Blog #15: Final Three-Paragraph Reflection

After completing the first AP English Literature multiple choice test at the beginning of the school year, and receiving the graded scan-tron shortly afterwards, my first realization was that it was covered in little splashes of pink. These magenta slashes mocked me--indicating incorrect answers-- which in turn led to the creation of my goal for the semester: to improve my multiple choice score. Although we did not complete many other multiple choice practice tests through out the semester, I definitely feel as though I still improved these skills. 

          At the beginning of the semester, I had little knowledge of poetry forms as well as identifying tone shifts and effects literary devices had on tone. This is one of the reasons I didn't perform very well on the first multiple choice test of the semester (not to mention the time restriction). However, after reviewing and learning different poetry forms through group poetry presentations as well as practicing identifying tone shifts and writing essays in which we identified effects of literary devices on tone, I feel more comfortable taking multiple choice tests on poetry. Specifically on the last multiple choice test we took, I didn't run out of time so I was able to put an answer for every question, unlike the test from the beginning of the year. 

          As we move into the second semester, a goal I have for myself would be to continue practicing identifying the complexities that lie within pieces of literature, as that is something I sometimes struggle with. For example, on the last practice AP exam we completed, I came up with a thesis statement that touched on the fact a complex attitude existed in the poem at hand, however, I didn't really elaborate on the complexity as I felt it was kind of confusing to identify. Looking back on what we did this semester though, I think the group poetry presentations were very helpful in exposing us to the different poetry forms by allowing us to include creativity in the final product, such as the music video presentation. I also feel as though I did well identifying Mise en Scene elements and comparing/contrasting the novel and film versions of Angela's Ashes and identifying symbolism in my Summer reading novel. I look forward to next semester!