One of the scariest things for my AP English students (Lit and Lang) is the time limit on the essays. For me, two hours would NOT have been enough. But it is enough for most. To assuage their fears, I give a two-hour practice exam. Our block classes are 90 minutes, so I just snagged them for 30 minutes from the following period. The principal backs me (as they should as my students miss SO MUCH for band, DECA, etc.--those are important as well, of course.)
Yesterday the students took their two-hour test. As I will not be able to respond to108 essays this weekend, I told them to choose the 2 they'd like me to critique. Every student finished in time. I require that they write 1.5 pages for each essay--which I feel is really not enough for 6/6, but they can get it done in 2 hours. I just gave 20 pts. for completion to also take the pressure off. The goal was to FINISH in time and figure out time management.
Students said they felt MUCH more confident about being able to write the essays on test day after the big practice essay test. I know some teachers have to offer this opportunity on weekends (as something optional). I am lucky. But if you can get them to write the 3 in a row, I think it is A) a confidence booster and B) helpful for figuring out pacing (which essays may take longer...all that).
This all said, the scariest part is actually the multiple choice! I wish I had someone else's advice for that!
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