Taking English multiple-choice tests makes me feel really frustrated. I’m currently in my senior year, enrolled in AP English, and I want to start preparing early for the exam in May. The class itself is manageable, but the tests—especially the multiple-choice section—really trip me up. I consider myself a solid A-B student, and I’ve been doing well academically. I’ve been in AP English for two years now (last year in AP English 11 and now in English 12), but I still feel so stuck.
Last year, I took the exam and received a score of 1, which left me feeling embarrassed. It’s not just the past two years; I’ve struggled with practice tests ever since middle school and consistently score low. I know it’s just practice and that everyone has their struggles, but I can’t shake the feeling of inadequacy. I find it hard to concentrate and truly understand the passages. Sometimes, I don’t grasp what the questions are asking, which leads me to second-guess my answers.
I try hard to read both the passage and the questions carefully, making sure I manage my time well, but it often doesn’t help. I’ve even attempted to read the questions before tackling the passage, but I usually struggle to remember the details. The types of questions I find most challenging are the rhetorical ones—I only know basic concepts like similes, metaphors, and irony.
I just needed to vent a bit. If you have any tips on how to handle multiple-choice sections in English, I would really appreciate your advice. Thank you!
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by multiple choice tests, especially in a challenging subject like AP English. First, remember that you’re not alone in feeling this way—many students struggle with standardized tests, and it doesn’t define your intelligence or worth.
Here are a few tips that might help you improve your performance on the multiple choice sections:
Practice Active Reading: When you read a passage, try to engage with it actively. Take notes in the margins, highlight key points, or summarize each paragraph in a sentence or two. This will help you retain information and clarify your understanding.
Understand Rhetorical Devices: Since you mentioned struggling with rhetorical questions, it might be helpful to spend some time reviewing common rhetorical devices and their effects. You could create flashcards or use online resources to familiarize yourself with terms like ethos, pathos, logos, and various figurative language. Understanding how authors craft their arguments can help you respond to questions more confidently.
Practice Summarizing: After reading a passage, try to summarize it in your own words. This will help reinforce what you’ve read and make it easier to answer questions related to the main ideas.
Eliminate Wrong Answers: When you’re unsure about a question, start by eliminating the answers that you know are wrong. Even if you can’t find the right answer immediately, narrowing down your choices can increase your chances of guessing correctly.
Timed Practice: Since time can be a factor in these tests, try practicing under timed conditions. This will help you get used to pacing yourself, so you can allow enough time for each question without feeling rushed.
Take Care of Yourself: Don’t forget to manage stress and take care of your mental health. Make sure you have a good study routine and allow yourself breaks. Sometimes, stepping away for a while can help clear your mind.
Seek Help: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your teachers or classmates for extra help or clarification on topics you find difficult. They might have insights or strategies that you haven’t considered.
Lastly, remember that improving takes time. Celebrate your efforts and progress, no matter how small, and try to be kind to yourself throughout the process. You’ve got this!