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AP English Language and Composition

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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.  

2025 AP Exam dates available soon

New for 2024-25: mcqs will have four answer choices.

Starting in the 2024-25 school year, AP English Language and Composition multiple-choice questions (MCQs) will have four answer choices instead of five. This change will take effect with the 2025 exam. All resources have been updated to reflect this change.   

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

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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.

AP English Language and Composition Course and Exam Description

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Additional Information

The 2023 AP® Lang FRQ Questions Were Just Released: Now what?

Written by Katie Upton

At the end of each year, AP teachers patiently wait for College Board to release the free response questions from each exam, and AP Lang teachers are no different . . . except that we may be just a little impatient. AP Lang teachers are giddy about FRQ prompts because they’re like the magical unicorn of assessments. They help students sprout critical thinking and writing skills, simulate real-life writing adventures, unleash creativity, align with the curriculum, and even sprinkle some professional development fairy dust. It’s like a joyride on a rainbow of learning. Luckily, College Board does make any teacher wait too long to see the FRQs, and this year, AP Lang teachers have two sets of FRQs to study. If you haven’t seen the 2023 AP Lang FRQ prompts yet, you can find them here and here .

Why are these past Free Response Questions valuable?

1. Opportunity for Skill Development: FRQ prompts in AP Lang are designed to assess students’ ability to analyze and respond to complex texts effectively. These prompts often require students to engage in critical thinking, close reading, and argumentation. Teachers see these prompts as valuable opportunities for students to develop and refine their analytical and communication skills.

2. Authentic Assessment: FRQ prompts in AP Lang aim to simulate real-world writing tasks, such as persuasive essays, argumentative analysis, or rhetorical analysis. We can appreciate the authenticity of these prompts, as they reflect the kind of writing tasks students may encounter in college or professional settings. They believe that tackling these prompts prepares students for future academic and professional endeavors.

3. Creativity and Flexibility: AP Lang FRQ prompts often allow room for students to demonstrate their creativity and originality in crafting their responses. The prompts may be open-ended, requiring students to form and support their own arguments or interpretations. Teachers enjoy seeing the diverse range of responses students generate, as it showcases their unique perspectives and writing styles.

4. Curriculum Alignment: AP Lang teachers invest significant time and effort in designing their curricula to align with the AP course framework. They appreciate FRQ prompts that align with the skills and content they have covered throughout the year. Well-aligned prompts allow teachers to gauge the effectiveness of their instruction and provide valuable feedback to students.

5. Professional Development: Engaging with FRQ prompts offers teachers an opportunity for professional development. By analyzing and discussing the prompts with colleagues, attending workshops, or reviewing scoring guidelines, teachers can deepen their understanding of the skills assessed and enhance their instructional strategies. This ongoing professional growth benefits both teachers and their students. In a few months, College Board will release a High, Medium, and Low scoring essays for each prompt, which provides great insight for both teachers and students. 

Overall, AP Lang teachers view FRQ prompts as valuable tools for assessing and fostering students’ critical thinking, writing, and analytical skills. The prompts offer opportunities for students to showcase their abilities in authentic and creative ways, while also facilitating professional development for teachers. They provide us a glimpse into the mind of College Board so we can prepare appropriately for the exam each year. 

Let’s take a look at the first set of Free Response Questions for the 2023 AP Lang Exam. 

Question 1: The Synthesis Essay

Historically, this essay has earned the highest global average score. However with the new 6-point rubric that was introduced in 2019, the global average scores for both the synthesis essay and the rhetorical analysis have hovered around 3.56. Remember, we want students to score 4 or higher on the 6-point rubrics, so we have some work to do! 

2023 Free Response Question #1 Prompt

Urban rewilding is an effort to restore natural ecological processes and habitats in city environments. Many cities around the world have embraced rewilding as part of larger movements to promote ecological conservation and environmentally friendly design. Now, a movement to promote urban rewilding is beginning to take shape in the United States as well. 

Carefully read the six sources, including introductory information for each source. Write an essay that synthesis material from at least three of the sources and develops your position on the extent to which rewilding initiatives are worthwhile for urban communities to pursue.

After looking at this prompt, there is a lot to consider before moving into analyzing the sources, and we certainly want to unpack the prompt because there is helpful information within it such as: 

• The definition of urban rewilding 
• A brief summarization of the benefits of urban rewilding 

Often, the introductory paragraph includes information from multiple perspectives; however, this one does not, so students will have to closely examine the sources. 

Now, let’s review the sources: 

Source A: this infographic includes statistical evidence that supports how urban rewilding can improve our global environment and was published by a credible source in 2021. 

Source B: The excerpt introduces rewilding as a powerful concept in conservation that combines passion for nature with ecological science. It outlines seven principles guiding rewilding, including restoring natural processes, embracing a gradated approach, and creating self-sustaining ecosystems. Rewilding aims to reconnect policy with public sentiment and allows for interpretation based on local traditions and landscapes.

Source C: The excerpt highlights a keynote speech by Dr. Scott Sampson, emphasizing the importance of reconnecting children with nature and promoting urban rewilding. Dr. Scott discusses the decline in outdoor experiences for today’s youth and suggests that urban rewilding, starting with planting native plants, can help restore ecosystems and create a welcoming environment for nature in cities. The movement to rewild children aligns with pillars of conservation, health and wellness, and social equity. Dr. Scott encourages collaboration and big thinking to shape a successful and sustainable future for communities.

Source D: The excerpt discusses the challenges of implementing rewilding in urban areas of the United Kingdom. The author questions the feasibility of dedicating large urban spaces to rewilding due to space constraints and the need for compact urban development. Concerns include public perception, ecological limitations, and the condition of urban soils. The author suggests alternative approaches to urban nature conservation.

Source E: The graph, published by Sustainable Earth, suggests that more forest cover within urban areas may correlate to less depression, stress, and anxiety. 

Source F: The excerpt highlights the benefits of urban rewilding, such as reducing air pollution, urban overheating, and noise pollution. It mentions the creation of green corridors and linear parks in cities like New York and Madrid. Singapore’s approach to incorporating nature in urban design is also mentioned, including landscape replacement policies and park connectors.

