
AP English Language and Composition Exam
Are you feeling stressed about the upcoming AP English Language and Composition Exam? This test is known for its challenging passages and demanding essays that assess your analytical and writing skills—including your ability to apply the rhetorical triangle and argue a strong position.
Whether you’re a senior revising at the last minute or an underclassman planning ahead, this blog post is your one-stop guide to the AP English Language and Composition Exam. We’ll break down the format, analyze the different essay types, and offer tips to help you write like a pro.
Overview of the AP English Language and Composition Exam
The is a standardized test administered by the College Board as part of the AP Program. It assesses your proficiency in reading, analyzing, and writing about non-fiction texts. The exam tests your understanding of literary concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to analyze texts and develop written arguments based on your interpretations.
AP English Language and Composition Exam Format
The AP English Language and Composition exam assesses your skills in analyzing and writing about non-fiction texts. The entire exam lasts 3 hours and 15 minutes, divided into two sections: multiple choice and free response.
Section | Duration | Question type | Number of Questions |
---|---|---|---|
Section 1 | 60 minutes | 45 multiple-choice questions:Reading: 2 passages, 23–25 questionsWriting: 3 passages, 20–22 questions | 45% |
Section 2 | 2 hours and 15 minutes | 3 free-response questions:Synthesis EssayRhetorical Analysis EssayArgument Essay | 55% |
Part 1: Multiple Choice (45 questions, 45% of the score)
This section assesses your reading comprehension and writing skills across various nonfiction texts. It’s divided into two parts:
- Reading (23–25 questions): Analyze and answer questions based on the provided nonfiction excerpts. This section tests your ability to understand the meaning, purpose, and key points of informational text.
- Writing (20–22 questions): You will be asked to read like a writer and evaluate revisions to existing nonfiction text. This section assesses your critical thinking skills and ability to identify effective writing techniques.
Part 2: Free Response (3 questions, 55% of the score)
This section (with a separate 15-minute reading period) requires written responses showing your analytical and writing abilities in three areas:
- Synthesis (1 question): Read and analyze 6–7 texts (including visual and quantitative data) on a single topic. Then, write an argument that integrates and cites at least 3 sources to support your thesis statement.
- Rhetorical Analysis (1 question): Analyze a nonfiction text, focusing on how the author’s language choices shape the meaning and purpose of the writing.
- Argument (1 question): Develop an evidence-based argument in response to a specific prompt. Show your ability to construct a logical argument su