Well, let's see...we've learned that it's necessary to know how to annotate, how to study (specifically vocab!), and that everything's an argument. What else could you possibly need for an AP course?
...A ton. But the second most important thing you need to know how to do is form a unique opinion. Think about it; if for nothing else, then for the AP Final Exam. Not everyone will have the same prompt, I'm sure, but there will be more than just you having your prompt. If you don't stand out from the crowd, your essay will turn into some average "meh" work that blends in with everyone else's. You don't want that. At least, I hope you don't...if you're gonna be in an AP class, you should stand out from everyone else, right?
Unique opinions are seriously important. With synthesis prompts (these are ones where you decide why something is "right" or "wrong," and you're given several source types to use to form your outlook), everyone will choose one side or the other. That's the easy way out, even if doesn't seem like it. Think about your every day life. Are things ever really that black and white? Ever? There are probably two or three things that you are entirely for or entirely against. Like politics. But most things? You're somewhere in the middle.
That's what you need to do for your essays. An essay is so much more interesting when a person uses his/her actual opinion. Don't make things black and white; not only is it actually more difficult, but the audience doesn't get as interested. Even if it's for an assignment, I'm sure you don't want people falling asleep while reading it.
So, you're probably thinking, what are you supposed to do if you can't come up with an opinion--there are some things that you just could care less about, right?--or, worse, you're actually dead set for/against the topic?! If you can't come up with an opinion...well...try to think of a way to argue for the opposite of what the source types are saying.
Like, for example...uh...you've got a prompt that asks you to form an opinion on whether the penny should be destroyed or not, right? Okay. So you're reading the sources, and...just about...every...single...article (or picture) seems to be all, "Ohemgee, gais! We soooo need to, liek, keep the penny! It's, liek, so, liek, ttly perfect!" Take a closer look at things (remember, you want to stand out; and if you don't have an opinion, anyway, don't take the easy way out); I guarantee there are sentences that can deter the "positive" argument. Gather a few of those, and voila! You stand out from the crowd, and people aren't falling asleep while reading your essay. Yay, you!
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