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INTRODUCTION
The AP English Literature and Composition (aka AP Lit) course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative literature (fiction, poetry, drama) from various periods. Yes, there is poetry in this course. Students engage in close reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature to deepen their understanding of the ways writers use language to provide both meaning and pleasure. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes, as well as its use of figurative language, imagery, and symbolism. Writing assignments include expository, analytical, and argumentative essays that require students to analyze and interpret literary works.
COURSE PATHWAY
You must have pass English III or an equivalent to take this course. AP Literature & Composition is a substitute for the English IV credit, meaning you do not have to take English IV if you pass this course. This course is typically exclusive to Seniors, but some Juniors may be enrolled in the class if they completed English I in middle school.
COURSE BREAKDOWN
AP Lit CED.pdfThe AP Literature & Composition course highlights six different skills:
Character
Setting
Structure
Narration
Figurative Language
Literary Argumentation
You will learn how to analyze these six skills in various forms of literature. You can read a more in-depth analysis of these skills by clicking on the attachment to the left.
EXAM OVERVIEW
SECTION I - MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS [45% of Exam]
There are 55 multiple choice questions in the first section of the exam.
Short Fiction: 42-49% of Exam
Poetry: 36-45% of Exam
Long Fiction or Drama: 15-18% of Exam
The questions will test your skills in analyzing character, setting, structure, narration, figurative language, comparison, and literary argumentation.
Character: 16-20% of Exam
Setting: 3-6% of Exam
Plot and Structure: 16-20% of Exam
Narrator or Speaker: 21-26% of Exam
Figurative Language: 10-13% of Exam
Comparison: 10-13% of Exam
Literary Argumentation: 10-13% of Exam
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.
Poetry Analysis Essay
Prose Fiction Analysis Essay
Literary Argument Essay
The poetry analysis essay will require you to read a poem and write an essay that answers the prompt. You will be required to analyze the different literary techniques that the poet uses in their poem.
The prose fiction analysis essay will require you read a passage of prose fiction (500-700 words). You will be required to analyze the different literary techniques that the author uses in their passage.
The literary argument essay will not give you any sources or passages. Instead, it will give you a singular prompt in which you will have to use your prior knowledge of a book to answer and create an essay. You don't have to necessarily be able to quote directly from the book, but you have to be able to know it well enough to talk in-depth about it. YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO BRING YOUR BOOK INTO THE EXAM.
You will have 2 hours 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 Rebecca Collins if you have any questions:
REVIEW MATERIALS
Below, you can access College Board's YouTube playlist for AP Lit exam review! There is information on both the MCQs and FRQs. These videos are very helpful in understanding how to approach this exam and the different types of questions you'll see.
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