Students must determine the extent to which rewilding initiatives are worthwhile for urban communities to pursue; therefore, they must first develop their stance. Some teachers direct students to develop their stances before reading the sources while others suggest developing them after. We say – students should do whatever makes them feel most confident! Most importantly, students must utilize at least three of the six sources, and it is important that they synthesize the sources with the body paragraphs; they should avoid incorporating only one source in each body paragraph.

When developing a position for the synthesis prompt, students must consider the multiple perspectives and nuances involved around the topic which could help them in both Row B and Row C of the rubric. 

Now, let’s take a look at my approach to this prompt: 

Thesis Statement:  Urban rewilding initiatives are essential for promoting environmental sustainability, enhancing well-being, and fostering a deeper connection with nature.

Remember, there are many different ways that students can develop the synthesis essay, and this “extent to which” prompt allows for students to qualify their stances in a variety of ways. Most importantly, students must remember to use three sources, develop a line of reasoning by situating the supporting claims and evidence intentionally. Now, let’s move on to rhetorical analysis. 

Question 2: The Rhetorical Analysis 

2023 Free Response Question #2 Prompt

Michelle Obama was the First Lady of the United States during the presidential administration of her husband, Barack Obama (2009–2017). During that administration, she led programs including the Reach Higher Initiative, which encourages students to continue their education after high school. One way it does so is by supporting high school counselors’ efforts to get students into college. On January 6, 2017, Obama gave her final speech as First Lady at an event honoring outstanding school counselors. The following passage is an excerpt from that speech. Read the passage carefully. Write an essay that analyzes the rhetorical choices Obama makes to convey her message about her expectations and hope for young people in the United States.

When dissecting the rhetorical analysis prompt, students must look for the elements of the rhetorical situation. Below, I have identified those elements: 

Remember, the rhetorical situation information that is included in the prompt is imperative to the analysis. Students must include this information in the commentary, drawing connections between the rhetorical choices and the rhetorical situation to illustrate how the writer’s choice illustrates their understanding of the audience’s beliefs, values, and/or needs. 

As students analyze the passage, they will look for specific choices that exhibit those connections. Below are some of the most effective choices that they could examine. 

1. Inclusive language: Obama uses inclusive language throughout her speech to address a diverse audience and emphasize unity. She refers to “young people in this room and those who are watching” (line 5) and states that the country belongs to “all of you, from every background and walk of life” (lines 7-8). This inclusive language appeals to individuals of different backgrounds, faiths, and creeds.

2. Personal anecdotes: Obama shares personal anecdotes to connect with the audience and make her message relatable. She discusses her own experiences and those of her husband, illustrating how they overcame obstacles and achieved success through hard work and education. By sharing these stories, she inspires the audience and encourages them to believe in their own potential.

3. Repetition : The use of repetition is a prominent rhetorical choice in Obama’s speech. She repeatedly emphasizes the importance of hope as a driving force for progress. Phrases such as “the power of hope” and “the belief in the power of hope” (lines 61-62) are repeated throughout the speech, reinforcing the central theme and encouraging the audience to maintain their aspirations.

4. Appeals to shared values: Obama appeals to shared values to unite the audience and emphasize the importance of certain ideals. She highlights the values of justice, compassion, honesty, and religious diversity, stating that these values are taught by different religions and should be practiced with pride (lines 22-26). By appealing to shared values, she encourages the audience to embrace diversity and work towards a common goal.

5. Call to action: Throughout her speech, Obama issues a call to action, urging the young people to prepare themselves for active participation in society. She encourages them to be informed, engaged citizens who uphold American values, contribute to their communities, and pursue education to attain a better future. This call to action inspires the audience to take responsibility and make a positive impact in their own lives and society.

These are just a few of the rhetorical choices that Michelle Obama employs in her speech to effectively convey her message and engage the audience. If students are concerned about “naming” rhetorical strategies, it is important to remind them to identify text evidence that they can analyze in relationship to the rhetorical situation. 

Finally, let’s look at the argument prompt. 

Question 3: The Argument Essay

2023 Free Response Question #3 Prompt

In a 2016 interview published in the Los Angeles Review of Books , Maxine Hong Kingston, an award-winning writer famous for her novels depicting the experiences of Chinese immigrants in the United States, stated: “I think that individual voices are not as strong as a community of voices. If we can make a community of voices, then we can speak more truth.” 

Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Kingston’s claim about the importance of creating a community of voices is valid.

After looking at this prompt, there is a lot to consider before developing a stance. The students must consider the different stakeholders and perspectives related to this prompt, and we certainly want to unpack the prompt because there is helpful information within it such as: 

• Elie Wiesel 
• Nelson Mandela 
• Malala Yousafzai 
• Martin Luther King Jr
• Ceasar Chavez
• Berta Cáceres
• Barack Obama 
• Winston Churchill
• Mahatma Gandhi
• The Civil Rights Movement
• MeToo Movement
• Marriage Equality
•  Environmental Activism
• Online Communities and Social Media

Once students have considered the stakeholders and ensure that they have evidence to support multiple positions, they should develop their stance, discerning the multiple supporting claims and evidence that could create the strongest line of reasoning. In analyzing Maxine Hong Kingston’s claim about the importance of creating a community of voices, there are different stances a student could take:

1. Strongly Agree: This stance asserts that Kingston’s claim is entirely valid and holds significant weight. It argues that individual voices, while important, lack the collective power and impact that a community of voices can have in speaking the truth. It emphasizes the need for unity, solidarity, and shared experiences to effectively challenge dominant narratives and effect societal change.

2. Agree with Qualification: This stance acknowledges the validity of Kingston’s claim but suggests that there may be some situations where individual voices can still carry substantial strength. It recognizes the value of diverse perspectives and the ability of individuals to make an impact through their unique experiences. However, it ultimately supports the idea that a community of voices has a greater potential to generate comprehensive understanding and challenge systemic barriers.

