Search this site
Embedded Files
Advanced Placement
  • Home
  • AP Courses
    • Art & Design
    • Biology
    • Calculus AB
    • Chinese Language
    • Computer Science Principles
    • English Language
    • English Literature
    • Human Geography
    • Macroecomics
      • Microeconomics
    • Physics I
    • Psychology
    • Spanish Language
    • Spanish Literature
    • Statistics
    • US History
    • World History
  • AP Classroom
  • Resources
    • AP Credit Policy Search
    • Collegeboard Scholarship
  • Performance
  • Parents
  • Contact
  • Teachers
Advanced Placement
  • Home
  • AP Courses
    • Art & Design
    • Biology
    • Calculus AB
    • Chinese Language
    • Computer Science Principles
    • English Language
    • English Literature
    • Human Geography
    • Macroecomics
      • Microeconomics
    • Physics I
    • Psychology
    • Spanish Language
    • Spanish Literature
    • Statistics
    • US History
    • World History
  • AP Classroom
  • Resources
    • AP Credit Policy Search
    • Collegeboard Scholarship
  • Performance
  • Parents
  • Contact
  • Teachers
  • More
    • Home
    • AP Courses
      • Art & Design
      • Biology
      • Calculus AB
      • Chinese Language
      • Computer Science Principles
      • English Language
      • English Literature
      • Human Geography
      • Macroecomics
        • Microeconomics
      • Physics I
      • Psychology
      • Spanish Language
      • Spanish Literature
      • Statistics
      • US History
      • World History
    • AP Classroom
    • Resources
      • AP Credit Policy Search
      • Collegeboard Scholarship
    • Performance
    • Parents
    • Contact
    • Teachers

English Language

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

Prepare for Your Exam

Practice Tests

What is PrepSTEP? | PrepSTEP tutorial playlist

Digital Practice

Practice with sample questions in the digital testing application

About the Exam

Section 1: Multiple Choice

45 questions | 1hr | 45% of Score


Excerpts from nonfiction texts are accompanied by several multiple-choice questions:

  • 23–25 Reading questions: You’ll be asked to read and analyze nonfiction texts.

  • 20–22 Writing questions: You’ll be asked to read like a writer and consider revisions to the text.


Section 2: Free Response 

3 questions | 2hrs 15mins | 55% of Score


The 2 hour and 15 minute time limit for this section includes a 15-minute reading period.

In the free-response section, you’ll respond to three questions with written answers. This section tests your skill in composition in three areas:

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

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

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

Report abuse
Page details
Page updated
Report abuse