AP English Language and Composition
Learn all about the course and exam. Already enrolled? Join your class in My AP.
Not a Student?
Go to AP Central for resources for teachers, administrators, and coordinators.
About the Exam
The AP English Language and Composition Exam will test your understanding of the concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to analyze texts and develop written arguments.
New for 2024-25: MCQs Will Have Four Answer Choices
Starting in the 2024-25 school year, AP English Language and Composition multiple-choice questions (MCQs) will have four answer choices instead of five. This change will take effect with the 2025 exam. All resources have been updated to reflect this change.
Wed, May 14, 2025
AP English Language and Composition Exam
This is the regularly scheduled date for the AP English Language and Composition Exam.
Exam Components
Section 1: multiple choice.
45 questions 45% of Score
Excerpts from nonfiction texts are accompanied by several multiple-choice questions:
- 23–25 Reading questions: You’ll be asked to read and analyze nonfiction texts.
- 20–22 Writing questions: You’ll be asked to read like a writer and consider revisions to the text.
Section 2: Free Response
3 questions 55% of Score
The 2 hour and 15 minute time limit for this section includes a 15-minute reading period.
In the free-response section, you’ll respond to three questions with written answers. This section tests your skill in composition in three areas:
- Synthesis: After reading 6 texts about a topic (including visual and quantitative sources), you will compose an argument that combines and cites at least 3 of the sources to support your thesis.
- Rhetorical analysis: You will read a nonfiction text and analyze how the writer’s language choices contribute to the intended meaning and purpose of the text.
- Argument: You will create an evidence-based argument that responds to a given topic.
Exam Essentials
Exam preparation, ap classroom resources.
Once you join your AP class section online, you’ll be able to access AP Daily videos, any assignments from your teacher, and your assignment results in AP Classroom. Sign in to access them.
- Go to AP Classroom
Free-Response Questions and Scoring Information
Go to AP Central to review free-response questions and scoring information from past exams.
AP English Language and Composition Course and Exam Description
This is the core document for the course. It clearly lays out the course content and describes the exam and AP Program in general.
Services for Students with Disabilities
Students with documented disabilities may be eligible for accommodations for the through-course assessment and the end-of-course exam. If you’re using assistive technology and need help accessing the PDFs in this section in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 or by email at [email protected] . For information about taking AP Exams, or other College Board assessments, with accommodations, visit the Services for Students with Disabilities website.
Credit and Placement
Search AP Credit Policies
Find colleges that grant credit and/or placement for AP Exam scores in this and other AP courses.
Additional Information
Choose Your Test
- Search Blogs By Category
- College Admissions
- AP and IB Exams
- GPA and Coursework
Every AP English Language and Composition Practice Exam
Advanced Placement (AP)
With the AP English Language and Composition exam coming up, it's important to find the best practice resources, and that includes practice tests! The AP Language and Composition exam has two sections: a multiple-choice section with 45 questions, and a free-response section with three essay questions—one synthesis prompt, one analysis prompt, and one argument prompt.
But not all AP Lang practice tests are like the real exam, and they aren't all of equal quality. In this guide, I'll break down where you can find official College Board AP Language and Composition practice test resources, other free resources out there, and paid practice tests and questions. I'll also break down which resources are high-quality and how to best incorporate AP English practice tests into your exam preparation.
A Note on Exam Updates
In 2019, the College Board announced updates to the AP English Language exam . The free-response section stayed the same, although there were some changes to how the essays will be scored .
For the multiple-choice section, there are now only 45 questions instead of roughly 55. Passages are also shorter, and there is a new question type, called "composition questions." They make up roughly half of the questions on multiple choice and test students on their ability to "read like a writer" and properly revise texts. Vocabulary-in-context questions and identification questions no longer appear on the exam. ( To learn more about different AP Language question types, check out our guide .)
So what does this mean for you? Unfortunately, it means that any AP Language practice resource created before 2019 is out of date. However, that doesn't mean they still aren't valuable resources. Free-response prompts and passages remain the same. When using older multiple-choice resources, stop answering questions after 45 questions and skip any vocab-in-context and identification questions you see.
Official Practice Resources
The best practice test resources come from the College Board. This is because they are the ones who create and administer all AP exams, including AP Lang and Comp, so their materials are the closest to the real, actual questions you will be seeing on test day!
If you practice with material that's close to the actual exam, you'll feel more comfortable when you are actually taking the test. Therefore, when possible, it's best to use College Board materials. However, it's worth noting that official resources for AP Language and Composition are a little bit sparse, especially when compared to the AP Literature exam.
There are, in general, three resources that the College Board offers for any given AP exam: complete released exams, released free-response questions from previous years, and sample questions from the " AP Course and Exam Description. "
Complete Released Exams
Unfortunately, the College Board doesn't appear to have released any official complete AP English Language and Composition practice exams, so I have nothing to link to here. However, you might be able to find at least one entire past exam by Googling "AP Language complete released exam" or similar variations on that. Make sure any AP Language and Composition released exams you get this way have answer keys, though!
You might also ask your AP teacher if she has any copies of old AP exams you can use for practice. AP teachers can purchase past exams from the College Board that students don't have access to. She may not be able to let you take them home, but even then you could be allowed to use them in a supervised setting.
Released Free-Response Questions
The College Board has posted years and years worth of past AP Language and Composition free-response questions that are at your disposal for practice purposes. However, only the tests from 2007-onward include the same three question types that are on the test currently. (And again remember that the rubrics for grading these questions have changed, even though the questions themselves haven't.) Earlier tests include two rhetorical analysis questions instead of a synthesis question.
Sample Questions From the " AP Course and Exam Description "
Beginning on page 115, the AP Course and Exam description for AP Language and composition includes 17 multiple-choice questions and three free-response prompts: one synthesis prompt, one analysis prompt, and one argument prompt. As mentioned above, this is the only current source of official practice questions for the new "composition" question type, so make sure to check this resource out!
Put them in your question bank!
Free Unofficial Resources
Outside of the College Board, there are lots of sites offering free practice questions for the AP Language and Comp exam. But which ones will actually help you? Since anyone can slap together a few questions and call it an "AP Language and Composition Practice Test," how do you sort the wheat from the chaff?
I've combed through tons of free resources so you don't have to! Presented in order of quality, from best to worst, here's my list of all the free AP Language practice tests and quizzes I could find out there.
College Countdown Complete AP Language Practice Test
College Countdown offers a nearly-complete unofficial practice test, essays and all. While the exact wording of the multiple-choice questions isn't exactly the same as on a real AP exam, the tasks are very similar and the passages are well-selected. The essays are solid examples of the AP essay prompt style, although you could also substitute the unofficial free-response section for an official past free-response question if you wanted to make the experience even closer to a real AP. Also, there are robust answer explanations. This is an especially good resource given that there isn't an official College Board-released exam for this test.
