Writing Tips

1. Don't flatter, wax poetic, or languish praise upon the text you've read. When you say something about how "amazing" the poem was, an AP reader thinks you sound disingenuous and indicates that you lack precise words to analyze and discuss the poem.

2. Don't use a word unless you know how to use it and what it really means. So, don't say ironic when you mean sarcastic.

3. DO pre-write, outline, and generally sketch out your thoughts BEFORE you begin your essay. The more organized and clear you are about what you will say, the better your essay will flow and the more sense it will make.

4. Remember that paragraphs need topic sentences. Topic sentences should come from a clear thesis statement. Your essays should not feel like journals or thoughts on paper. They should sound formal and well thought out.

5. Don't preach. No one wants to read platitudes, aphorisms, or sermons. Instead we want to read how the author achieves something and what that something has to do with a universal question (perhaps the human dilemma).