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American Lit question - izzyg - 02-22-2012
Hey guys, I have my American lit Clep next week. Wrapping up reading the Idiots guide, and studied some other material for terminology. Just wondering, for those that have taken the exam, what type of questions did you encounter most? Im really not sure what to expect, are the questions geared more towards facts from the authors lives and literature? Analyzing the meaning of certain works and poems? Any help to get me in the right direction to put the finishing touches on my studying would be great.
Thanks!
American Lit question - Bibby - 02-22-2012
It's basically a reading comprehension test. You'd be smart to brush up on literary terms regarding verse, meter, and so forth, though.
EDIT: Ignore this post - at first I thought you said A&I Literature.
American Lit question - HorseManiac - 02-23-2012
Hi there!
I just took it last month! From what I can remember, there was some analyzing poetry which was a little hard for me. Also, a big thing was knowing the terminology (alliteration, metaphor, simile, etc) which it seems you have studied. I remember some stuff that was fact based about authors or what they said, but like I said there was some stuff where you had to analyze the poetry. I would try some practice tests too before you take it.
Another thing you should do is go to sparknotes.com and read book summaries. It will be very helpful to know the basic storyline of most of the major works that you've studied about in the Idiot's Guide. I know that helped me a lot. Also, go to this website and watch the videos. I found them helpful as well. If you have time you can go to Itunes here and listen to the lectures by Dr. Clark Closser.
Well, hope this helps! Wish I could remember more to help you, but my brain tends to just forget everything as soon as I walk out of the testing center.
Good luck and God bless!
American Lit question - Lyanne - 02-23-2012
You said you're reading the Idiot's Guide...pay attention to any passages quoted in the book. Just knowing who wrote them, recognizing them, and of course know the plot lines of all the major works spotlighted. I read through that book twice, reviewed literary terms, and listened to Dr Clark Closser as mentioned above.
American Lit question - izzyg - 02-23-2012
HorseManiac and Lyanne, Thanks for the input! I need more work on the literary terms I think, I just took a practice test and my strongest area is matching authors with their works, the terminology not so much :/ I'll be sure to check out the links you provided.
Thanks again!
American Lit question - cookderosa - 02-23-2012
I used Idiot's Guide and found it helpful. Definitely check the specific exam feedback section here if you have access. Otherwise, the book you have is "the" book for that test. Have someone quiz you on authors/works/rough dates, you'll find that very helpful!! Your book has a great list inside the front/back cover.