The Critical Reader: AP English Language and Composition Edition

by Erica L. Meltzer

PLEASE The current version of this book is aligned with the 2019 exam; the 2020 test is changing, and the updated version of this item will be available in February. The Critical AP® English Language and Composition Edition provides a comprehensive review of all the reading and writing skills tested on this exam. Includes a complete chapter dedicated to each multiple-choice reading question and essay type, as well as dozens of exercises that allow students to practice each concept individually. In addition, sample essays accompanied by detailed scoring analyses demystify the College Board rubric and help students master the components necessary to produce a high-scoring response.

251 pages, Paperback

Published April 6, 2017

Reviews

[Franky · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I particularly like about this AP Language prep book is that it differentiates itself from so many others is that it goes very much in depth in separating the types of questions for multiple choice and zeros in on that type specifically (for instance, it breaks multiple choice questions into sub categories such as purpose questions, main idea questions, footnote questions, tone questions, etc.). Meltzer uses excerpts from longer passages to help students narrow in on that type of question. In a larger sense, the book offers suggestions on handling the entire reading passages for multiple choice and looking for the “big picture.” For example, one common mistake from students is mistaking topic and main point vs. primary purpose (which is not necessarily the same thing). Another helpful point Meltzer shares is how to look for shifts that reveal the author’s purpose/attitude toward their subject/topic (using Graff’s “They Say, I Say” approach).

On a side note, starting this next year, the format to some of the multiple choice questions will change a little, but there is still solid advice on ways to approach challenging reads that are helpful for the student in prepping for the AP Language exam.

The final portions of the book gives some solid advice on the three types of AP Language essays (Synthesis, Analysis, Argumentative) as well as model essays and how to approach writing these.

Overall, this was a very helpful guide that is very helpful for any student who is taking AP Language and Composition in the upcoming year.