AP English Language Test

The AP English Language and Composition exam is an Advanced Placement examination offered by the College Board in the United States. It is designed to assess a student's skills in analyzing and interpreting texts, as well as their ability to craft effective arguments and communicate effectively through writing. The exam is typically taken by high school students who have completed an AP English Language and Composition course or a comparable college-level English course.

Here are some key details about the AP English Language exam:

Format:

  • The exam consists of two sections: multiple-choice questions and free-response questions.
  • Section I: Multiple-Choice consists of approximately 45-55 questions, accounting for 45% of the total score. Students have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete this section.
  • Section II: Free Response consists of three essay prompts: a synthesis essay, a rhetorical analysis essay, and an argument essay. This section accounts for 55% of the total score. Students have 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete this section.

Content:

  • The AP English Language exam focuses on developing students' skills in critical reading, analysis, and writing.
  • The exam assesses students' ability to analyze the rhetorical strategies used in a variety of texts, including nonfiction prose, articles, essays, speeches, advertisements, and visual materials.
  • Students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the author's purpose, audience, and rhetorical choices, as well as their ability to effectively communicate their own ideas through writing.

Scoring:

  • The multiple-choice section is scored by computer, while the free-response section is scored by trained AP English Language readers.
  • Each multiple-choice question is worth 1 point, and there is no penalty for incorrect answers.
  • The free-response section is scored on a 6-point holistic scale, with scores converted to a final scaled score of 1-5.