High School Test Prep AP Language Practice Tests
High School Test Prep offers four short practice tests, each offering questions about a given nonfiction passage. The question style is definitely different from that of true AP questions; like the Albert questions below, they are written in a more stylistically simplistic way. Also note that these practice tests haven't been updated for the current version of the exam.
The ratio of questions about the passage overall versus specific moments in the passage is weighted much more heavily towards overall passage questions than the real AP exam. However, these are still decent rhetorical analysis practice questions, and this resource is an especially good choice if you find yourself struggling with identifying the major themes and arguments of passages overall.
Varsity Tutors AP English Practice Tests
Varsity Tutors offers very short, skill-specific quizzes. The questions don't sound all that much like AP questions, and every question asks about a different short passage, which is a little bit bizarre and inefficient. Additionally, not all of the specific skills they offer quizzes in are super-relevant to AP Language (e.g. "Motives and goals of characters"). However, if you feel like there are very specific rhetorical techniques you are confused about, taking some of the quizzes here could be a good study strategy. If you want to track your scores, you can make a free account with Varsity Tutors, but it's not necessary to be able to access the quizzes.
4tests.com AP English Language Exam
This site offers a 38-question AP English Language and Composition practice exam. The questions are somewhat overly basic and passages are not particularly similar in style or content to actual AP Language passages, though. Additionally, the interface is a little bit clunky. I would only use these if you desperately need some extra, very basic rhetorical analysis practice. (It's also not updated for the newest version of the exam.)
Crack AP English Language Tests
Crack AP has a plethora of AP English Language "tests" (that are actually short quizzes), however; we don't recommend them as a resource to use. They're based on outdated versions of the AP exam and don't cover many of the skills you'll actually see on the AP test. Feel free to skip this resource.
Clunky like a retro calculator.
Paid Unofficial Resources
If you need even more practice, there are also paid unofficial practice test resources available.
Albert AP English Language Practice
Albert offers a large number of mini-quizzes on analyzing the rhetoric of various notable nonfiction passages. Some of their questions don't match the tone of actual AP Lang questions, but they are one of the few resources to have practice composition questions. You need to create an account to use this resource, and while some questions you can access for free, for others you need a paid subscription.
Review Books
Review books usually contain one or more complete practice tests and are a great resource when you run out of free resources. Not all review books are equally high-quality, though—be sure to look at reviews (and check out the questions by flipping through the book at the bookstore if you can, to see how similar they are to actual AP questions). As a starting place, Barron's and the Princeton Review both generally offer high-quality AP review books.
Peterson's AP Practice Tests
A plan costs roughly $50 a month for access to all of Peterson's resources. For AP English Language, they have two practice tests. I couldn't find much information or reviews as to the quality of the material, though, so this is a bit of a gamble. You'd likely be better off buying a well-reviewed review book with practice tests.
How to Use Practice Resources in Your Exam Prep
How to best use practice resources as you study depends a lot on what kind of practice material you are using. I'll review how to make the most of different types of resources here.
Complete Practice Exams (Official and Maybe Unofficial)
The best way to use complete practice tests is to do full timed practice-runs for exam day. Bring a clock, a timer, and a hefty supply of pencils into a quiet room and have at it! A practice-run will help you to feel more comfortable when it's time to take the exam for real in May.
If you have access to multiple practice tests, you can even take complete tests at different times in the studying process to see how you've improved and what you still need to work on. When you do take practice tests, it can be helpful to get someone else to help grade your free-response essays based on the rubric.
You should aim to take your first full-length practice test around the beginning of your second semester. Normally I advise to only use official College Board practice tests for this, but since easily accessible complete official exams for the AP Language and Composition exam are sparse, you may want to supplement with the practice test from College Countdown linked to above.
Official College Board Practice Free-Response and Sample Questions
Released free-response questions from past years are best for practicing specifically for the free-response section in a targeted way. You can work on the prompt types that you find the most difficult or practice outlining essays in a certain amount of time, or writing all three essays in 120 minutes.
If you don't use the Course and Exam Description as a practice test, the multiple choice questions are great targeted practice for the first section of the text. It will help you get familiar with the College Board's question style and work on your rhetorical close-reading.
Unofficial Practice Quizzes and Questions
Unofficial practice quizzes and questions just aren't going to be as much like the real AP exam as College Board materials. However, while they aren't as helpful for prepping for the exam format or question styles, they are still good practice for building your rhetorical analysis skills, which is critical for the exam. High-quality unofficial resources are definitely worth your time.
Building rhetorical analysis skills: more complicated than building with blocks.
Key Takeaways
Practice tests are a key AP prep resource. The best resources come from the College Board, but unfortunately, official College Board resources for AP Language and Composition are a little bit sparse as compared to some other AP exams. However, there are also tons of unofficial resources, and some are high-quality. Most are free, but a few are paid.
Once you have your resources assembled, you might not be sure how to use them. Complete practice tests are best for mimicking the experience of the actual exam, sample Official questions are best for targeted section practice, and unofficial practice tests are best for rhetorical analysis skill-building.
You're ready to practice your way to AP success!
What's Next?
We also have complete practice test lists for AP Literature , AP US History , AP Chemistry , AP Biology , AP Psychology , and AP World History . Or see our guide to finding the best AP practice tests for any exam .
Taking the AP Literature exam? See our ultimate guide to AP Literature . for everything you need to know to ace this test.
Wondering if you should be trying for a perfect AP score ? See how difficult it is to score a 5 and the best tips to get you there!
Trending Now
How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League
How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA
How to Write an Amazing College Essay
What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?
ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?
When should you take the SAT or ACT?
Get Your Free
Find Your Target SAT Score
Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests
How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer
Score 800 on SAT Math
Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing
How to Improve Your Low SAT Score
Score 600 on SAT Math
Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing
Find Your Target ACT Score
Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests
How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer
Get a 36 on ACT English
Get a 36 on ACT Math
Get a 36 on ACT Reading
Get a 36 on ACT Science
How to Improve Your Low ACT Score
Get a 24 on ACT English
Get a 24 on ACT Math
Get a 24 on ACT Reading
Get a 24 on ACT Science
Stay Informed
Get the latest articles and test prep tips!
Ellen has extensive education mentorship experience and is deeply committed to helping students succeed in all areas of life. She received a BA from Harvard in Folklore and Mythology and is currently pursuing graduate studies at Columbia University.
Ask a Question Below
Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!
AP English Language and Composition Practice Tests
The new AP English Language and Composition Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and broken up into two sections.
