AP Lang test experience

Sitting in for the Ap test was at first 'unreal'. We had spent months learning and mastering our skills to take this test. I had to remind myself to remain calm and confident. After my own mental pep talk, I went over a simple check list of things to do for this test. In this prospective, the test didn't seem too difficult. By the end of the test, I felt that I had done my best. I was able to answer all of the questions and I had given myself enough time to check/ re-read my essays. I was able to have well thought out responses.
In preparation for this exam, I could have practiced writing the essays more. During the exam I had to make every effort to be unique in my writing and follow the guidelines given to me. I believe that I could have practiced more so that the essay writing could be easy. I believe that the hardest component of the exam was the time restraint, especially for the multiple choice. There should be more time given-at least 10 more minutes- so that a person can have more 'reading time'.

Descriptive Essay

Her eyes are almond shaped and almond color. Tiny lines grew from the corners of her eyes. Theses lines didn't represent her age but her life. As there were also lines around her smile. Her eyes must have an intimate relationship with her smile because her smiles always reached her eyes. She smiled everyday. She always found something to smile about and tried to share this with everyone. She told stories and jokes that once were funny. But to her they were the funniest. To complement her smile was her skin. Skin that hosted small black stars and skin that was the same rich color as cocoa. My mother always looked radiant. From her skin to her smile and to her eyes, she had a glow. Even her teeth could not compare to her glow. They were the moon and she the sun. At average height, my mother stood tall. She would pull back her shoulders and embrace the day. Each day was a challenge but she knew that she would be victorious. When the sun didn't shine; the day grew cold. She'd hope for a better and brighter tomorrow. She would have to pull herself up. My mother was always good at hiding her conflicts. She would take anything for me. That’s just how she was and who I want to be.

So if money can’t get us much, why do we put it up to the most importance?

Imagine, growing up thousands of years ago. Where there is no written language, no form of currency, but there you are among your tribe. In this tribe you make due with what you have and find simple pleasures in your day to day living. But despite living a rough life, you're content  with family and friends. You seek to protect and grow with your community but on occasion you even spend free time entertaining yourself. In this life, the best things are certainly free.

Many wonder if they could live better lives if having millions to their name. That with extra money, everyday problems could be solved. We can’t help but to think that with money we could be living happier and easier lives. But, the truth is that the best things in life such as entertainment, family and happiness are actually free. It’s up to us to get ahold of what we want and live prosperous.

When visiting my mother’s old home in Dominican Republic, I'm always astonished by how resourceful the people are. They have little money to spend on entertainment. The children make kites out of plastic bags, string and twigs. In participating I realized that it was fun and competitive. It was the best way to get out of the house and to meet other people my age. My cousins informed me of how competitive kite flying can get at times. Nethertheless, it was a fun past time. This tradition passed from generations embodies the idea that in order to have fun and be happy, you don’t need to have money in your pocket.

During times of war, people will prioritize what is most important. Money and luxuries are not vital when put in the perspective that life is short and must be lived to it’s full potential. When there is conflict as seen with the World Wars, people will cling to what they have, which is their family. No matter their socio-economic status, people will make sure that their family is safe. This goes for the soldiers who fought, keeping in mind that they were keeping their family safe by fighting for them in another country. At home, the family will be closer and more intimate as they realize that family can’t be bought and must be cherished at all times. This reiterates the theme that the best thing in life, which for many is family, can’t be bought.

Happiness is sought by many as a means for living. But many believe that happiness can be bought, which is true up to a certain extent. As I learned in Psychology; money will buy happiness until a certain amount of money is obtained. Studies have found that once a person has excessive amounts of money, they’ll start to prioritize money and lose sight of what’s important in their lives such as friends and family. This misplacement of priorities will result in one’s own demise, as they will live in solitude.  This can be seen with lottery winners, as many will spend loads of money living temporary lavish lives and in the end become depressed and remorseful. Happiness like all of the best things in life, can’t be bought with money.

The best things in life are definitely free, as this is the sole reason why these things are valuable. If not, then these things would be feeble and easy to come by, making it pointless. So if money can’t get us much, why do we put it up to the most importance?

Rhetorical Analysis

    Novelist, Mark Twain, in his writing, Corn-Pone Opinions, describes conformity in society. Twain's purpose is to inform his audience of the human tendency to conform without valid reason. Twain uses social-typical example to convey his idea. "A new thing in costume appears--the flaring hoopskirt, for example--and the passers-by are shocked, and the irreverent laugh. Six months later everybody is reconciled: the fashion has established itself: it is admired" (Twain, paragraph 9). Twain presents this social-typical example to emphasize how people will go along with certain fashions just because it's in style. People don't think for themselves but allow conformity to instruct their lives.
    Twain continues to expand his main idea through the use of rhetorical questions. "Do you believe that a tenth part of the people, on either side, had any rational excuse for having an opinion about the matter at all?" (Twain, paragraph 15). Twain uses this rhetorical question to establish that people act without valid reason. People don't act on their own accord, but act under the influence of others.
    I agree with Twain's idea of conformity. People will act based on others. I believe this is closely tied to pop culture. For example, fads such as "Kylie lips" and yeezys are well known and are sought by many. These items are over priced but still many want to buy them because they're trending and have famous names attached to them.

     America, we need to stand for stricter gun control laws. Throughout the country, innocent lives have been taken due to shootings. Charleston, South Carolina is one example where nine church members lost their lives to Dylan Roof. This man was able to purchase his gun because of a clerical error. This shooting happened in 2015 and tells us that mistakes like these are still happening. Since gun laws aren't thorough enough, many more guns will be placed in the wrong hands.   

     On June 12, 2016 in a nightclub named Pulse, there were 49 dead and 53 injured. Omar Mateen killed and injured gay men and women in Orlando. One mother stated, "I'm so sad, I'm just waiting for my visa so I can bring back the body of my son." Her son was Ararena-Montero, a victim from that night. Can you imagine having to go to another country in order to bury your son?

     In my speech, I had followed Zinsser's advice. I had made sure that there wasn't sexism presented. I did this by referring to people as "us." I had also included active verbs. For example the phrase, "We need to stand for stricter gun control laws," was an active phrase that emphasized the need for us to stand against the usage of guns. I had made sure there wasn't contradictions within the speech. I had made my stance clear and to the point.