AP English Language and Composition
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About the Exam
Important: Because of school closures due to COVID-19, we’re offering at-home testing for the 2020 AP English Language and Composition Exam as well as free resources to help you prepare. For more details, visit the 2020 AP Coronavirus Updates AP English Language and Composition exam page. Note that any related adjustments to 2020 AP Exams, such as length or content covered, may not be reflected on all AP Students pages.
The AP English Language and Composition Exam will test your understanding of the literary concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to analyze texts and develop written arguments based on your interpretations.
Exam Duration
3hrs 15mins
3hrs 15mins
Exam Dates
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Wed, May 20, 2020,
2 PM ETAP English Language and Composition Exam
May 20, 2020 is the updated date for the AP English Language and Composition Exam.
Exam Components
Section 1: Multiple Choice
45 questions 1hr 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 2hrs 15mins 55% of Score
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 6–7 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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Practice in AP Classroom
Enrolled in an AP course? If you’ve already joined your class section online, your teacher can assign you practice questions through AP Classroom. Sign in to access them.
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2019 AP English Language and Composition Free-Response Questions and Scoring Guidelines
Review the released free-response questions and the scoring guidelines.
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AP English Language and Composition Exam Free-Response Question and Scoring Information Archive
Review free-response questions, sample student responses, and scoring guidelines from 2018 and earlier.
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