Section I: One hour (45 percent of total score)
50–60 multiple-choice questions about several nonfiction prose passages
Section II: Two hours and 15 minutes
Three essays (55 percent of total score)
Essay 1: an argument for or against an idea presented in a short passage incorporating provided published sources
Essay 2: an analysis of a prose passage
Essay 3: an essay commenting on the validity of an opinion expressed in a statement or short passage
AP English Language and Composition Glossary
If you are a mobile user, click here: Do AP English Language and Composition Practice Questions .
AP English Language and Composition Multiple-Choice Practice Tests
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 1
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 2
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 3
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 4
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 5
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 6
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 7
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 8
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 9
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 10
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 11
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 12
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 13
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 14
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 15
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 16
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 17
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 18
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 19
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 20
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 21
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 22
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 23
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 24
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 25
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 26
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 27
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 28
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 29
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 30
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 31
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 32
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 33
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 34
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 35
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 36
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 37
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 38
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 39
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 40
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 41
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 42
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 43
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 44
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 45
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 46
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 47
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 48
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 49
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 50
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 51
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 52
- AP English Language and Composition Practice Test 53
AP English Language and Composition Free-Response Practice Tests
- AP English Language and Composition Free-Response Practice Test 1
- AP English Language and Composition Free-Response Practice Test 2
AP English Language and Composition Downloads
- AP English Language Practice Test 1 pdf download
- AP English Language Practice Test 2 pdf download
- AP English Language Practice Test 3 pdf download
- AP English Language Practice Test 4 pdf download
- AP English Language and Composition Introduction to the Analysis Essay
- AP English Language and Composition Introduction to the Argumentative Essay
- AP English Language and Composition Introduction to the Synthesis Essay
- AP English Language and Composition Knowledge Review: Analysis
- AP English Language and Composition Knowledge Review: Argument
- AP English Language and Composition Knowledge Review: Synthesis
- More AP English Language and Composition Downloads
What are your chances of acceptance?
Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.
Your chancing factors
Extracurriculars.
How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay + Example
Do you know how to improve your profile for college applications.
See how your profile ranks among thousands of other students using CollegeVine. Calculate your chances at your dream schools and learn what areas you need to improve right now — it only takes 3 minutes and it's 100% free.
Show me what areas I need to improve
What’s Covered:
What is the ap lang synthesis essay, how will ap scores affect my college chances.
AP English Language and Composition, commonly known as AP Lang, is one of the most engaging and popular AP classes offered at most high schools, with over 535,000 students taking the class . AP Lang tests your ability to analyze written pieces, synthesize information, write rhetorical essays, and create cohesive and concrete arguments. However, the class is rather challenging as only 62% of students were able to score a three or higher on the exam.
The AP Lang exam has two sections. The first consists of 45 multiple choice questions which need to be completed in an hour. This portion counts for around 45% of your total score. These questions ask students to analyze written pieces and answer questions related to each respective passage. All possible answer choices can be found within the text, and no prior knowledge of literature is needed to understand the passages.
The second section contains three free-response questions to be finished in under two hours and 15 minutes. This section counts for 55% of your score and includes the synthesis essay, the rhetorical essay, and the argumentative essay.
- The synthesis essay requires you to read 6-7 sources and create an argument using at least three sources.
- The rhetorical analysis essay requires you to describe how a piece of writing evokes specific meanings and symbolism.
- The argumentative essay requires you to pick a perspective of a debate and create an argument based on the evidence provided.
In this post, we will take a look at the AP Lang synthesis essay and discuss tips and tricks to master this part of the exam. We will also provide an example of a well-written essay for review.
The AP Lang synthesis essay is the first of three essays included in the Free Response section of the AP Lang exam. The exam presents 6-7 sources that are organized around a specific topic, with two of those sources purely visual, including a single quantitative source (like a graph or pie chart). The remaining 4-5 sources are text-based, containing around 500 words each. It’s recommended that students spend an hour on this essay—15 minute reading period, 40 minutes writing, and 5 minutes of spare time to check over work.
Each synthesis essay has a topic that all the sources will relate to. A prompt will explaining the topic and provide some background, although the topics are usually broad so you will probably know something related to the issue. It will also present a claim that students will respond to in an essay format using information from at least three of the provided sources. You will need to take a stance, either agreeing or disagreeing with the position provided in the claim.
According to the CollegeBoard, they are looking for essays that “combine different perspectives from sources to form a support of a coherent position.” This means that you must state your claim on the topic and highlight relationships between several sources that support your specific position on the topic. Additionally, you’ll need to cite clear evidence from your sources to prove your point.
The synthesis essay counts for six points on the AP Lang exam. Students can receive 0-1 points for writing a thesis statement, 0-4 based on the incorporation of evidence and commentary, and 0-1 points based on the sophistication of thought and demonstration of complex understanding.
While this essay seems extremely overwhelming, considering there are a total of three free-response essays to complete, with proper time management and practiced skills, this essay is manageable and straightforward. In order to enhance the time management aspect of the test to the best of your ability, it is essential to divide the essay up into five key steps.
Step 1: Analyze the Prompt
As soon as the clock starts, carefully read and analyze what the prompt asks from you. It might be helpful to markup the text to identify the most critical details. You should only spend around 2 minutes reading the prompt so you have enough time to read all the sources and figure out your argument. Don’t feel like you need to immediately pick your stance on the claim right after reading the prompt. You should read the sources before you commit to your argument.
Step 2: Read the Sources Carefully
Although you are only required to use 3 of the 6-7 sources provides, make sure you read ALL of the sources. This will allow you to better understand the topic and make the most educated decision of which sources to use in your essay. Since there are a lot of sources to get through, you will need to read quickly and carefully.
Annotating will be your best friend during the reading period. Highlight and mark important concepts or lines from each passage that would be helpful in your essay. Your argument will probably begin forming in your head as you go through the passages, so you will save yourself a lot of time later on if you take a few seconds to write down notes in the margins. After you’ve finished reading a source, reflect on whether the source defends, challenges, or qualifies your argument.
You will have around 13 minutes to read through all the sources, but it’s very possible you will finish earlier if you are a fast reader. Take the leftover time to start developing your thesis and organizing your thoughts into an outline so you have more time to write.
Step 3: Write a Strong Thesis Statement
In order to write a good thesis statement, all you have to do is decide your stance on the claim provided in the prompt and give an overview of your evidence. You essentially have three choices on how to frame your thesis statement: You can defend, challenge or qualify a claim that’s been provided by the prompt.
- If you are defending the claim, your job will be to prove that the claim is correct .
- If you are challenging the claim, your job will be to prove that the claim is incorrect .
- If you choose to qualify the claim, your job will be to agree to a part of the claim and disagree with another part of the claim.
A strong thesis statement will clearly state your stance without summarizing the issue or regurgitating the claim. The CollegeBoard is looking for a thesis statement that “states a defensible position and establishes a line of reasoning on the issue provided in the prompt.”
