AP English Reflection Essay

Earning a 5 on the AP English Language and Composition Exam was my most memorable experience in English. The test required three hours of multiple choice questions and timed essays, and it left me feeling both exhausted and validated. While passing the test was a serious accomplishment, it was not an isolated act. Much of my growth and success came before the exam, rather than after it. I attribute my score to a year of hard work and learning in my AP English class, which greatly enriched my life.
My biggest accomplishment in AP English was strengthening my essay writing skills. As I practiced analyzing passages and writing essays in only forty minutes, I watched my writing turn from being competent to more eloquent. Initially, this shortened time frame posed a significant challenge for me. In the past, I had spent days on editing and rewording my essays, but while preparing for the AP test, I no longer had that luxury. Instead, I worked to fine-tune my word choice and analyzing skills so I did not need additional time. Through bimonthly vocabulary tests,
I learned words that allowed me to express my ideas more effectively. I stopped using a thesaurus to find better words during my essays and instead relied on my expanding vocabulary. As I wrote without thesauruses, without spell check, and without unlimited time, I developed confidence in my own writing skills. These experiences prepared me for success on the AP test and helped improve my writing.
While analyzing literary techniques in AP English, I developed my own personal writing style.
I was particularly intrigued by the use of ethos, pathos, and logos in persuading others, so I began to incorporate these techniques into my own writing and speaking. Appealing to an audience’s emotions, I learned, was something I enjoyed and did successfully. This has become a large part of my writing experience—I enjoy poetry, persuasive writing, and even heartfelt conversations that allow me to express my feelings and connect with others. Outside of this technique, I learned that I gravitate towards longer sentences, academic diction, and subtle sarcasm. Through my self-exploration in AP English, I solidified my voice and became more comfortable with writing. My unique style helped me pass the AP test, and it has been useful this year as I take AP English Literature and continue to write and speak in my everyday
life.
By the time I encountered the AP test in May, my reading, writing, and speaking had been transformed through my AP English experiences. I enjoyed showcasing my unique voice in the essays, especially the third one. The prompt asked students to evaluate the value of using polite phrases, such as, “How are you?” or, “Let’s stay in touch.” Although I had been largely focused on the writing and reading aspects of English, this essay allowed me to also consider the impact that spoken English can have. It brought me back to specific experiences where others’ words have shaped me. As I organized my thoughts into an essay, I realized that I love English because of the epiphanies or perspective changes that I have while writing. Ultimately, while I earned a 5 on the AP test, I also gained a year’s worth of knowledge that was equally as valuable.