AP Literature is a course focused on developing students' ability to critically read and analyze literary texts (poetry, prose, and drama). The analysis is likewise an important component of this course and adds to the difficulty of studying more complex texts in depth.
5: 4.9%
4: 12.0%
3: 26.9%
2: 37.3%
1: 18.8%
Access a record for past score distributions here
Section I:
55 Multiple Choice Questions - 1 Hour
Section II:
3 Free Response Questions - 2 hours
Multiple-Choice Questions
Including 5 sets of questions with 8-13 questions per set
Each multiple-choice question has 5 answer choice
This section will always include at least 2 prose fiction passages (this may include drama) and at least 2 poetry passages
Type of passage:
Prose fiction
Drama
Poetry of varying difficulty
Free-Response Questions
3 free-response essay prompts
Categories:
Analysis of a given poem
Analysis of a given passage of prose fiction
Analysis that examines a specific concept, issue, or element in a work selected by students. Students should select a work of fiction that will be appropriate to the question.
Multiple choice questions worth 45% of the Exam score
Free-response questions worth 55% of the Exam score
Each free-response essay is given a score from 0-6
Thesis (0-1) - Thesis needs to properly respond to the given prompt
Evidence and Commentary (0-4) - Essay must include supporting evidence and analysis that is relevant, specific, well organized, and supports the thesis
Sophistication (0-1) - Essay must be well-crafted and show sufficient understanding of prompt