In this video, I explore how I like to drill the released AP Literature and Composition free-response essays. 

You can find all the released essay prompts with samples on their website (I'm a link!).

Here's a basic list of the timings I like to use and when I use them:

10 min - Practice annotation, theme identification, and getting accustomed to the prompts themselves

15 min - Same as 10 min, but students should be able to formulate a solid thesis and identify examples that they would use throughout their essay

30 min - Full practice run through the exam; perfect for Q3 (open response), but not enough time for Q1 and Q2. This may help remove a student's 'filter.'

45 min - Perfect for Q1 and Q2; most accurate representation of the time constraint the day of the AP exam

60 min - Perfect for in-class testing situations and allowing students to use a word list (like academic verbs, descriptors, transitions) to help improve their writing