3. Disagree with Qualification: This stance challenges Kingston’s claim, asserting that individual voices can be just as potent as a community of voices. It argues that individual perspectives carry their own unique strengths and can make significant contributions to truth-telling and social change. It acknowledges the importance of collaboration and collective action but emphasizes the power of individual agency and the ability to challenge narratives from a personal standpoint.

4. Strongly Disagree: This stance rejects Kingston’s claim entirely, arguing that individual voices hold more power and authenticity compared to a community of voices. It suggests that collective voices might dilute the truth by prioritizing consensus or compromising individual perspectives. This stance might emphasize the strength of individual expression and the potential for transformative change that arises from independent voices.

The stances presented here are not exhaustive, and there can be variations or combinations of these positions based on the writer’s perspective and interpretation of Kingston’s claim. Again, students must determine which stance they can defend with multiple claims pieces of evidence. 

Let’s take a look at the second set of Free Response Questions for the 2023 AP Lang Exam. 

Vertical farms are indoor agricultural facilities in which plants are grown, often in a hydroponic (soilless) environment, on tall stacks of shelves. Plants are given water, nutrients, and light mostly through automated processes. Advocates say that vertical farms are key to providing food for the future, yielding high-quality produce while making efficient use of land and water. Critics warn about the energy consumption associated with vertical farms’ automated processes as well as problems related to cost and nutritional value.

Carefully read the following six sources, including the introductory information for each source. Write an essay that synthesizes material from at least three of the sources and develops your position on the value, if any, of vertical farms to the future of agriculture.

Analyzing the prompt:

The prompt introduces the concept of vertical farms, which are indoor agricultural facilities that use stacked shelves to grow plants in a soilless environment. It highlights the benefits of vertical farms, such as the ability to provide high-quality produce while maximizing land and water efficiency. However, it also acknowledges the criticisms regarding energy consumption, cost, and nutritional value associated with vertical farming.

The task is to write an essay that synthesizes information from at least three sources and formulates a position on the value, if any, of vertical farms to the future of agriculture. This requires examining the arguments presented by both advocates and critics of vertical farming and developing a stance based on the evidence provided.

In the essay, it is important to consider the advantages of vertical farms, such as their potential to address food security challenges and optimize resource utilization. Simultaneously, the concerns raised by critics should be analyzed, including the energy requirements and the potential drawbacks in terms of cost and nutritional content.

Source A: This source discusses the emergence of high-tech hydroponic farms, including a large greenhouse and a vertical farm. These farms utilize advanced technology to create precise growing conditions and customize flavors and textures of produce. They aim to address climate change and vulnerabilities in the food supply chain. However, critics raise concerns about the long-term health impacts and the ability to replicate the taste and nutritional value of organic farming.

Source B: This interview discusses the advantages of vertical farming, including the ability to grow crops indoors year-round, easy access to fresher produce, and efficient use of land. The limitations of vertical farming are the reliance on artificial light sources and energy-intensive HVAC systems. Lettuce and leafy greens are currently the most popular crops for vertical farming, while small fruits and fruiting vegetables are being investigated. Vertical farming is also being explored for its potential in space missions, with NASA and the USDA conducting research on crop production in controlled environments.

Source C: This table, published in a book on vertical farming, compares four types of plant production systems based on their stability, controllability, vulnerability of yield and quality, initial investment, and yield. Open fields have low stability and controllability, while vertical farms have high controllability but low stability. Greenhouses with hydroponics offer relatively low vulnerability and high controllability of the root zone. Vertical farms require extremely high initial investment but yield high results.

Source D: The excerpt raises concerns about vertical farms, emphasizing their high costs, expensive food prices, and significant energy consumption. It questions the need for indoor farming and argues against using renewable energy to replace natural sunlight.

Source E: Vertical farming aims to increase agricultural land by constructing multi-level buildings. It offers clean, green, and gourmet food production with year-round availability, reduced pesticide use, and minimal weather-related crop failures. Recycled water and nutrients enhance food security, while monitoring technologies detect pests and diseases. Consumer perception and labeling concerns exist, but growing conditions are similar to existing systems. The closed environment minimizes pollution.

Source F: This image suggests that, by 2050, we will not have enough arable land globally to feed the world’s population. 

Thesis Statement: Vertical farms have the potential to revolutionize future agriculture by addressing the challenges of food production, resource efficiency, and sustainability, despite concerns regarding energy consumption, cost, and nutritional value.

Below, I have outlined a few sample body paragraphs that effectively synthesize multiple sources from the packet.

I would argue that it is difficult to take any stance other than a qualifying one, but that is a challenging tasks for student. Make sure to encourage them to take these kinds of risks with prompts in your classroom to help them prepare for a prompt such as this one.  Now, let’s move on to rhetorical analysis. 

On May 21, 2016, the poet Rita Dove delivered a commencement address to graduating students at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, where she was a professor of English at the time. Dove received a Pulitzer Prize for her poetry and served as the United States poet laureate from 1993 to 1995. She also writes in a variety of genres including fiction and drama. The following is an excerpt from her speech. Read the passage carefully. Write an essay that analyzes the rhetorical choices Dove makes to convey her message about what she wishes for her audience of graduating students.

• The prompt presents various elements of the rhetorical situation surrounding Rita Dove’s commencement address. These elements include the time and place of the speech, Dove’s background and credentials as a poet and professor of English at the University of Virginia, her recognition as a Pulitzer Prize winner and former U.S. poet laureate, and her experience in writing across different genres. 
• The time and place of the speech, May 21, 2016, at the University of Virginia, indicate that Dove’s address is specifically tailored to the graduating students of that particular year. This temporal and spatial setting suggests a sense of relevance and immediacy, as Dove’s words are meant to resonate with the students on the cusp of embarking on their post-graduation journeys.
• Dove’s background as a renowned poet, professor, and former poet laureate lends her credibility and establishes her ethos as a speaker. Her Pulitzer Prize recognition further enhances her authority and expertise in the field of poetry. Additionally, mentioning her versatility in writing across genres highlights her breadth of knowledge and creativity, which can potentially inform her rhetorical choices in the address.

