Familiarize yourself with the genres and general works of an assortment of prolific authors. Review the authors you have studied both during your lower school years and in college. Often, candidates are asked to answer questions that demonstrate their understanding of these literature pioneers. A review of these individuals will prepare you for this task.
Study the works that make up the literary canon. While you can't read all of the prominent works ever written, you can review the basic plot structures and themes inherent in each. By doing this, you can ensure that you are ready to face questions regarding each of these works should one appear on your exam. Start this study by reviewing a list of reading suggestions for college-bound students or an American Library Association list of Banned or Challenged Classics.
Learn the dates and characteristics associated with an assortment of literary periods. Create a literary timeline, starting with the advent of writing and moving through the literary periods to contemporary time. Explore the commonalities found in works belonging to each of these eras along with the dates that each era encompasses.
Study basic grammatical structures. Review the terms associated with basic grammar, including parts of speech and sentence types along with grammatical parts that make up standard sentences. This vocabulary is necessary to effectively educate students on sentence formation, and as such will likely be tested on your exam.
Explore an assortment of remediation techniques that you could use to assist learners. Many exams of this type require candidates to explain how they would assist students in overcoming reading or writing difficulties. Review ways in which you could accomplish these tasks and prepare to explain each technique should you be called upon to present an education plan on your exam.