ESSAY WRITING PRO TIPS

The AP Language and Composition exam is one of the most challenging tests for high school students aiming to demonstrate their writing prowess and analytical thinking. The free-response section features three distinct essays: the Synthesis Essay, the Rhetorical Analysis Essay, and the Argumentative Essay. Each has its own purpose and demands, so knowing the best order to tackle them can make all the difference in your performance.

In this article, we’ll break down the reasoning behind different approaches to the order, explore strategies to maximize your score, and provide practical tips. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, Essay Writing Pro Tips is here to offer professional guidance for crafting essays that impress graders.

Understanding the AP Lang Essays

Before discussing the order, let’s briefly review each essay type:

1. Synthesis Essay

• Purpose: Use provided sources to craft an argument in response to a given prompt.
• Skills Required: Source integration, critical thinking, and argumentation.
• Challenges: Balancing your voice with the cited material and managing time effectively.

2. Rhetorical Analysis Essay

• Purpose: Analyze how an author’s rhetorical strategies achieve a specific purpose.
• Skills Required: Close reading, identification of rhetorical devices, and precise analysis.
• Challenges: Staying focused on analysis instead of summary.

3. Argumentative Essay

• Purpose: Build and defend your argument on a topic without relying on provided sources.
• Skills Required: Logical reasoning, persuasive language, and clarity.
• Challenges: Staying organized and developing a strong thesis under time pressure.

What Order Should You Write the Essays In?

The order in which you write the essays largely depends on your strengths, time management skills, and comfort with each type of essay. Here are some common strategies:

Strategy 1: Synthesis → Rhetorical Analysis → Argumentative (Recommended)

• Why It Works:
  1. Synthesis first allows you to leverage the provided sources while your mind is fresh. It’s often the most time-consuming essay.
  2. Rhetorical Analysis comes second since it requires close attention to the author’s language but doesn’t demand the same level of argument development.
  3. Argumentative last is ideal because it allows you to end with your voice and reasoning, potentially making it a strong finish if you’ve run out of steam for heavy source analysis.

Strategy 2: Rhetorical Analysis → Argumentative → Synthesis

• Why It Works:
  1. Starting with Rhetorical Analysis gets the close-reading-heavy task out of the way first.
  2. Moving to the Argumentative Essay next means you don’t need to rely on sources, which can be freeing after analysis.
  3. Ending with Synthesis gives you time to organize ideas, especially if it’s your weaker essay type.

Strategy 3: Argumentative → Synthesis → Rhetorical Analysis

• Why It Works:
  1. Starting with the Argumentative Essay can be energizing as you dive straight into your ideas.
  2. Tackling Synthesis second helps you switch to using evidence after establishing your writing flow.
  3. Saving Rhetorical Analysis for last is best if you’re most comfortable with it and can quickly identify rhetorical strategies.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Order

1. Your Strengths

• If you’re strong in rhetorical analysis, you might start with it to boost confidence.
• If you struggle with synthesis, consider starting fresh with this essay to avoid rushing later.

2. Time Management

• Allocate 40 minutes per essay, with 5-10 minutes for planning.
• Stick to the timeline for each essay to avoid sacrificing your score on the final one.

3. Comfort Level

• If you feel overwhelmed by the sources in synthesis, starting with the easier argumentative essay might help you get into the zone.

4. Energy Levels

• The AP exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Starting with your most mentally demanding essay (often synthesis) ensures you tackle it while still fresh.

Pro Tips for Writing AP Lang Essays

1. Plan Before You Write

Take 5-10 minutes to plan each essay. For synthesis, organize your sources and outline your argument. For rhetorical analysis, annotate the text for rhetorical devices. For argumentative, brainstorm examples and organize your ideas.

2. Stick to the Prompt

Make sure each essay answers the specific question posed in the prompt. Straying off-topic will cost you points.

3. Practice Time Management

Practice writing essays under timed conditions to ensure you can stick to the allotted 40 minutes per essay on test day.

4. Refine Your Thesis

A strong thesis is critical for all three essays. It should be specific, clear, and arguable.

How Essay Writing Pro Tips Can Help

Crafting AP Lang essays requires precision, critical thinking, and practice. At Essay Writing Pro Tips, we offer services designed to take the stress out of essay writing:

• Custom Practice Essays: Get personalized essay prompts and professionally written examples to prepare for your exam.
• Expert Feedback: Submit your practice essays for detailed feedback and guidance to improve your writing.
• Time-Saving Assistance: Struggling with deadlines? Let us craft high-quality essays for you.

With our help, you can approach the AP Lang exam with confidence and achieve the score you’re aiming for.

Final Thoughts

So, what order should you write the AP Lang essays in? While the recommended order is Synthesis → Rhetorical Analysis → Argumentative, the best choice depends on your strengths and strategy. Whatever order you choose, remember to plan ahead, manage your time, and stay focused on the task at hand.

Need help mastering the art of essay writing? Contact Essay Writing Pro Tips today, and let’s ace that AP Lang exam together!