Think critically about the passage, book or section of reading at hand. If your essay is one something other than a written text, still take the time to make observations and formulate ideas. The essence of a good AP essay will consist of the thoughts that you have to contribute and the clarity with which they are presented. You should be able to make insightful observations about the text as well as clearly state a claim and argue to support it. Taking the time to brainstorm about this will allow you to more clearly state your views.
Write a concise thesis statement. Your thesis statement will be the foundational idea from which you will launch the rest of the content of your essay. Your thesis should be declarative, with no "I think" or "My opinion is" preceding the statement. In some instances, it is helpful to pose a question as a thesis statement, merely to get one's thoughts rolling.
Write your introduction, incorporating your thesis statement into it. Your introduction is an opportunity to present the material you plan to discuss and state precisely what it is you will say about it. An AP essay should have an introduction that flows smoothly utilizing proper grammar, punctuation and a sophisticated writing style.
Outline and fill in the body of the essay. The midsection of an essay should include three to five body paragraphs at least. These should be written in a level consistent with a college student. You will be expected to present valid support of your thesis with well-articulated arguments and explanations.
Conclude your essay with a brief paragraph that succinctly restates your thesis and conveys in what way you have proven your point throughout the course of your essay. At an AP level, your argument should be well-supported, your grammar and spelling perfect and your sentence structure sophisticated.
Never write in the first person. In AP essay writing, it is assumed that when the writer speaks, he is speaking from his own perspective. Good arguments will waver when preceded by "I think" or "It could be argued." Strongly state your facts and opinions. This is part of writing an essay at a college level versus the non-AP standard.