Step 4: Create a Minimal Essay Outline
Developing an outline might seem like a waste of time when you are up against the clock, but believe us, taking 5-10 minutes to outline your essay will be much more useful in the long run than jumping right into the essay.
Your outline should include your thesis statement and three main pieces of evidence that will constitute each body paragraph. Under each piece of evidence should be 2-3 details from the sources that you will use to back up your claim and some commentary on how that evidence proves your thesis.
Step 5: Write your Essay
Use the remaining 30-35 minutes to write your essay. This should be relatively easy if you took the time to mark up the sources and have a detailed outline. Remember to add special consideration and emphasis to the commentary sections of the supporting arguments outlined in your thesis. These sentences are critical to the overall flow of the essay and where you will be explaining how the evidence supports or undermines the claim in the prompt.
Also, when referencing your sources, write the in-text citations as follows: “Source 1,” “Source 2,” “Source 3,” etc. Make sure to pay attention to which source is which in order to not incorrectly cite your sources. In-text citations will impact your score on the essay and are an integral part of the process.
After you finish writing, read through your essay for any grammatical errors or mistakes before you move onto the next essay.
Here are six must-have tips and tricks to get a good score on the synthesis essay:
- Cite at least four sources , even though the minimum requirement is three. Remember not to plagiarize and cite everything you use in your arguments.
- Make sure to develop a solid and clear thesis . Develop a stable stance for the claim and stick with it throughout the entire paper.
- Don’t summarize the sources. The summary of the sources does not count as an argument.
- You don’t necessarily have to agree with the sources in order to cite them. Using a source to support a counterargument is still a good use of a source.
- Cite the sources that you understand entirely . If you don’t, it could come back to bite you in the end.
- Use small quotes , do not quote entire paragraphs. Make sure the quote does not disrupt the flow or grammar of the sentence you write.
Discover your chances at hundreds of schools
Our free chancing engine takes into account your history, background, test scores, and extracurricular activities to show you your real chances of admission—and how to improve them.
Here is an example prompt and essay from 2019 that received 5 of the 6 total points available:
In response to our society’s increasing demand for energy, large-scale wind power has drawn attention from governments and consumers as a potential alternative to traditional materials that fuel our power grids, such as coal, oil, natural gas, water, or even newer sources such as nuclear or solar power. Yet the establishment of large-scale, commercial-grade wind farms is often the subject of controversy for a variety of reasons.
Carefully read the six sources, found on the AP English Language and Composition 2019 Exam (Question 1), including the introductory information for each source. Write an essay that synthesizes material from at least three of the sources and develops your position on the most important factors that an individual or agency should consider when deciding whether to establish a wind farm.
Source A (photo)
Source B (Layton)
Source C (Seltenrich)
Source D (Brown)
Source E (Rule)
Source F (Molla)
In your response you should do the following:
- Respond to the prompt with a thesis presents a defensible position.
- Select and use evidence from at least 3 of the provided sources to support your line of reasoning. Indicate clearly the sources used through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. Sources may be cited as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the description in parentheses.
- Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
- Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
[1] The situation has been known for years, and still very little is being done: alternative power is the only way to reliably power the changing world. The draw of power coming from industry and private life is overwhelming current sources of non-renewable power, and with dwindling supplies of fossil fuels, it is merely a matter of time before coal and gas fuel plants are no longer in operation. So one viable alternative is wind power. But as with all things, there are pros and cons. The main factors for power companies to consider when building wind farms are environmental boon, aesthetic, and economic factors.
[2] The environmental benefits of using wind power are well-known and proven. Wind power is, as qualified by Source B, undeniably clean and renewable. From their production requiring very little in the way of dangerous materials to their lack of fuel, besides that which occurs naturally, wind power is by far one of the least environmentally impactful sources of power available. In addition, wind power by way of gearbox and advanced blade materials, has the highest percentage of energy retention. According to Source F, wind power retains 1,164% of the energy put into the system – meaning that it increases the energy converted from fuel (wind) to electricity 10 times! No other method of electricity production is even half that efficient. The efficiency and clean nature of wind power are important to consider, especially because they contribute back to power companies economically.
[3] Economically, wind power is both a boon and a bone to electric companies and other users. For consumers, wind power is very cheap, leading to lower bills than from any other source. Consumers also get an indirect reimbursement by way of taxes (Source D). In one Texan town, McCamey, tax revenue increased 30% from a wind farm being erected in the town. This helps to finance improvements to the town. But, there is no doubt that wind power is also hurting the power companies. Although, as renewable power goes, wind is incredibly cheap, it is still significantly more expensive than fossil fuels. So, while it is helping to cut down on emissions, it costs electric companies more than traditional fossil fuel plants. While the general economic trend is positive, there are some setbacks which must be overcome before wind power can take over as truly more effective than fossil fuels.
[4] Aesthetics may be the greatest setback for power companies. Although there may be significant economic and environmental benefit to wind power, people will always fight to preserve pure, unspoiled land. Unfortunately, not much can be done to improve the visual aesthetics of the turbines. White paint is the most common choice because it “[is] associated with cleanliness.” (Source E). But, this can make it stand out like a sore thumb, and make the gargantuan machines seem more out of place. The site can also not be altered because it affects generating capacity. Sound is almost worse of a concern because it interrupts personal productivity by interrupting people’s sleep patterns. One thing for power companies to consider is working with turbine manufacturing to make the machines less aesthetically impactful, so as to garner greater public support.
[5] As with most things, wind power has no easy answer. It is the responsibility of the companies building them to weigh the benefits and the consequences. But, by balancing economics, efficiency, and aesthetics, power companies can create a solution which balances human impact with environmental preservation.
More examples can be found here at College Board.
While AP Scores help to boost your weighted GPA, or give you the option to get college credit, AP Scores don’t have a strong effect on your admissions chances . However, colleges can still see your self-reported scores, so you might not want to automatically send scores to colleges if they are lower than a 3. That being said, admissions officers care far more about your grade in an AP class than your score on the exam.
Related CollegeVine Blog Posts
Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more.
How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay (With Example)
November 27, 2023
Feeling intimidated by the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay? We’re here to help demystify. Whether you’re cramming for the AP Lang exam right now or planning to take the test down the road, we’ve got crucial rubric information, helpful tips, and an essay example to prepare you for the big day. This post will cover 1) What is the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay? 2) AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Rubric 3) AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis: Sample Prompt 4) AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example 5)AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example: Why It Works
What is the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay?
The AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay is one of three essays included in the written portion of the AP English Exam. The full AP English Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, with the first 60 minutes dedicated to multiple-choice questions. Once you complete the multiple-choice section, you move on to three equally weighted essays that ask you to synthesize, analyze, and interpret texts and develop well-reasoned arguments. The three essays include:
Synthesis essay: You’ll review various pieces of evidence and then write an essay that synthesizes (aka combines and interprets) the evidence and presents a clear argument. Read our write up on How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay here.
Argumentative essay: You’ll take a stance on a specific topic and argue your case.
Rhetorical essay: You’ll read a provided passage, then analyze the author’s rhetorical choices and develop an argument that explains why the author made those rhetorical choices.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Rubric
The AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay is graded on just 3 rubric categories: Thesis, Evidence and Commentary, and Sophistication . At a glance, the rubric categories may seem vague, but AP exam graders are actually looking for very particular things in each category. We’ll break it down with dos and don’ts for each rubric category:
Thesis (0-1 point)
There’s nothing nebulous when it comes to grading AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay thesis. You either have one or you don’t. Including a thesis gets you one point closer to a high score and leaving it out means you miss out on one crucial point. So, what makes a thesis that counts?
- Make sure your thesis argues something about the author’s rhetorical choices. Making an argument means taking a risk and offering your own interpretation of the provided text. This is an argument that someone else might disagree with.
- A good test to see if you have a thesis that makes an argument. In your head, add the phrase “I think that…” to the beginning of your thesis. If what follows doesn’t logically flow after that phrase (aka if what follows isn’t something you and only you think), it’s likely you’re not making an argument.
- Avoid a thesis that merely restates the prompt.
- Avoid a thesis that summarizes the text but does not make an argument.
Evidence and Commentary (0-4 points)
This rubric category is graded on a scale of 0-4 where 4 is the highest grade. Per the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis rubric, to get a 4, you’ll want to:
- Include lots of specific evidence from the text. There is no set golden number of quotes to include, but you’ll want to make sure you’re incorporating more than a couple pieces of evidence that support your argument about the author’s rhetorical choices.
- Make sure you include more than one type of evidence, too. Let’s say you’re working on your essay and have gathered examples of alliteration to include as supporting evidence. That’s just one type of rhetorical choice, and it’s hard to make a credible argument if you’re only looking at one type of evidence. To fix that issue, reread the text again looking for patterns in word choice and syntax, meaningful figurative language and imagery, literary devices, and other rhetorical choices, looking for additional types of evidence to support your argument.
- After you include evidence, offer your own interpretation and explain how this evidence proves the point you make in your thesis.
- Don’t summarize or speak generally about the author and the text. Everything you write must be backed up with evidence.
- Don’t let quotes speak for themselves. After every piece of evidence you include, make sure to explain your interpretation. Also, connect the evidence to your overarching argument.
Sophistication (0-1 point)
In this case, sophistication isn’t about how many fancy vocabulary words or how many semicolons you use. According to College Board , one point can be awarded to AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis essays that “demonstrate sophistication of thought and/or a complex understanding of the rhetorical situation” in any of these three ways:
- Explaining the significance or relevance of the writer’s rhetorical choices.
- Explaining the purpose or function of the passage’s complexities or tensions.
- Employing a style that is consistently vivid and persuasive.
Note that you don’t have to achieve all three to earn your sophistication point. A good way to think of this rubric category is to consider it a bonus point that you can earn for going above and beyond in depth of analysis or by writing an especially persuasive, clear, and well-structured essay. In order to earn this point, you’ll need to first do a good job with your thesis, evidence, and commentary.
- Focus on nailing an argumentative thesis and multiple types of evidence. Getting these fundamentals of your essay right will set you up for achieving depth of analysis.
- Explain how each piece of evidence connects to your thesis.
- Spend a minute outlining your essay before you begin to ensure your essay flows in a clear and cohesive way.
- Steer clear of generalizations about the author or text.
- Don’t include arguments you can’t prove with evidence from the text.
- Avoid complex sentences and fancy vocabulary words unless you use them often. Long, clunky sentences with imprecisely used words are hard to follow.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis: Sample Prompt
The sample prompt below is published online by College Board and is a real example from the 2021 AP Exam. The prompt provides background context, essay instructions, and the text you need to analyze. For sake of space, we’ve included the text as an image you can click to read. After the prompt, we provide a sample high scoring essay and then explain why this AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis essay example works.
Suggested time—40 minutes.
(This question counts as one-third of the total essay section score.)
On February 27, 2013, while in office, former president Barack Obama delivered the following address dedicating the Rosa Parks statue in the National Statuary Hall of the United States Capitol building. Rosa Parks was an African American civil rights activist who was arrested in 1955 for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Read the passage carefully. Write an essay that analyzes the rhetorical choices Obama makes to convey his message.
In your response you should do the following:
- Respond to the prompt with a thesis that analyzes the writer’s rhetorical choices.
- Select and use evidence to support your line of reasoning.
- Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the rhetorical situation.
- Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
In his speech delivered in 2013 at the dedication of Rosa Park’s statue, President Barack Obama acknowledges everything that Parks’ activism made possible in the United States. Telling the story of Parks’ life and achievements, Obama highlights the fact that Parks was a regular person whose actions accomplished enormous change during the civil rights era. Through the use of diction that portrays Parks as quiet and demure, long lists that emphasize the extent of her impacts, and Biblical references, Obama suggests that all of us are capable of achieving greater good, just as Parks did.
Although it might be a surprising way to start to his dedication, Obama begins his speech by telling us who Parks was not: “Rosa Parks held no elected office. She possessed no fortune” he explains in lines 1-2. Later, when he tells the story of the bus driver who threatened to have Parks arrested when she refused to get off the bus, he explains that Parks “simply replied, ‘You may do that’” (lines 22-23). Right away, he establishes that Parks was a regular person who did not hold a seat of power. Her protest on the bus was not part of a larger plan, it was a simple response. By emphasizing that Parks was not powerful, wealthy, or loud spoken, he implies that Parks’ style of activism is an everyday practice that all of us can aspire to.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example (Continued)
Even though Obama portrays Parks as a demure person whose protest came “simply” and naturally, he shows the importance of her activism through long lists of ripple effects. When Parks challenged her arrest, Obama explains, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood with her and “so did thousands of Montgomery, Alabama commuters” (lines 27-28). They began a boycott that included “teachers and laborers, clergy and domestics, through rain and cold and sweltering heat, day after day, week after week, month after month, walking miles if they had to…” (lines 28-31). In this section of the speech, Obama’s sentences grow longer and he uses lists to show that Parks’ small action impacted and inspired many others to fight for change. Further, listing out how many days, weeks, and months the boycott lasted shows how Parks’ single act of protest sparked a much longer push for change.
