AP Language & Composition

INTRODUCTION

The AP English Language & Composition (aka AP Lang) course focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise. Students evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. Additionally, they read and analyze rhetorical elements and their effects in nonfiction texts—including images as forms of text— from a range of disciplines and historical periods. 

COURSE PATHWAY

You must have pass English II to take this course. AP Language & Composition is a substitute for the English III credit, meaning you do not have to take English III if you pass this course. This course is typically exclusive to Juniors, but some Sophomores may be enrolled in the class if they completed English I in middle school.

COURSE BREAKDOWN

The AP Language & Composition course highlights four different skills:

You will learn how to analyze these four different topics in non-fiction texts. You will also learn how to apply these different skills into your own writing.

Attached to the left is a more in-depth analysis of these skills. We recommend students to get familiar with their course in order to do the best on the AP exam.

To the left is the AP Lang CED, which is an in-depth analysis of the course and exam in its entirety.

EXAM OVERVIEW

SECTION I - MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS [45% of Exam]

There are 45 multiple choice questions in the first section of the exam.

On this exam, you will be given 5 passages in which you will have to answer questions about for each passage. The questions will test your skills in analyzing rhetorical situation, claims/evidence, reasoning/organization, and style.

You will have 60 minutes to complete this section of the exam.

SECTION II - ESSAY FREE-RESPONSE QUESTIONS [55% of Exam]

In this section, you will be given three essay prompts in which you will have to create an essay for each.

The synthesis essay is very similar to a DBQ from your history AP classes. You will be required to read 6 different sources and synthesize the information from the sources in order to compile an essay that answers the prompt given.

The rhetorical analysis essay will require you read a speech and analyze the rhetorical choices that the speaker uses. Your analysis will take the form of an essay.

The argumentative essay will not give you any sources or passages. Instead, it will give you a singular prompt in which you will have to take a stance and argue for it in your essay.

You will have 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete this section of the exam.

SUMMER ASSIGNMENT

Below is a link to the AP Lit Summer Assignment. This is REQUIRED and must be completed by September 5. Please reach out to Catherine St Onge or Rebecca Collins if you have any questions:

REVIEW MATERIALS

Access College Board's AP Language & Composition Exam Review playlist below:

These videos are very helpful for understanding how to approach MCQs and how to write FRQs! It is EXTREMELY important that you practice your writing skills if you want to score a 5 on the AP exam. Do not underestimate the writing portion!