay or creative writing contests can sharpen your ability to write under pressure. Check out opportunities like:

• Scholastic Art & Writing Awards
• Library of Congress Letters About Literature
• Local or school-sponsored essay contests

These competitions push you to write thoughtfully and creatively, often mirroring the types of assignments you’ll encounter in AP Language.

Working on a school newspaper or literary magazine is a fantastic way to practice writing for an audience. Whether you’re reporting on school events or editing peer submissions, these roles help develop your writing, editing, and collaboration skills. Plus, you’ll get to see your name in print as a byline if your work is published, which is pretty cool.

A book club encourages you to read widely and analyze texts critically—skills that will be invaluable in AP Language. You’ll also practice discussing and defending your interpretations, a helpful exercise for classroom debates and essay writing. Don’t forget the snacks.

Model United Nations involves researching global issues, writing position papers, and delivering speeches, all of which are great for strengthening research and communication skills. Crafting persuasive arguments and debating diplomatically mimics the rhetorical techniques you’ll study in AP Language. Not to mention, historical speeches will always help you, as many exam prompts focus on the rhetorical analysis of an important speech.

Helping peers improve their reading and writing skills reinforces your own knowledge. Teaching ensures you understand a concept thoroughly. Volunteer to tutor younger students in English or writing, or assist in running workshops at your school. Explaining concepts to others is one of the best ways to deepen your understanding!

Platforms like Wattpad, Medium, or even fanfiction forums (yes, your favorite fandoms are relevant here!) allow you to publish your writing and get feedback from a broader audience. Engaging in these communities encourages you to refine your writing style while experimenting with new formats.

Not so scary, right?

By participating in these extracurricular activities, you’ll develop essential skills that will give you an edge in AP Language and Composition. Plus, they’ll make your college applications stand out by showcasing your passion for communication and learning.

Taking these steps before your AP Language class begins will set you up for success. By embracing reading, practicing timed essays, and participating in enriching extracurricular activities, you’ll build the critical skills needed to thrive in this challenging course. Whether it's developing analytical thinking, honing persuasive writing, or expanding your vocabulary, these habits will empower you to approach the class with confidence and a strong foundation. You can do this!

At Empowerly, we know how transformative preparation and guidance can be for ambitious students like you. Our expert counselors can help you design a personalized plan to excel in AP courses, strengthen your college-ready writing skills, and prepare for future academic and career milestones. From creating effective study strategies to uncovering extracurricular opportunities that align with your goals, Empowerly is here to help you succeed every step of the way.

Ready to take the next step toward mastering AP Language and building your dream future? Schedule a consultation with us today and unlock your full potential!