Considering the elements of the rhetorical situation, Dove’s rhetorical choices can be analyzed in relation to her message and wishes for the graduating students. Examining her use of language, tone, structure, and appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos can provide insights into how she seeks to connect with the audience and convey her desired message effectively.

Overall, understanding the rhetorical situation helps frame the analysis of Dove’s choices, allowing for a deeper exploration of how her background, the occasion, and the audience’s context may have influenced her rhetorical strategies and contributed to the overall impact of her address.

As students analyze the passage, they will look for specific choices that exhibit those connections. Below are some of the most effective choices that they could examine.

Analyzing Dove’s Line of Reasoning 

• She begins by acknowledging the traditional role of a commencement speaker in giving life advice.
• Dove highlights the limitations of generic advice in a broad commencement setting.
•  She argues that effective advice must be specific, which is impossible to achieve in this context.
• Dove strategically shifts her speech to offer wishes instead of advice.
• By reframing her message as wishes, she creates a more personal and relatable tone. 
• The use of personal anecdotes and references strengthens her line of reason.
• Dove shares stories from her own life, such as her journey as a shy student and her achievements as a poet.
• These anecdotes serve as evidence to support her wishes and provide relatable examples for the graduating students.

– Overall, Dove’s line of reason is logical and persuasive, engaging the audience on a personal level.

In a 2018 interview about the importance of collaboration, then United States Representative Carlos Curbelo stated: “If you’re trying to convince someone that they need to get involved in an issue or perhaps change their thinking on an issue, trying to scare them is not always effective and can actually sow 1 resentment.”

Write an essay that argues your position on the extent to which Curbelo’s claim about persuading others is valid.

The given prompt presents an opportunity to analyze and evaluate Carlos Curbelo’s claim regarding the effectiveness of using fear as a persuasive tactic when trying to engage others in an issue or change their perspective. To formulate a well-rounded essay on the validity of Curbelo’s statement, students must consider various perspectives and examples that support or challenge his assertion. 

• Firstly, it is essential to delve into the context of Curbelo’s claim. As a former United States Representative, Curbelo likely encountered numerous situations where he had to engage with individuals who held differing opinions or were resistant to change. His statement suggests that relying solely on fear tactics to persuade others can be counterproductive, leading to resentment rather than fostering collaboration.
• To argue the extent to which Curbelo’s claim is valid, it is important to present both supporting and opposing viewpoints. A student could explore instances where fear has been successfully employed as a persuasive strategy, highlighting its ability to elicit action or mobilize individuals. For example, in public health campaigns, fear appeals have been used to raise awareness about the consequences of smoking or reckless driving, leading to behavior change in some cases.
• However, it is crucial to balance this perspective with counterarguments. Curbelo’s claim aligns with research and psychological studies that suggest fear-based tactics may trigger defensive reactions, such as denial or resentment, ultimately hindering productive dialogue. When individuals feel attacked or overwhelmed by fear-inducing messages, they may become less open to considering alternative viewpoints or engaging in constructive conversations.
• To further analyze the validity of Curbelo’s claim, a student can explore real-life examples and case studies. Instances where fear tactics have backfired and resulted in increased resistance or polarization could be examined. This could include political campaigns or advocacy efforts where fear-based messaging led to heightened divisiveness or the entrenchment of existing beliefs.
• Additionally, students can consider alternative approaches to persuasion that prioritize empathy, shared values, and open dialogue. Building trust, establishing common ground, and fostering understanding are often more effective methods of engaging others and inspiring genuine change. By exploring these alternative strategies, the essay can provide a comprehensive evaluation of Curbelo’s claim.

Evaluating the extent to which Carlos Curbelo’s claim about the effectiveness of fear as a persuasive tactic is valid requires a thoughtful analysis of various perspectives and examples. While fear can sometimes prompt action, it is crucial to consider its potential negative consequences, such as resentment and resistance. By considering both supporting and opposing viewpoints, as well as real-life examples, the essay can present a nuanced evaluation of Curbelo’s claim and provide insights into more effective approaches to persuasion.

That’s a wrap, folks!

In a nutshell, using those previously released AP Lang tests is a total game-changer for teachers and students. It’s like having the ultimate cheat code to ace the exam! These tests give teachers the inside scoop on the format, offer legit practice opportunities, and help hone those essential skills. So, buckle up and tap into the treasure trove of past exams. Get ready to rock the AP Lang course like a boss and unlock your students’ full linguistic potential. It’s time to level up!

Katie Upton has been teaching English courses for 15 years, helping students become college and career ready. She is an expert in AP ® Language and Composition and a leader of the AP ® Capstone program, and has led professional development as well, helping teachers blend 21st century learning with educational practices that have stood the test of time. A former basketball coach herself, Katie spends her free time cheering on her two boys in all that they do and supporting her husband, a head girls’ basketball coach.

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How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay + Example

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What is the ap lang synthesis essay, how will ap scores affect my college chances.

AP English Language and Composition, commonly known as AP Lang, is one of the most engaging and popular AP classes offered at most high schools, with over 535,000 students taking the class . AP Lang tests your ability to analyze written pieces, synthesize information, write rhetorical essays, and create cohesive and concrete arguments. However, the class is rather challenging as only 62% of students were able to score a three or higher on the exam. 

The AP Lang exam has two sections. The first consists of 45 multiple choice questions which need to be completed in an hour. This portion counts for around 45% of your total score. These questions ask students to analyze written pieces and answer questions related to each respective passage.  All possible answer choices can be found within the text, and no prior knowledge of literature is needed to understand the passages.

The second section contains three free-response questions to be finished in under two hours and 15 minutes. This section counts for 55% of your score and includes the synthesis essay, the rhetorical essay, and the argumentative essay.

• The synthesis essay requires you to read 6-7 sources and create an argument using at least three sources.
• The rhetorical analysis essay requires you to describe how a piece of writing evokes specific meanings and symbolism.
• The argumentative essay requires you to pick a perspective of a debate and create an argument based on the evidence provided.