To further illustrate Parks’ impact, Obama incorporates Biblical references that emphasize the importance of “that single moment on the bus” (lines 57-58). In lines 33-35, Obama explains that Parks and the other protestors are “driven by a solemn determination to affirm their God-given dignity” and he also compares their victory to the fall the “ancient walls of Jericho” (line 43). By of including these Biblical references, Obama suggests that Parks’ action on the bus did more than correct personal or political wrongs; it also corrected moral and spiritual wrongs. Although Parks had no political power or fortune, she was able to restore a moral balance in our world.
Toward the end of the speech, Obama states that change happens “not mainly through the exploits of the famous and the powerful, but through the countless acts of often anonymous courage and kindness” (lines 78-81). Through carefully chosen diction that portrays her as a quiet, regular person and through lists and Biblical references that highlight the huge impacts of her action, Obama illustrates exactly this point. He wants us to see that, just like Parks, the small and meek can change the world for the better.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example: Why It Works
We would give the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis essay above a score of 6 out of 6 because it fully satisfies the essay’s 3 rubric categories: Thesis, Evidence and Commentary, and Sophistication . Let’s break down what this student did:
The thesis of this essay appears in the last line of the first paragraph:
“ Through the use of diction that portrays Parks as quiet and demure, long lists that emphasize the extent of her impacts, and Biblical references, Obama suggests that all of us are capable of achieving greater good, just as Parks did .”
This student’s thesis works because they make a clear argument about Obama’s rhetorical choices. They 1) list the rhetorical choices that will be analyzed in the rest of the essay (the italicized text above) and 2) include an argument someone else might disagree with (the bolded text above).
Evidence and Commentary:
This student includes substantial evidence and commentary. Things they do right, per the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis rubric:
- They include lots of specific evidence from the text in the form of quotes.
- They incorporate 3 different types of evidence (diction, long lists, Biblical references).
- After including evidence, they offer an interpretation of what the evidence means and explain how the evidence contributes to their overarching argument (aka their thesis).
Sophistication
This essay achieves sophistication according to the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis essay rubric in a few key ways:
- This student provides an introduction that flows naturally into the topic their essay will discuss. Before they get to their thesis, they tell us that Obama portrays Parks as a “regular person” setting up their main argument: Obama wants all regular people to aspire to do good in the world just as Rosa Parks did.
- They organize evidence and commentary in a clear and cohesive way. Each body paragraph focuses on just one type of evidence.
- They explain how their evidence is significant. In the final sentence of each body paragraph, they draw a connection back to the overarching argument presented in the thesis.
- All their evidence supports the argument presented in their thesis. There is no extraneous evidence or misleading detail.
- They consider nuances in the text. Rather than taking the text at face value, they consider what Obama’s rhetorical choices imply and offer their own unique interpretation of those implications.
- In their final paragraph, they come full circle, reiterate their thesis, and explain what Obama’s rhetorical choices communicate to readers.
- Their sentences are clear and easy to read. There are no grammar errors or misused words.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay—More Resources
Looking for more tips to help your master your AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay? Brush up on 20 Rhetorical Devices High School Students Should Know and read our Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension . If you’re ready to start studying for another part of the AP English Exam, find more expert tips in our How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis blog post.
Considering what other AP classes to take? Read up on the Hardest AP Classes .
- High School Success
Christina Wood
Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.
- 2-Year Colleges
- ADHD/LD/Autism/Executive Functioning
- Application Strategies
- Best Colleges by Major
- Best Colleges by State
- Big Picture
- Career & Personality Assessment
- College Essay
- College Search/Knowledge
- College Success
- Costs & Financial Aid
- Data Visualizations
- Dental School Admissions
- Extracurricular Activities
- Graduate School Admissions
- High Schools
- Homeschool Resources
- Law School Admissions
- Medical School Admissions
- Navigating the Admissions Process
- Online Learning
- Outdoor Adventure
- Private High School Spotlight
- Research Programs
- Summer Program Spotlight
- Summer Programs
- Teacher Tools
- Test Prep Provider Spotlight
“Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.”
— Lynn O'Shaughnessy
Nationally Recognized College Expert
College Planning in Your Inbox
Join our information-packed monthly newsletter.
AP English Language Practice Exams
We have links to all of the online AP English Language & Composition practice exams. This is the best way to prepare for your AP Lang exam. Choose from the list below to get started on your test prep right now!
AP Lang Multiple Choice Practice
English language 2001 exam, varsity tutors, sample questions, albert ap english language, mymaxscore practice exam.
AP English Language | Practice Exams | Free Response | Notes | Vocab | Study Guides
- AP English Language and Composition Exam Multiple-Choice Questions
April 9, 2024
The AP English Language and Composition Exam's multiple-choice questions separate well-qualified students from those who are less qualified. To earn a “5” on the exam you must answer most of the questions correctly and write good essays . To earn a “3,” you need to get about 50 or 60 percent of the short-answer questions right—provided that your essays are generally acceptable.
Each correct answer is worth one point. In scoring the test, each wrong answer and each answer left blank will be deducted from the total number of questions. If, for example, you were to leave two blanks and answer four questions incorrectly, a total of six points will be deducted from 45—the usual number of questions on the exam—making your short-answer score 39.
This scoring procedure means that it always pays to guess , even when a question stumps you completely. By guessing at random, you still have a one-in-four chance of getting it right, and by eliminating one or more choices, you dramatically increase the odds of picking the correct answer. In short, DON’T LEAVE BLANKS. ANSWER EVERY QUESTION.
When a question gives you trouble, and you can’t decide among three choices, conventional wisdom says you should go with your first impulse. You may be right. Testing experts and psychologists agree there’s a better than average chance of success if you trust your intuition. There are no guarantees, however. Because the human mind works in so many ways, relying on your initial choice may not always work.
Types of Multiple-Choice Questions on the AP English Language and Composition Exam
Ap english language and composition exam practice questions.
Sample Reading Question #1
Based on the fourth paragraph of the passage (lines 1–16), the writer introduces a hypothetical rhetorical situation in order to
(A) illustrate the need for public support
(B) inject a plea for adherence to the rule of law
(C) contrast the modes of communication in two different wars
(D) prepare the reader for the anecdote that follows in lines 17–21
Sample Reading Question #2
Lines 22–30 could be used to support which of the following claims about the writer’s tone?
(A) His tone when discussing Bengston’s art is mocking.
(B) His tone when evaluating Ruscha’s photos is respectful.
(C) He adopts a sarcastic tone when commenting on art auctions.
(D) He adopts a reverent tone when describing Renaissance paintings.
Sample Writing Question #1
The writer wants to add the following sentence to the second paragraph of the passage to provide additional support to the essay’s thesis:
Researchers often study groups of children with different socioeconomic backgrounds.
Where would the sentence best be placed?
