(At least in our opinion.)
In order to have an understanding of the Free-Response Essay, remember to follow these tips.
Time frame (approximately 40 minutes):
- 2-3 minutes to work the prompt (find synonyms, underline key words, brainstorm and understand what you have to write about.)
- 3-5 minutes to choose the book (only ONE book)
- 10 minutes to prepare to write (outline)
- 20 minutes to write essay
- 2 minutes to proof read
- Avoid plot summary.
- Be concise, don’t prolong what you are getting to, and clear.
- Avoid repetition.
- Avoid long introductions and long conclusions (write a longer introduction than a longer conclusion)
When writing the free response essay the most important thing to keep in mind is your familiarity with your book of choice. The difference between a level 3 and 4 essay lies in your ability to recall those extra details that show a profound understanding of college level texts. It is helpful to connect the theme of the novel to the literary techniques. This will help you understand the book further.
The theme can help recall the events that fueled the novel's conflict, thus understanding the most important details in which the prompt would most likely ask for.
INTRO:
a) Address 1st part of the question.
b) Address 2nd part of the question.
c) Address 3rd part of the question.
BODY:
a) Exposition/Plot Summary
b) Answer 2nd part of question
c) Answer 3rd part of question
BODY 2-4:
A) Add on to 2nd part of question use different insights
B) Add on to 3nd part of question use different insights
Conclusion
A) Answer 1st part of question
B) recap 2nd part of question with closing insights
C) recap 3rd part of question with closing insights
Analytical Focus
In order to maximize your score in the free response essay section, it is best to work with the most flexible literary techniques and devices. When choosing a technique keep in mind that you want to leave your reader knowing something new about the book of your choosing. With this in mind the best literary techniques are the ones that are open to various interpretations; this way you can leave your reader questioning his or her knowledge of the book without having to worry about having presented a skewed or incorrect analysis of the text.
Demonstrating an acute understanding of devices such as Symbolism and Imagery can make an essay break through that Level Four barrier. For example, Symbolism requires a reader to know the basics behind the various symbols in a book; however the complexity that you choose to explain these symbols with reflects on your abilities as a reader and writer.
Furthermore, if you are extremely confident in your reading and writing skills it is advised to try using point of view, however, only the bold should use this device as it is easily the most “High risk/High reward” gamble one can use. Only veterans of English literature should attempt to write about point of view.
However, if you do not feel confident with your analysis on your book; your best bet is to write about devices that cannot be argued because they are fact as opposed to analysis, Theme and Tone are examples of simple devices that are not only easy to recall from the text, but can make your essay stand out as a level four if explained correctly. It’s hard to argue with the fact that Edger Allan Poe’s tone is utterly depressing.
Keep acknowledging the prompt as you write your essay.
Don’t lose the main focus. Try to understand most if not all literary elements in and out as you go through the essay. Past Free Response prompts have been about characterization, symbolism, and constant reference to how a certain thing relates to the work “as a whole”. Remember to monitor your time carefully. You only have 40 minutes to complete this section.
GLHF.