In this post, we will take a look at the AP Lang synthesis essay and discuss tips and tricks to master this part of the exam. We will also provide an example of a well-written essay for review.  

The AP Lang synthesis essay is the first of three essays included in the Free Response section of the AP Lang exam. The exam presents 6-7 sources that are organized around a specific topic, with two of those sources purely visual, including a single quantitative source (like a graph or pie chart). The remaining 4-5 sources are text-based, containing around 500 words each. It’s recommended that students spend an hour on this essay—15 minute reading period, 40 minutes writing, and 5 minutes of spare time to check over work.

Each synthesis essay has a topic that all the sources will relate to. A prompt will explaining the topic and provide some background, although the topics are usually broad so you will probably know something related to the issue. It will also present a claim that students will respond to in an essay format using information from at least three of the provided sources. You will need to take a stance, either agreeing or disagreeing with the position provided in the claim. 

According to the CollegeBoard, they are looking for essays that “combine different perspectives from sources to form a support of a coherent position.” This means that you must state your claim on the topic and highlight relationships between several sources that support your specific position on the topic. Additionally, you’ll need to cite clear evidence from your sources to prove your point.

The synthesis essay counts for six points on the AP Lang exam. Students can receive 0-1 points for writing a thesis statement, 0-4 based on the incorporation of evidence and commentary, and 0-1 points based on the sophistication of thought and demonstration of complex understanding.

While this essay seems extremely overwhelming, considering there are a total of three free-response essays to complete, with proper time management and practiced skills, this essay is manageable and straightforward. In order to enhance the time management aspect of the test to the best of your ability, it is essential to divide the essay up into five key steps.

Step 1: Analyze the Prompt

As soon as the clock starts, carefully read and analyze what the prompt asks from you. It might be helpful to markup the text to identify the most critical details. You should only spend around 2 minutes reading the prompt so you have enough time to read all the sources and figure out your argument. Don’t feel like you need to immediately pick your stance on the claim right after reading the prompt. You should read the sources before you commit to your argument.

Step 2: Read the Sources Carefully

Although you are only required to use 3 of the 6-7 sources provides, make sure you read ALL of the sources. This will allow you to better understand the topic and make the most educated decision of which sources to use in your essay. Since there are a lot of sources to get through, you will need to read quickly and carefully.

Annotating will be your best friend during the reading period. Highlight and mark important concepts or lines from each passage that would be helpful in your essay. Your argument will probably begin forming in your head as you go through the passages, so you will save yourself a lot of time later on if you take a few seconds to write down notes in the margins. After you’ve finished reading a source, reflect on whether the source defends, challenges, or qualifies your argument.

You will have around 13 minutes to read through all the sources, but it’s very possible you will finish earlier if you are a fast reader. Take the leftover time to start developing your thesis and organizing your thoughts into an outline so you have more time to write. 

Step 3: Write a Strong Thesis Statement 

In order to write a good thesis statement, all you have to do is decide your stance on the claim provided in the prompt and give an overview of your evidence. You essentially have three choices on how to frame your thesis statement: You can defend, challenge or qualify a claim that’s been provided by the prompt. 

• If you are defending the claim, your job will be to prove that the claim is correct .
• If you are challenging the claim, your job will be to prove that the claim is incorrect .
• If you choose to qualify the claim, your job will be to agree to a part of the claim and disagree with another part of the claim. 

A strong thesis statement will clearly state your stance without summarizing the issue or regurgitating the claim. The CollegeBoard is looking for a thesis statement that “states a defensible position and establishes a line of reasoning on the issue provided in the prompt.”

Step 4: Create a Minimal Essay Outline

Developing an outline might seem like a waste of time when you are up against the clock, but believe us, taking 5-10 minutes to outline your essay will be much more useful in the long run than jumping right into the essay.

Your outline should include your thesis statement and three main pieces of evidence that will constitute each body paragraph. Under each piece of evidence should be 2-3 details from the sources that you will use to back up your claim and some commentary on how that evidence proves your thesis.

Step 5: Write your Essay

Use the remaining 30-35 minutes to write your essay. This should be relatively easy if you took the time to mark up the sources and have a detailed outline.  Remember to add special consideration and emphasis to the commentary sections of the supporting arguments outlined in your thesis. These sentences are critical to the overall flow of the essay and where you will be explaining how the evidence supports or undermines the claim in the prompt.

Also, when referencing your sources, write the in-text citations as follows: “Source 1,” “Source 2,” “Source 3,” etc. Make sure to pay attention to which source is which in order to not incorrectly cite your sources. In-text citations will impact your score on the essay and are an integral part of the process.

After you finish writing, read through your essay for any grammatical errors or mistakes before you move onto the next essay.

Here are six must-have tips and tricks to get a good score on the synthesis essay:

• Cite at least four sources , even though the minimum requirement is three. Remember not to plagiarize and cite everything you use in your arguments.
• Make sure to develop a solid and clear thesis . Develop a stable stance for the claim and stick with it throughout the entire paper.
• Don’t summarize the sources. The summary of the sources does not count as an argument. 
• You don’t necessarily have to agree with the sources in order to cite them. Using a source to support a counterargument is still a good use of a source.
• Cite the sources that you understand entirely . If you don’t, it could come back to bite you in the end. 
• Use small quotes , do not quote entire paragraphs. Make sure the quote does not disrupt the flow or grammar of the sentence you write. 

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Here is an example prompt and essay from 2019 that received 5 of the 6 total points available:

In response to our society’s increasing demand for energy, large-scale wind power has drawn attention from governments and consumers as a potential alternative to traditional materials that fuel our power grids, such as coal, oil, natural gas, water, or even newer sources such as nuclear or solar power. Yet the establishment of large-scale, commercial-grade wind farms is often the subject of controversy for a variety of reasons.

Carefully read the six sources, found on the AP English Language and Composition 2019 Exam (Question 1), including the introductory information for each source. Write an essay that synthesizes material from at least three of the sources and develops your position on the most important factors that an individual or agency should consider when deciding whether to establish a wind farm.