(A) Before sentence 3
(B) After sentence 3
(C) After sentence 4
(D) After sentence 5
Sample Writing Question #2
Unhappy with the transitional phrase at the start of sentence 9, the writer plans to replace it with one that sets up a comparison with the idea in sentence 8. Which of the following best achieves that goal?
(A) Furthermore,
(B) To be sure,
(C) For instance,
(D) On the other hand,
The foregoing questions represent only a few of the many types of reading and writing questions on the exam. The following list will give you an idea of other kinds that have appeared on recent exams.
- IDENTIFY the relationship of a sentence in the first paragraph to the passage as a whole.
- SELECT the rhetorical strategy or device used in a particular section of the passage.
- IDENTIFY the function of a sentence within a paragraph, or a paragraph within the whole.
- DISCERN shifts in theme, tone, style, sentence structure, diction, syntax, effect, or rhetorical purpose between the two sections of the passage.
- DETERMINE how unity (or point of view, emphasis, contrast, or other feature) is achieved in all or part of the passage.
- RECOGNIZE the author’s exigence in the passage. One or more multiple-choice questions may ask about the author’s “exigence,” a word that refers to a problem or situation that needs attention. A rhetorical exigence is whatever has prompted the writing of the given passage.
- INFER the implied or stated purpose of particular words, images, figures of speech, sen- tence structure, or other rhetorical feature.
Many of the questions direct you to particular lines of the passage. To answer most of those questions you need to read the specified lines and respond. Some questions, however, require more than that. Some raise broad issues that can’t be addressed without a fuller understand- ing of the context in which the lines appear. In such cases, you must read at least the two or three lines that precede the lines designated by the question and the two or three lines that follow.
For multiple-choice questions, AP test writers ordinarily choose passages written between the 17th century and the present, although they might occasionally toss in a passage from ancient Greece or Rome. Passages are nonfiction and are composed by essayists, historians, journalists, diarists, autobiographers, political writers, philosophers, and critics. You won’t find simple passages that leave little room for interpretation, nor will you find passages comprehensible only to those with sky-high IQs.
Authors and titles of the passages are not given, although the source of each passage may be briefly identified: “a nineteenth-century memoir,” “a twentieth-century book,” “a contemporary journalist’s diary,” and so on. By and large, if you’ve taken an AP English class, you’ll probably understand the passages and correctly answer the majority of questions. A robust reading background, both in school and on your own, as well as practice in close textual analysis, will serve you well.
AP Biology Resources
- About the AP Biology Exam
- Top AP Biology Exam Strategies
- Top 5 Study Topics and Tips for the AP Biology Exam
- AP Biology Short Free-Response Questions
- AP Biology Long Free-Response Questions
AP Psychology Resources
- What’s Tested on the AP Psychology Exam?
- Top 5 Study Tips for the AP Psychology Exam
- AP Psychology Key Terms
- Top AP Psychology Exam Multiple-Choice Question Tips
- Top AP Psychology Exam Free Response Questions Tips
- AP Psychology Sample Free Response Question
AP English Language and Composition Resources
- What’s Tested on the AP English Language and Composition Exam?
- Top 5 Tips for the AP English Language and Composition Exam
- Top Reading Techniques for the AP English Language and Composition Exam
- How to Answer the AP English Language and Composition Essay Questions
- AP English Language and Composition Exam Sample Essay Questions
AP Human Geography Resources
- What’s Tested On the AP Human Geography Exam?
- AP Human Geography FAQs
- AP Human Geography Question Types and Strategies
- Top 5 Study Tips for the AP Human Geography Exam
FOLLOW ALONG ON SOCIAL
AP English Language and Composition: 2021 Results
Trevor Packer
- July 19, 2021
The following data reflect the 476,735 students worldwide who took either the paper or the digital AP English Language exam in May. Data from students who tested in June are not yet available.
The following table enables comparisons of student performance in 2021 to student performance on the comparable full-length exam prior to the covid-19 pandemic:
| AP Score | 2019 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 10% | 8% |
| 4 | 18% | 23% |
| 3 | 26% | 26% |
| 2 | 31% | 31% |
| 1 | 15% | 12% |
| US Census Category | Authors within the 2021 Exams |
|---|---|
| Asian (5.9%) | 8 (7.3%) |
| Black (13.4%) | 36 (32.7%) |
| Latinx (18.5%) | 14 (12.7%) |
| Indigenous (1.5%) | 10 (9.1%) |
| White (60.1%) | 42 (38.2%) |
| Female (50.8%) | 56 (50.5%) |
| Male (49.2%) | 55 (49.5%) |
- AP English Language students proved especially adept at Skill 3, Reasoning and Organization, which requires students to understand the development of an author’s argument. A stellar 35% of students were able to answer virtually all of these multiple-choice questions correctly.
- The most challenging skill for AP English Language students was Skill 4, Style. Questions ask students to recognize the stylistic choices an author makes and how they contribute to an argument. About 8% of students were able to answer all or most of these multiple-choice questions correctly.
Students scored exceptionally well on the synthesis essay on the place of handwriting instruction in today’s schools: 8% of students achieved perfect scores on it, and:
- Synthesis essay on the place of handwriting instruction in today’s schools
- 98% of students earned the thesis point.
- 26% of students earned all 4 evidence/commentary points; 44% earned 3 points; 23% earned 2 points; 5% earned 1 point; 2% earned 0 points.
- 14% of students earned the sophistication point.
- Rhetorical analysis essay on President Obama’s address at the dedication of the Rosa Parks statue in the United States Capitol building
- 90% of students earned the thesis point.
- 17% of students earned all 4 evidence/commentary points; 37% earned 3 points; 31% earned 2 points; 11% earned 1 point; 4% earned 0 points.
- 12% of students earned the sophistication point.
- Argument essay on the value of striving for perfection
- 97% of students earned the thesis point.
- 14% of students earned all 4 evidence/commentary points; 31% earned 3 points; 37% earned 2 points; 14% earned 1 point; 4% earned 0 points.
- 6% of students earned the sophistication point.
- Differences in the testing mode (paper or digital). For sections of the exam that proved easier to take digitally, the digital versions require more points for each AP score. For sections of the exam that proved easier to take on paper, the paper exam requires more points for each AP score.
- Differences in the difficulty of specific questions. When exam questions prove easier, more points are required for each AP score, and when exam questions prove more difficult, fewer points are required on one version than another.
- The net result for this year’s AP English Language Exams is that out of 100 points possible, most of the digital versions were slightly or somewhat more difficult than the paper version, while a few of the digital versions were easier or similar to the paper version. Accordingly:
- To receive a 3+ on the more difficult digital versions, students needed to earn 1–6 fewer points (depending on the version) than students who took the paper exam.
