AP English Language & Composition
AP Language & Composition develops your ability to read non-fiction texts critically and write analytically and persuasively. You'll analyze how writers craft arguments and use rhetorical strategies, and practice three types of writing: rhetorical analysis, synthesis, and argument.
Difficulty
Challenging
Popularity
85%
Past questions
1
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May, annually
3 hours 15 minutes
1–5 scale
3 = qualified | 4–5 = well qualified for college credit
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section I — Multiple Choice | 60 minutes | 45 questionsReading: 23 Qs analyzing non-fiction passages. Writing: 22 Qs revising/editing existing drafts. | 45% |
| Section II — Free Response (3 essays) | 2 hours 15 minutes | 3 essaysSynthesis (25%), Rhetorical Analysis (15%), Argument (15%) | 55% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Demanding
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
For rhetorical analysis: identify the device, quote it, and then explain the effect on the audience or purpose — skip any step and you lose marks.
- 2
Synthesis essay: argue a clear position and USE the sources as evidence — don't just summarize them.
- 3
Argument essay: take a clear stance in your thesis and use specific, concrete evidence. Vague claims earn low scores.
- 4
Know the rhetorical triangle: ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), logos (logic) — and identify them precisely in any text.
- 5
Practice the MCQ writing questions by revising passages. This section rewards students who understand sentence-level rhetoric.
Past Exam Questions
The following passage is an excerpt from a speech given by a public health official. Read it carefully. Then write an essay in which you analyze the rhetorical choices the speaker makes to convey her message about vaccine hesitancy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Poor time management that leaves essays unfinished.
- ✕
Retelling the plot instead of analyzing the writer's choices and their effects.
- ✕
Quoting without commenting — evidence only earns marks when it is analyzed.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for AP English Language & Composition — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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