Source A (photo)

Source B (Layton)

Source C (Seltenrich)

Source D (Brown)

Source E (Rule)

Source F (Molla)

In your response you should do the following:

• Respond to the prompt with a thesis presents a defensible position.
• Select and use evidence from at least 3 of the provided sources to support your line of reasoning. Indicate clearly the sources used through direct quotation, paraphrase, or summary. Sources may be cited as Source A, Source B, etc., or by using the description in parentheses.
• Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
• Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.

[1] The situation has been known for years, and still very little is being done: alternative power is the only way to reliably power the changing world. The draw of power coming from industry and private life is overwhelming current sources of non-renewable power, and with dwindling supplies of fossil fuels, it is merely a matter of time before coal and gas fuel plants are no longer in operation. So one viable alternative is wind power. But as with all things, there are pros and cons. The main factors for power companies to consider when building wind farms are environmental boon, aesthetic, and economic factors.

[2] The environmental benefits of using wind power are well-known and proven. Wind power is, as qualified by Source B, undeniably clean and renewable. From their production requiring very little in the way of dangerous materials to their lack of fuel, besides that which occurs naturally, wind power is by far one of the least environmentally impactful sources of power available. In addition, wind power by way of gearbox and advanced blade materials, has the highest percentage of energy retention. According to Source F, wind power retains 1,164% of the energy put into the system – meaning that it increases the energy converted from fuel (wind) to electricity 10 times! No other method of electricity production is even half that efficient. The efficiency and clean nature of wind power are important to consider, especially because they contribute back to power companies economically.

[3] Economically, wind power is both a boon and a bone to electric companies and other users. For consumers, wind power is very cheap, leading to lower bills than from any other source. Consumers also get an indirect reimbursement by way of taxes (Source D). In one Texan town, McCamey, tax revenue increased 30% from a wind farm being erected in the town. This helps to finance improvements to the town. But, there is no doubt that wind power is also hurting the power companies. Although, as renewable power goes, wind is incredibly cheap, it is still significantly more expensive than fossil fuels. So, while it is helping to cut down on emissions, it costs electric companies more than traditional fossil fuel plants. While the general economic trend is positive, there are some setbacks which must be overcome before wind power can take over as truly more effective than fossil fuels.

[4] Aesthetics may be the greatest setback for power companies. Although there may be significant economic and environmental benefit to wind power, people will always fight to preserve pure, unspoiled land. Unfortunately, not much can be done to improve the visual aesthetics of the turbines. White paint is the most common choice because it “[is] associated with cleanliness.” (Source E). But, this can make it stand out like a sore thumb, and make the gargantuan machines seem more out of place. The site can also not be altered because it affects generating capacity. Sound is almost worse of a concern because it interrupts personal productivity by interrupting people’s sleep patterns. One thing for power companies to consider is working with turbine manufacturing to make the machines less aesthetically impactful, so as to garner greater public support.

[5] As with most things, wind power has no easy answer. It is the responsibility of the companies building them to weigh the benefits and the consequences. But, by balancing economics, efficiency, and aesthetics, power companies can create a solution which balances human impact with environmental preservation.

More examples can be found here at College Board.

While AP Scores help to boost your weighted GPA, or give you the option to get college credit, AP Scores don’t have a strong effect on your admissions chances . However, colleges can still see your self-reported scores, so you might not want to automatically send scores to colleges if they are lower than a 3. That being said, admissions officers care far more about your grade in an AP class than your score on the exam.

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AP English Language Practice Exams

We have links to all of the online AP English Language & Composition practice exams. This is the best way to prepare for your AP Lang exam. Choose from the list below to get started on your test prep right now!

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AP English Language | Practice Exams | Free Response | Notes | Vocab |  Study Guides

