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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.
This is a fully digital exam. You’ll complete multiple-choice and free-response questions in the Bluebook testing app, with all responses automatically submitted at the end of the exam.
3hrs 15mins
Exam Date
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
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AP Classroom Resources
Once you join your AP class section online, you’ll be able to access videos, any assignments from your teacher, and your assignment results in AP Classroom. Sign in to access them.
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Practice on Bluebook
Download the Bluebook app and log in with your College Board account information to access test previews for the digital AP Exams.
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Free-Response Questions and Scoring Information
Go to AP Central to review free-response questions and scoring information from past exams.
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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.
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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
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