AP Literature Exam

​Introduction to AP Lit.

​Introduction to AP Lit.

The course is comprehensive when it comes to the English Literature, covering certain skill categories including your ability to:

• Explain the function of character

• Explain the function of setting

• Explain the function of plot and structure

• Explain the function of the narrator or speaker

• Explain the function of word choice, imagery, and symbols

• Explain the function of comparison

• Develop textually substantiated arguments about interpretations of part or all of a text

Section 1

Section I is a 55-question multiple-choice section which counts for 45% of your exam score.
The multiple-choice section includes five sets of 8 to 13 questions per set, with each set of questions constructed around a preceding passage of prose fiction or poetry of varying difficulty. You should expect at least two prose fiction passages and at least two poetry passages in this section.

​ Section II

Section II of the AP^® English Literature Exam is the free-response section, and counts for 55% of your overall exam score. In this section, you will have two hours to answer three prompts as handwritten essays. Each of the free-response questions will address the following topics, always in the same order.

​ Writing Response 1

Question 1: Poetry Analysis

You will be presented with a passage of poetry of approximately 100 to 300 words, and given a prompt in connection with that passage. You are expected to demonstrate well-written analysis of the passage by responding to the prompt with a thesis that presents your own interpretation, using appropriate evidence to develop and support your line of reasoning.

​Writing Response 2

Question 2: Prose Fiction Analysis

You will be presented with a passage of prose fiction of approximately 500 to 700 words, and given a prompt in connection with that passage. You are expected to demonstrate well-written analysis of the passage by responding to the prompt with a thesis that presents your own interpretation, using appropriate evidence to develop and support your line of reasoning.

​Writing Response 3

Question 3: Literary Argument

You will be presented with a literary concept or idea, along with a list of approximately 40 literary works. You are required to select a work of prose fiction either from your own reading or from the provided list and analyze how the literary concept or idea described in the question contributes to an interpretation of the work as a whole. You are expected to respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents your own interpretation and use of appropriate evidence to develop and support your line of reasoning.

Grading

The multiple-choice section is scored by computer. When the computer calculates your answers, it does not deduct points for incorrect answers, which means only stand to gain points when you answer questions. So you should never leave any questions blank on the multiple-choice section of the AP^® English Literature Exam!

The free-response section is a bit more complicated however. Rather than using a computer, the free-response section is scored by actual humans. This occurs during an event called the AP^® Reading, an annual convention in June during which thousands of college professors and AP^® teachers nationwide convene to help judge and score AP^® essays.

The free-response section is scored on a scale of 0–6, with 6 being the best score you can get and 0 being the worst.