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in the DropBox files. Many of these files are available in Word document form in the DropBox, so you can edit the originals easily.
AP Lit Referenced Titles, 1970 to 2024, as . AP Lit Referenced Titles as (and ). AP Literature Open Prompts, 1970-2024, as , , and (Thanks to Claudia Felske). AP Literature Poetry Prompts, 1970 to 2024, as . AP Literature Poetry Prompts with Poems, 1970 to 2024, as . AP Poets Referenced, 1970-2024, as . AP Literature Prose Prompts, 1970 to 2024, as . AP Literature Prose Passages, 1970 to 2024, as . AP Prose Writers Referenced, 1970-2024, as . AP Prose Prompts Rewritten with Stable Wording, as (Thanks to Tia Miller). Overview of AP Literature Stable Pronots, as and as . Interesting re-grouping of AP Literature prompts by subjects (Thanks to Ann Elizabeth Richards). , , and .	All Three AP Language Free Response Prompts, 1970 to 2024, as . AP Language Prose Passages, 1982 to 2024, as (Thanks to Chris Godat). Overview of AP Language Stable Prompts, as and as . . ).
. Each prompt is now a separate dated file with prompt, scoring guide (6-point and/or 9-point), sample student essays, comments -- whatever I have, attached. Released multiple-choice exams are in a separate folder. . You can still use the to locate which file holds the scored sample essays. Long lost formats, four that were actually used for both Literature & Language. Personal favorites, like the Pairs Prompt. And a 1996 Country Prompt student essay on that the Chief Reader agreed was a 10 (and photo-copied for me). Yes, a 10. It’s All Happening Online —Useful Links AP Central & YouTube -- Finding your way around the Advanced Placement website can be tricky. Direct links listed below (with some of those acronyms defined). AP Language Home Page -- Classroom Resources AP Language Exam -- CED (Course and Exam Description), 2021 FRQ (Free Response Questions), and Past Exam FRQs (from 1999). AP Literature Home Page -- Classroom Resources AP Literature Exam -- CED (Course and Exam Description), 2021 FRQ (Free Response Questions), and Past Exam FRQs (from 1999). AP Teacher Community (Skip Nicholson) -- Join the AP English community, a combined group for Language & Literature. New version of the old ListServ . AP Language YouTube Channel (Live Review) -- 11 videos AP Literature YouTube Channel (Live Review) -- 10 videos AP English FaceBook Groups A P Language and Composition Teachers (Kristy Seidel) A P Literature and Composition (Brian Sztabnik) A P Literature and Composition Teachers (Michael Yeakey & Heather Davide Carlotz) Teacher Sites -- Where have all the teachers gone? On sabbatical, into administration, to commercial sites, to retirement. So sorry. Gina Korteum’s Lit & More : Modest but masterful, Gina shares a wealth of free resources on her website and extensive affordable materials on Teachers Pay Teachers. Practical, adaptable jewels. Tim Freitas’ The Garden of English : Delightful, often surprising viewpoint. Sense of humor meets excellence. Love all the videos, handouts and posters. Susa n Barber’s and Brian Sztabnik’s Much Ado About Teachin g : The reincarnation of AP LIT Help. These gifted inspiring teachers have mastered the ability to explain everything AP clearly. Articles, videos, handouts are amazing. Beth Hall’s Coach Hall Writes offersmany free AP Language materials with links to Teachers Pay Teachers materials. Subscribe to her YouTube channel for excellent, focused videos. Brian Tolentino shares dozens of short videos on his YouTube Channel, Tolentino Teaching . SAT Vocabulary and Rhetorical Terms are especially helpful. Kristian Kuhn’s home page shares some excellent assignments. Teachers Teaching Writing , his YouTube channel has dozens of clever, useful videos for AP Literature. Susan Barber’s Teach with Class site offers Teacher Resources. Jerry Brown’ s website has buried treasure, well worth seeking. Don Pogebra’s Quixotic Pedagogue : Gorgeous website with generous materials. Retired. Ronnie Campagna’s DropBox is a wealth of materials. Please download; do not delete or move. Dawn Hogue’s Online English Resources provides a Teacher’s Toolbox and other online resources for AP and regular classes. M sEffie’s LifeSavers : Several ways to get there – Google “mseffie” [first hit], use the short domain router (mseffie.com). Mine. What can I say? Such a nerd! Terminology Brian Tolentino Teaching includes 35 term specific videos Dictionary of Literary Terms (Joel Littauer) Literary History Handbook of Rhetorical Devices (Robert Harris) Oregon State Guide to English Literary Terms -- videos for more than 60 terms Poetic Terms (Robert Shubinsky) Writing Help Elements of Style Guide to Grammar and Writing Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab ) Literary Theory and Criticism Literary Resources on the Net (Jack Lynch) Literary Theory and Criticism (Brigham Young University) Guide to Critical Theory (Dino Felluga) Introduction to Modern Literary Theory (Kristi Siegel) Miscellaneous Resources -- $ Resource Requiring Payment TeachIt is a United Kingdom site (for their teachers) whose worksheets approach texts in a different way than we do. Though designed for their “regular” classes, the emphasis is usually on the kind of analysis we do in Advanced Placement classes. PDF files are free to download if you register.  Thought.Co Writing is the old About.com and offers a disorganized but intriguing mess of articles on language, literature, art, and more -- tips on grammar, sample paragraphs of every mode, suggestted topic lists, critical analyses, passages by well-known authors focusing on specific stylistic traits, and so on. The short introductions analyze each piece and help focus discussion. TED Ed: Lessons Worth Sharing -- Based upon the regular TED Talks and a library of original animated videos, TedEd provides a platform for teachers to share lessons based on the videos. CrackAP.com -- provides free access to 50+ practice multiple-choice exams on various passages, many of them from previous AP exams. A very awkward confusing site, but students get immediate assessment and explanations. Just IGNORE all the pop-ups & exterior clicks. AP Language Practices . AP Literature Practices . PrepScholar -- One-stop location for every AP Literature Practice Test available, free & official, including many older ones not available at AP Central. AP Language . AP Literature . $ Applied Practice -- Resource Guides for more than 100 titles. Each includes AP style multiple-choice and free response questions withy answers. With explanations of answers. Other stuff available, too. $ Prestwick House -- Reasonably priced packages include Activity Packs , Response Journals , Literature Teaching Units , AP Teaching Units , and Multiple Critical Perspectives , Response Journals , and Activity Packs . Samples available to download to check them out. (Free Crossword Puzzles and free Posters .) Links to My Pages with Handouts & URLs for Specific Major Works “The Lady of Shalott” by Alfred, Lord Tennyson Macbeth by William Shakespeare (uses College Board’s My Roads) (Greek & Roman Mythology) (National Poetry Month) (an ekphrastic unit) by Anthony Doerr (Film) -- yes, a fan page with YouTube links to all the great John Green short videos. You may find other useful materials at Assignments , Handouts OR Yummy Bytes . If you download or print anything from this site, please consider making at least a $10.00 donation through PayPal. I can maintain and expand this website only with your help. 2024 AP English Language and Composition Exam Guide 12 min read • june 18, 2024 Your guide to the 2024 AP English Language and Composition exam We know that studying for your AP exams can be stressful, but Fiveable has your back! We created a study plan to help you crush your AP English Language and Composition exam. This guide will continue to update with information about the 2024 exams, as well as helpful resources to help you do your best on test day.  