AP Lang

AP Language and Comp

AP Language and Composition is a writing class equivalent to Freshman Composition or Composition 101 in College. In AP Lang students learn how to read closely, identify and evaluate an author's argument, claims, and supporting evidence, and learn how to develop their own argument claims and use supporting evidence in their arguments. Rhetoric and basic rhetorical analysis is the foundation of the class.

Why Take AP?

Students enrolled in AP Lang learn to think critically, evaluate arguments, consider multiple perspectives, and work throughout the course to strengthen their writing and composition skills.

Students who choose to take the AP Exam have the opportunity to earn college credit, but it is not just about earning that qualifying score. Students in AP Lang learn how to ask deeper questions and search for answers. They learn research skills and how to take multiple perspectives into consideration, and integrate those perspectives into their writing.

For students wanting to earn college credit, different colleges and universities have different policies. Generally, community colleges offer credit for students earning a score of 3 or above, while many universities require students to earn a score of 4 or higher to earn credit. For more information, see the College Board's AP Credit policy.

The AP Exam

The AP Lang and Composition exam consists of two sections: a one-hour multiple choice exam with questions on reading comprehension and writing strategies, and the essay portion of the test where students have two hours and 15 minutes to read the prompts and to write three essays -- each with a distinct focus.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Students are given an excerpt of an essay or speech and must write an essay evaluating the author's argument and use of rhetorical devices and strategies. We spend the entire course learning how to identify, analyze, and evaluate the rhetorical choices an author makes and how those choices help the author connect to his/her audience.

Synthesis Essay

Students are given a packet of 6 articles on a particular topic or question. Previous questions have asked students to evaluate the benefits of wind turbines or the factors that must be considered when establishing a monument. Students must then create their own argument that answers the prompt and use information and statistics from 3+ of the articles to support their position.

Argument Essay

The most open-ended of the three essays, the argument essay asks students to take a position on the assigned topic or respond to a quotation. Students must support their position with information that they are able to pull from memory. In an argument essay, the strength of the evidence drives the essay. Students are able to use historical evidence, current events, scientific evidence, statistics, expert opinion, and personal anecdotes (if relevant) to build strong claims and defense for their argument.

The three essays combined make up 55% of the students' AP Exam score. The multiple choice score is 45% of the AP Exam score.

For more information, see the AP Lang Course Page.

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