- To receive a 3+ on the easier digital versions, students needed to earn 1–2 more points (depending on the version) than students who took the paper exam.
| , . | |||||||||||||
| in the DropBox files. Many of these files are available in Word document form in the DropBox, so you can edit the originals easily. | |||||||||||||
| AP Lit Referenced Titles, 1970 to 2024, as . AP Literature Open Prompts, 1970-2024, as , , and (Thanks to Claudia Felske). AP Literature Poetry Prompts, 1970 to 2024, as . AP Literature Prose Prompts, 1970 to 2024, as . Overview of AP Literature Stable Pronots, as and as . Interesting re-grouping of AP Literature prompts by subjects (Thanks to Ann Elizabeth Richards). , , and . | All Three AP Language Free Response Prompts, 1970 to 2024, as . AP Language Prose Passages, 1982 to 2024, as (Thanks to Chris Godat). Overview of AP Language Stable Prompts, as and as .
. ). | ||||||||||||
.
It’s All Happening Online —Useful LinksAP Central & YouTube -- Finding your way around the Advanced Placement website can be tricky. Direct links listed below (with some of those acronyms defined).
AP English FaceBook Groups
Teacher Sites -- Where have all the teachers gone? On sabbatical, into administration, to commercial sites, to retirement. So sorry.
Terminology
Writing Help
Literary Theory and Criticism
Miscellaneous Resources -- $ Resource Requiring Payment
Links to My Pages with Handouts & URLs for Specific Major Works“The Lady of Shalott” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson Macbeth by William Shakespeare
You may find other useful materials at Assignments , Handouts OR Yummy Bytes . If you download or print anything from this site, please consider making at least a $10.00 donation through PayPal. I can maintain and expand this website only with your help. Synthesis Essay MaterialsThe two synthesis essay questions below are examples of the question type that has been one of the three free-response questions on the AP English Language and Composition Exam as of the May 2007 exam. The synthesis question asks students to synthesize information from a variety of sources to inform their own discussion of a topic. Students are given a 15-minute reading period to accommodate the additional reading required for the question. Below is a sample synthesis essay question, sample scoring guidelines, comments from the Chief Reader about the sample student essays, seven sample student responses, and scoring commentary for each sample. Approximately 300 AP English Language and Composition students from eight schools in New York, Maine, Texas, Tennessee, Washington, Florida, and New Mexico wrote responses to this synthesis topic. Students from these schools were given a 15-minute reading period followed by a 40-minute writing period in which to complete the sample synthesis assignment.
An additional sample synthesis essay question is provided here.
| |||||||||||||
IMAGES
COMMENTS
Download free-response questions from past AP English Language & Composition exams, along with scoring guidelines, sample responses, and scoring distributions.
(This question counts as one-third of the total essay section score.) Many people spend long hours trying to achieve perfection in their personal or professional lives.
The Question Leader continues, "Students connected to the topic in surprising, powerful, and beautiful ways. That level of connection extended to even the lower-scoring essays.
()5F 52 *F&5+/*)T/ 2021 College Board. AP® English Language and Composition 2021 Scoring Guidelines Synthesis Essay 6 points ursive) was virtually universal in schools in the United States.
Get exam information and free-response questions with sample answers you can use to practice for the AP English Language and Composition Exam.
With the AP English Language and Composition exam coming up, it's important to find the best practice resources, and that includes practice tests! The AP Language and Composition exam has two sections: a multiple-choice section with 45 questions, and a free-response section with three essay questions—one synthesis prompt, one analysis prompt, and one argument prompt.
Real AP Past Papers with Multiple-Choice Questions. The new AP English Language and Composition Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long and broken up into two sections. Section I: One hour (45 percent of total score) 50-60 multiple-choice questions about several nonfiction prose passages. Section II: Two hours and 15 minutes.
AP Language and Composition Exam Review 2021, AP Lang Final Exam 2021. Free Response question that includes a prompt and a passage. The prompt asks you to critically read the passage and write a well developed essay in which you analyze something aspect of the passage.
This post goes over how to ace the argument essay on the AP English Language and Composition Exam. We offer tips and break down a couple of example essays.
AP English Language and Composition, commonly known as AP Lang, is one of the most engaging and popular AP classes offered at most high schools, with over 535,000 students taking the class. AP Lang tests your ability to analyze written pieces, synthesize information, write rhetorical essays, and create cohesive and concrete arguments. However, the class is rather challenging as only 62% of ...
You'll be required to write three essays on the AP English Language and Composition Exam. Learn about the requirements for each and read some sample essay prompts.
The AP Lang Argument Essay is one of three essays included in the written portion of the AP English Exam. The full AP English Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, with the first 60 minutes dedicated to multiple-choice questions.
The AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay is one of three essays included in the written portion of the AP English Exam. The full AP English Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, with the first 60 minutes dedicated to multiple-choice questions. Once you complete the multiple-choice section, you move on to three equally weighted essays that ask you ...
Online practice exams for AP English Language & Compostion. Hundreds of challenging practice questions. Include AP Lang multiple choice and FRQ.
AP English Language and Composition: Sample Rhetorical Analysis and Synthesis Questions. April 9, 2024. The Rhetorical Analysis and Synthesis Essays are two of the three essays you'll need to write as part of the AP English Language and Composition Exam. Read on for a sample of each, as well as tips for how to answer them.
The AP English Language and Composition Exam has question types and point values that stay consistent from year to year, so you and your students know what to expect on exam day.
The AP English Language and Composition Exam's multiple-choice questions separate well-qualified students from those who are less qualified. To earn a "5" on the exam you must answer most of the questions correctly and write good essays. To earn a "3," you need to get about 50 or 60 percent of the short-answer questions right—provided that your essays are generally acceptable.
Of these 476,735 students, 11 achieved a perfect score from all professors/readers on all essays and correctly answered every multiple-choice question, resulting in the rare and impressive feat of earning all 100 of 100 points possible on an AP English Language Exam. Identities of the 2021 AP English Language Exams' Cited Authors.
Advanced Placement® Language and Literature Tests from 1970 to 2024. AP Language and LiteratureTests Reorganized: Each prompt is now a separate dated file with prompt, scoring guide (6-point and/or 9-point), sample student essays, comments -- whatever I have, attached. Released multiple-choice exams are in a separate folder.
Scoring Rubric for Question 1: Synthesis Essay. 6 points. Reporting Category. Scoring Criteria. Row A Thesis (0-1 points) 4.B. 0 points. For any of the following: There is no defensible thesis.
Download free-response questions from past AP English Literature and Culture exams, along with scoring guidelines, sample responses, and scoring distributions.
The two synthesis essay questions below are examples of the question type that has been one of the three free-response questions on the AP English Language and Composition Exam as of the May 2007 exam. The synthesis question asks students to synthesize information from a variety of sources to inform their own discussion of a topic.