The AP English Literature
and Composition Exam
An introduction to the test
About the Exam
The three-hour exam usually consists of a one-hour
multiple-choice section and a two-hour freeresponse section.
Section I: Multiple-Choice
The multiple-choice section tests your critical reading
skills. You'll read several passages and answer 5060 questions about the content, form, and style of
each. You will read two or three prose fiction
passages and two or three poems. Total scores on
the multiple-choice section are based on the number
of questions answered correctly. Points are not
deducted for incorrect answers and no points are
awarded for unanswered questions.
Section II: Free-Response
In this section you'll write three
essays, one on a given poem, one on
a passage of prose fiction—each
analyzing how form and content relate
to the meaning—and a third essay on
your choice of a novel or play. You
must show your ability to analyze and
interpret literary texts in clear and
effective prose.
Scoring the Exam
• The multiple-choice section counts for 45% of your
grade.
• The free-response section contributes the
remaining 55%
• Your score on the exam is reported on a scale of
1-5. In general, the numbers are interpreted to
mean:
5= extremely well qualified
4= well qualified
3= qualified
2= possibly qualified
1= not recommended for AP credit
What you’ll need to do…
On the exam you’ll be asked to
analyze a number of poems and
prose passages by considering,
among other things, their
structure, style, and dominant
themes. You may also be asked
to recognize and discuss such
elements as figurative language,
point of view, and tone.
What you’ll need to do…
You will also need to be familiar with
several novels and plays by
established authors, as you will
have to choose a famous work and
write an analysis, taking into account
such matters as meaning, form,
structure, or the extent to which
the work reflects the values of the
time in which it was written.