AP English Language and Composition Exam
Are you feeling stressed about the upcoming AP English Language and Composition Exam? This test is known for its challenging passages and demanding essays that assess your analytical and writing skills—including your ability to apply the rhetorical triangle and argue a strong position.
Whether you’re a senior revising at the last minute or an underclassman planning ahead, this blog post is your one-stop guide to the AP English Language and Composition Exam. We’ll break down the format, analyze the different essay types, and offer tips to help you write like a pro.
Overview of the AP English Language and Composition Exam
The AP English Language and Composition exam is a standardized test administered by the College Board as part of the AP Program. It assesses your proficiency in reading, analyzing, and writing about non-fiction texts. The exam tests your understanding of literary concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to analyze texts and develop written arguments based on your interpretations.
AP English Language and Composition Exam Format
The AP English Language and Composition exam assesses your skills in analyzing and writing about non-fiction texts. The entire exam lasts 3 hours and 15 minutes, divided into two sections: multiple choice and free response.
| Section | Duration | Question type | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | 60 minutes | 45 multiple-choice questions:Reading: 2 passages, 23–25 questionsWriting: 3 passages, 20–22 questions | 45% |
| Section 2 | 2 hours and 15 minutes | 3 free-response questions:Synthesis EssayRhetorical Analysis EssayArgument Essay | 55% |
Part 1: Multiple Choice (45 questions, 45% of the score)
This section assesses your reading comprehension and writing skills across various nonfiction texts. It’s divided into two parts:
- Reading (23–25 questions): Analyze and answer questions based on the provided nonfiction excerpts. This section tests your ability to understand the meaning, purpose, and key points of informational text.
- Writing (20–22 questions): You will be asked to read like a writer and evaluate revisions to existing nonfiction text. This section assesses your critical thinking skills and ability to identify effective writing techniques.
Part 2: Free Response (3 questions, 55% of the score)
This section (with a separate 15-minute reading period) requires written responses showing your analytical and writing abilities in three areas:
- Synthesis (1 question): Read and analyze 6–7 texts (including visual and quantitative data) on a single topic. Then, write an argument that integrates and cites at least 3 sources to support your thesis statement.
- Rhetorical Analysis (1 question): Analyze a nonfiction text, focusing on how the author’s language choices shape the meaning and purpose of the writing.
- Argument (1 question): Develop an evidence-based argument in response to a specific prompt. Show your ability to construct a logical argument supported by relevant examples and reasoning.
How is the AP English Language and Composition Exam Scored?
AP English Language scores are reported on a 5-point scale, ranging from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). While colleges typically look for a 4 or 5 for awarding credit, some colleges might grant credit for a score of 3 as well. It’s important to remember that AP exams are curved each year, so the exact score distribution can vary. Here’s a breakdown of how AP English Language students performed on the May 2022 exam:
| Score | Meaning | Percentage of Test Takers |
| 5 | Extremely qualified | 10.40% |
| 4 | Well qualified | 21.10% |
| 3 | Qualified | 24.20% |
| 2 | Possibly qualified | 29.80% |
| 1 | No recommendation | 14.50% |
Source: College Board
When is the AP English Language and Composition Exam?
The AP English Language and Composition exam is scheduled for Wednesday, May 8th, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. local time. This falls within the second week of the entire AP testing period, which runs from May 6th to May 17th.
AP English Language and Composition Past Exam Questions
Here are some practice questions from the 2023 AP English Language and Composition Exams to help you prepare for the test. And if you’d like even more practice with past-year question papers, you can find additional resources on AP Central.
| Questions | Scoring | Samples and Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Free-Response Questions – Set 1Free-Response Questions – Set 2 | Scoring Guidelines Set -1Scoring Guidelines Set – 2Chief Reader Report – Set 1Chief Reader Report – Set 2Scoring Statistics – Set 1Scoring Statistics – Set 2Score Distributions | Sample Responses Q1 Set – 1Sample Responses Q1 Set – 2Sample Responses Q2 Set – 1Sample Responses Q2 Set – 2Sample Responses Q3 Set – 1Sample Responses Q3 Set – 2 |
5 Tips to Ace Your AP English Language and Composition Exam
1. Become an avid reader (especially non-fiction)
The exam focuses heavily on your ability to analyze different writing styles. Try to expose yourself to a variety of non-fiction sources, like news articles, essays, and opinion pieces. Practice close reading, where you actively analyze the author’s purpose, tone, and use of rhetorical devices.
2. Master the art of argument
A large portion of the exam is based on argumentative writing. Hone your ability to craft a strong thesis statement, support your claims with evidence, and effectively counter opposing viewpoints.
3. Practice makes perfect
Don’t just read about argumentative writing; practice it. Regularly write essays that respond to prompts similar to those found on the AP exam. Focus on different essay types like synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and original argument.
4. Learn about rhetorical devices
Understanding and being able to identify rhetorical devices like metaphors, similes, and parallelism will be crucial for the multiple-choice section and analytical writing. Flashcards can be a great tool to memorize these terms.
5. Analyze model essays
The College Board releases practice exams and scored student essays. Use these resources to see what high-scoring essays look like in terms of structure, argumentation, and analytical depth. This will help you refine your writing approach.
From the Desk of Yocket
The AP English Language and Composition exam challenges you with complex texts and refines your analytical and writing skills. Scoring well can grant you college credit and potentially lighten your college workload. The exam’s focus on rhetoric prepares you to critically evaluate the information you come across throughout your life.
However, the AP English Language and Composition exam also has drawbacks. The pressure to perform well can cause stress for some students. Because the exam emphasizes specific analytical approaches, it might not fully capture the nuances of all writing styles. Additionally, the focus on college credit can overshadow the intrinsic value of becoming a more effective reader and communicator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the format of the AP English Language and Composition Exam?
The AP English Language and Composition exam is divided into two sections: multiple choice and free response. The multiple-choice section tests your reading comprehension and analytical skills with passages and questions. The free-response section requires you to write three essays analyzing different source materials.
What skills are tested on the AP English Language and Composition exam?
The AP exam focuses on your ability to analyze written text, identify rhetorical devices, and write well-supported arguments. You’ll need to demonstrate your understanding of authorial intent, audience awareness, and effective writing techniques.
How long is the AP English Language and Composition exam?
The AP English Language and Composition exam is three hours and fifteen minutes long. The multiple-choice section is one hour, and the free-response section allows two hours and fifteen minutes for writing three essays. There’s also a recommended reading period before the essay writing portion.
How can I prepare for the AP English Language and Composition exam?
There are many resources available to prepare for the AP English Language and Composition exam, including practice tests, review books, and online courses. You should focus on building your analytical reading skills, understanding rhetorical devices, and practicing strong essay writing with clear arguments and well-developed evidence.