A.P.

ESSAYS
 A.P. Essay Basics
—There are three (one rhetorical analysis/expository
essay, one argumentative essay, and one synthesis
essay)

—You have two hours to complete the essay section

—You have approximately 40 minutes per essay.

—You will need to bring blue or black pens the day of the
test, and you will be told to use pen for your essays.

—

The Importance of the A.P. Essays
—The essay section is worth 55% of your
total score!

—This is the only place in the exam where

your personality -at least to a limited
degree - will shine through to the test
graders

—Use this as an opportunity to show off

what a brilliant and cool writer you
are!!!!

—
How A.P Essays Are Scored
—They are scored on a zero-to-nine scale, with zero
being just that – NADA, BUPKIS, ZILCH, NEIT,
NOTHING!

—Because so many fall within the 4-6 range, you should

shoot for a 7 or higher!

—They are scored HOLISTICALLY! This means the reader

reads it and gets an overall impression, which is
translated into a SINGLE number: zero-to-nine!

—
 What does a reader want to see??

—CLARITY – The essay is clear, well-organized and includes

APT, specific examples.
—NEATNESS – They won’t even know if it has clarity if you do
not make your essay readable!
—INDENT – Indent twice as far as you normally would!
—THE HOOK – Remember, first impressions are key! Once you
get their attention, reel them in!!!!
—PIZZAZZ – Focus on the PIZZA (yum) and not the ZZ (boring).
—EFFORT – No text-messaging symbols or email-style writing!
—
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What does the RUBRIC look like???
Scores 8-9:


—Well-organized, clearly addresses prompt, includes APT

and specific examples.

—When appropriate, these explain elements of rhetorical

strategies, diction, imagery, and point of view.

—Demonstrates an understanding of the passage, concept

and techniques of composition.

—These writers express their ideas skillfully, clearly and

with freshness of expression!