How to write references in AP style?

AP LIT, AP US-- Writing style question!?

• Hello everyone, I really hope those who comment have experience with the AP Test. I am confused enough, I don't want any misleading comments. So, I am really confused on how to write a legitimate Ap lit essay versus Ap US DBQ. In AP lit, you prove exactly one point, and you add some style to it. Correct? You can include some relative information, of course, but other than that, it has to be one point. Right? -Assuming in AP lit, you can choose one point to prove, in order for a high grade, the point you prove must be an original thought. By 'original thought' I mean something the graders would have thought of and roll with. Only because if you choose a 'foreign thought' you may be mis-reading the book. Right? >> I mean, that is true-- to an extent. You can't say Pearl from the Scarlet Letter is a demon. Right? >>>>EVEN THOUGH, she is described as unnatural and elfish, she is not a demon to none of the citizens in town, or else they would have hung her. With DBQ's in AP US, I prove at the minimum two points.-- Right? I'm not too worried about the FRQ as with the DBQ. I am trying to get organized in my writing skills, and these tests are almost the opposite, I have to include as much supporting evidence in my DBQ, while in AP Lit I aim at one point with details relative to that one point.-- Right? I continue to get an average of 6's on my essays and honestly, my teacher has only made me more confused in writing. I perceived Raynell from Fences by August Wilson as an embodiment of Troy and my teacher was just like "No, don't write about Raynell being an embodiment of Troy". All I know is that Raynell doesn't come until the end and she is impatient, self-reserved, awkward, and values her Dad by his song and what he says. Yes, she is a child of innocence, and she is a sign of 'new hope'. Sure. But what convinces me that? Nothing, all I know is that Rose told her "A watched pot never boils" and it can be said the same for Troy Maxson. He wanted his offspring to become better, but like him, and he watched them and never saw any yields, so when Cory is kicked out he becomes better. >>I just want to pass my AP Lit exam, and my DBQ. Please, can anyone give me pointers on what exactly I am doing wrong? Also, please clarify if I do need at minimum two points to a DBQ and only one to an AP lit essay. *Sidenote* In an AP Euro DBQ I need at minimum three points to prove, correct? Please, experienced AP people answer this. I need to do well.

• Answer:

  For APUSH, you need only form a single thesis based on the what is asked of you. You're "proving one point" by using the evidence provided to you and outside information that you should already know from your year of learning. For Lit, what you're doing wrong seems to be plot summary. You cannot simply talk about "Raynell being an embodiment of Troy" because the AP grader may have no idea what you're talking about (I sure don't). You have to use a specific story to "prove one point" and include only enough plot to tie in the story with the "point."