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AP ENGLISH
LANGUAGE AND
COMPOSITION

AP English Language and Composition Exam - Overview

             The AP English Language and Composition Exam will test your understanding of the literary concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to analyze texts and develop written arguments based on your interpretations.
 


Exam Duration
3hrs 15mins



AP English Language and Composition Exam – The Structure 

             This test has two sections like all other AP exams out there – the multiple-choice section and the free-response section (rhetorical analysis questions that will put your rhetorical talents to the test.
 

You can expect to get the following kinds of essays in the examination: 

  • You have to develop an argument by synthesizing many texts in one essay. 

  • One essay in which you have to examine the rhetorical structure of a nonfiction passage.

  • You have to respond to a prompt with a unique argument in one essay.



Exam Format

Section I: Multiple Choice - 45 Questions | 1 hour | 45% of Exam Score

             Includes 5 sets of questions:

  • 23–25 Reading questions that ask students to read and analyze nonfiction texts.

  • 20–22 Writing questions that ask students to “read like a writer” and consider revisions to stimulus texts.
     

Section II: Free Response - 3 Questions | 2 hours 15 minutes (Includes a 15-minute reading period) | 55% of Exam Score

             Students write essays that respond to 3 free-response prompts from the following categories:
 

Synthesis Question: After reading 6–7 texts about a topic (including visual and quantitative sources), students will compose an argument that combines and cites at least 3 of the sources to support their thesis.
 

Rhetorical Analysis: Students will read a nonfiction text and analyze how the writer’s language choices contribute to the intended meaning and purpose of the text.
 

Argument: Students will create an evidence-based argument that responds to a given topic.



AP English Language and Composition Exam – Scoring
           AP English Language and Composition Exams are scored based on the guidelines given by the College Board.



AP English Language and Composition Exam – Credit

             Just like all other AP exams, this exam is scored on a scale of 1 to 5. If you have a score of 3 or above in the exam, you qualify for university credit or advanced placement. All of this depends on the policy that your desired college or university has for AP exams. 



Tips To Prepare Well for AP English Language and Composition Exam
 

  • First, understand what your strengths and weaknesses are. Conduct many tests at home and measure your progress. Work on the areas you feel you are underconfident.  

  • You can download the AP English Language Cram Chart PDF to cover every topic that can appear in the AP English Language and Composition examination or create your own review materials from the College Board classroom resources. Aside from that, you can also try looking for other resources online like Barron’s. This way, you will have better preparation before the primary test day. 

  • Build a study plan and allow the most time for the complex subjects. Practice the essay as much as you can. Solve many questions and practice writing. This will help you get confident for the AP examination.  

  • Study with your friends and solve questions together to make your study time fun. This will keep you engaged with your studies for a long time. 

  • Try to memorize all the rhetorical devices. However, if you have less time, focus on only the important ones in the previous year’s sample papers.    



What To Bring During the AP English Language and Composition Exam?
 

  1. Two No. 2 pencils. They are sufficiently dark, and you will need them to answer the multiple-choice questions.

  2. Eraser is also important to make corrections. 

  3. Black and blue ink pens are also essential as you need them to write the free-response answers. Ensure to bring extra in case you need it. 

  4. Bring a watch as well. This will help you keep track of time. Also, if you are running slow, the watch will help you increase your writing pace. 

  5. The examiner will provide an AP Student Pack. Do not forget to bring it in the hall as you have to place it on your paper. 

  6. Government ID is also required. This is because the examiner will check the ID for verification purposes. 

  7. If you need extra accommodation, you must bring the Student Accommodation Letter. 

 

Conclusion

             Hopefully, the guide has helped provide you with all the details related to the AP English Language and Composition examination. Before the exam date, you can go through this guide to learn more about the test and how to study for the AP English language and composition exam effectively. Good luck!

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