As a writing teacher, I’m always on the lookout for supplements that will help my students prepare for college tests and college level writing. When Light Speed Advanced Placement DVDs showed up in my mailbox, I was pleased to have yet another resource to offer to my students.
As most of my writing classes have been middle school and early high school, I’ve not focused that much on AP classes and tests. I researched the topic a little and learned that you can take the tests without taking an AP class. Preparation through books, intense study, and videos like this one will prepare most motivated students for this test. You can read other information about experiences with the AP test from other crew members here. From Light Speed’s website,
The AP* English Language & Composition is one of the most popular AP* exams, with over 335,000 students taking the test in 2009. Students will become equipped with the foundations of rhetorical knowledge and will develop the tools for critical thinking, writing, and analysis. Over 15 pages of study material is added, which makes this AP* prep resource the best yet. Light Speed Advanced Placement videos review the 30 most tested topics, provides tips and strategies on passing the test, and gives insightful advance on writing the short-response answers.
They suggest that you can watch this after taking an AP class to provide review just before the test. For me, this would be a good final review after using any test preparation materials. I did find, however, that the fast pace made it difficult to track at times. It is definitely not a stand alone product. They throw terms and suggestions out so fast that someone who is not familiar with the sections of the test and the concepts covered on it will find it overwhelming. You can view a sample video below.
Since this covers the English Composition test, it primary looks at the three types of essays that students complete during this AP test.
The DVDs are available for $11.24 plus shipping during the spring sales event. With the price of college growing exponentially, any class that you can avoid taking, especially at a lower level will make your cost that much less. Even at the regular price of $14.98, this is an excellent resource that will pay off in the long run. Additional titles in Government, History and Chemistry round out their AP offerings.
