AP English Literature Essays Must Dos Must Donts

The Essay’s Purpose • The essay is intended to demonstrate your deep, analytical understanding

Thesis and More • Your essay must have a clear thesis. It is stated

DETAILS/COMMENTARY • While you may not be a fan of Jane Shaffer, she was

VERB TENSE • Always use the PRESENT TENSE in literary analysis! • Remember to

QUOTATIONS • DO give them context. Ex. - Lord Henry enticed Dorian, convincing him

DESCRIPTORS • Add meaning to your observations Ex. – In Smith’s poem, the speaker

PERSUADE! • DO persuade! • You must claim something and persuade the reader throughout

CONTRACTIONS • DO NOT USE THEM! USE… • CANNOT • THEY ARE • IT

TOPIC SENTENCES • You must have them! • You cannot use a quotation in

I, ME, MINE • AVOID THEM! • Never reference yourself as the reader. •

Avoid Bologna! • You are wasting my time when you offer only bologna! •

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AP English Literature Essays Must Do’s Must Don’ts

The Essay’s Purpose • The essay is intended to demonstrate your deep, analytical understanding of the text (whether or not it is provided). • The essay must represent your position on the prompt and provide well selected evidence to support that position. • The essay must demonstrate your command of language/vocabulary and your command of constructing an essay.

Thesis and More • Your essay must have a clear thesis. It is stated in the first paragraph along with the hook of the essay. • Your essay must have details/evidence that supports your thesis and all claims made in the text. • Your essay must contain analysis/interpretation of the details/evidence.

DETAILS/COMMENTARY • While you may not be a fan of Jane Shaffer, she was right. • You should have 1 sentence of evidence to 2 sentences of analysis.

VERB TENSE • Always use the PRESENT TENSE in literary analysis! • Remember to avoid any use of the verb “to be” Example: • Dorian Gray makes a deal with the devil, only to regret the exchange of his soul for enduring beauty.

QUOTATIONS • DO give them context. Ex. - Lord Henry enticed Dorian, convincing him his “whole soul” was meant for “only pleasure” (Wilde 12). • DO NOT plop them into the text of your essay for decoration! Ex. - “What a pity it was that such beauty was destined to fade. ” There was discussion by Lord Henry of the value of beauty. ) • DO NOT INTRODUCE THEM OR FOLLOW THEM UP EXPLICITLY. Ex. - The meaning of this quotation is…

DESCRIPTORS • Add meaning to your observations Ex. – In Smith’s poem, the speaker uses tone and literary devices to communicate theme. (THIS PROVIDES NO INSIGHT!) WHAT KIND OF TONE? WHAT KIND OF LITERARY DEVICES? WHAT IS THEME? ? You must avoid being vague!

PERSUADE! • DO persuade! • You must claim something and persuade the reader throughout the essay with evidence and analysis! • Use a minimum of two body paragraphs to persuade the reader! • IT IS CALLED ARGUMENTATION!

CONTRACTIONS • DO NOT USE THEM! USE… • CANNOT • THEY ARE • IT IS • WE ARE • THEY WILL See how easy it is?

TOPIC SENTENCES • You must have them! • You cannot use a quotation in place of a topic sentence! • Be specific and make certain you are building upon your thesis!

I, ME, MINE • AVOID THEM! • Never reference yourself as the reader. • Avoid the use of personal pronouns. SO, AVOID. – I believe; I think; In my opinion; It appears to me

Avoid Bologna! • You are wasting my time when you offer only bologna! • You are wasting your brain when you offer only bologna! • You are wasting educational resources when you offer only bologna! • You are damaging your future when you offer only bologna!