Unlock Cram Mode  for access to our cram events—students who have successfully passed their AP exams will answer your questions and guide your last-minute studying LIVE! And don't miss out on unlimited access to our database of thousands of practice questions. Format of the 2024 AP English Language and Composition exam This year, all AP exams will cover all units and essay types. The 2024 AP English Language and Composition exam format will be: Section I: Multiple Choice - 45% of your score- - 45 questions in 1 hour Section II: Free Response Section - 55% of your score- - 2 hours and 15 minutes for:- 1 synthesis essay - 1 rhetorical analysis essay - - 1 argument essay Scoring Rubric for the 2024 AP Lang Essays Synthesis Essay - Thesis - 1 point for a defensible thesis that responds to the prompt- Evidence and Commentary - Max of 4 points for providing evidence from at least 3 sources that support the line of reasoning AND commentary that explains and analyzes the evidence- Sophistication - 1 point any of the following: - Creating a nuanced argument - Showing the limitations of the argument - Making effective rhetorical choices - Employing a style that is vivid and persuasive- Rhetorical Analysis Essay - Thesis - 1 point for a defensible thesis that analyzes rhetorical choices- Evidence and Commentary - Max of 4 points for providing specific evidence AND consistently explaining how the evidence relates to the line of reasoning AND showing how the rhetorical choices contribute to the author's message .- Sophistication - 1 point for any of the following: - Explaining the significance of the rhetorical choices ( rhetorical situation ) - Explaining the complexities of the passage and their purpose - Employing a style that is vivid and persuasive- Argument Essay - Thesis - 1 point for a defensible thesis- Evidence and Commentary - Max of 4 points for providing specific evidence AND consistently explaining the relevance of that evidence.- Sophistication - 1 point for any of the following: - Crafting a nuanced argument by identifying complexities - Explaining the limitations of the argument by placing it in a broader context - Making rhetorical choices to improve the argument - Employing a style that is vivid and persuasive Check out our study plan below to find resources and tools to prepare for your AP English Language and Composition exam. When is the 2024 AP English Language and Composition Exam and How Do I Take It? ** The exam will be on paper and in-person at your school: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 8:00 AM, your local time.  ** How Should I Prepare for the AP Lang Exam? First, take stock of your progress in the course so far. What areas have you excelled and which sections need more focus? Download the  AP English Language Cheatsheet PDF  - a single sheet that covers everything you need to know at a high level. Take note of your strengths and weaknesses! Build your study plan to review every unit and question type, but focus most on the areas that need the most improvement and practice. We’ve put together this plan to help you study between now and May. This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam- - Practice essays are your best friends! The more essays you write, the more automatic the process will come, and the easier the AP exam will be!- - Try some of the past exam questions  [object Object] We've put together the study plan found below to help you study between now and May. This will cover all of the units and essay types to prepare you for your exam. Pay special attention to the units that you need the most improvement in. Study, practice, and review for test day with other students during our live cram sessions via  Cram Mode . Cram live streams will teach, review, and practice important topics from AP courses, college admission tests, and college admission topics. These streams are hosted by experienced students who know what you need to succeed. Pre-Work: Set Up Your Study Environment Before you begin studying, take some time to get organized. 🖥 Create a study space. Make sure you have a designated place at home to study. Somewhere you can keep all of your materials, where you can focus on learning, and where you are comfortable. Spend some time prepping the space with everything you need and you can even let others in the family know that this is your study space.  📚 Organize your study materials. Get your notebook, textbook, prep books, or whatever other physical materials you have. Also, create a space for you to keep track of review. Start a new section in your notebook to take notes or start a Google Doc to keep track of your notes. Get yourself set up! 📅 Plan designated times for studying. The hardest part about studying from home is sticking to a routine. Decide on one hour every day that you can dedicate to studying. This can be any time of the day, whatever works best for you. Set a timer on your phone for that time and really try to stick to it. The routine will help you stay on track. 🏆 Decide on an accountability plan. How will you hold yourself accountable to this study plan? You may or may not have a teacher or rules set up to help you stay on track, so you need to set some for yourself. First, set your goal. This could be studying for x number of hours or getting through a unit. Then, create a reward for yourself. If you reach your goal, then x. This will help stay focused! 2024 AP Lang Study Guide 🚧 unit 1 foundations of rhetoric: analysis of the rhetorical situation and claims., big takeaways:. Unit 1 is an introductory unit that lays the foundations for the reading skills associated with how to understand and analyze complex texts. Skills here include identifying the ASPECTS of a text, analyzing the claim given and the evidence used to support that claim, and determining the function of the “chunks” in the argument. Because the content in this unit is very foundational, it is looped throughout the rest of the course instruction. Definitely do this: 📚 Read these study guides: Unit 1 Overview: Claims, Reasoning, and Evidence 1.1 Identifying the purpose and intended audience of a text 1.2 Examining how evidence supports a claim 1.3 Developing paragraphs as part of an effective argument 🎥 Watch these videos:   College Board’s Instructional Video:  Overview of The Rhetorical Situation .- Fiveable’s  How to Read Like an AP Student .- Rhetorical Analysis Thesis Statements - Rhetorical Analysis Body Paragraphs ✍️ Practice: Use the  Fiveable ASPECTS Guidesheet to help you break down a complex text. 🗺 Can you identify these rhetorical devices? You won’t be asked to name drop on the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. Try  this Quizlet to help prepare. Unit 2 Foundations of Argument: Analysis of an author’s choices in appeals and evidence Unit 2 is an introductory unit that builds onto the foundations of rhetorical ASPECTS and moves toward planning and writing your own arguments. This unit focuses on the relationships between subject, speaker, and message, including examination of the structure and purpose of the given argument. The unit then moves into the developing thesis statements and building your own arguments with a clear line of reasoning. Unit 2 Overview: Organizing Information for a Specific Audience 2.1 Analyzing audience and its relationship to the purpose of an argument 2.2 Building an argument with relevant and strategic evidence 2.3 Developing thesis statements 2.4 Developing structure and integrating evidence to reflect a line of reasoning 🎥 Watch these videos:   College Board’s Instructional Video:  Identify Rhetorical Situation in a Pre 20th Century Text .  Fiveable’s video on  How to Find Rhetorical Devices 📰 Check out these articles: Here’s a  list of recommended rhetorical devices with definitions and examples! ✍️ Practice: Use the  Fiveable Rhetorical Precis Guidesheet to help you break down a complex text. 🗺 Can you identify these elements of practical argument? You won’t be asked to name drop of the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. Try  this Quizlet to help prepare. ----------- 👥 Unit 3 Confluence: Synthesis of multiple sources in argumentation Unit 3 approaches multiple perspectives in argument through the lens of synthesis (that’s FRQ 1). In this study, you learn to identify effective and faulty reasoning while integrating a variety of evidence from credible resources that is properly cited in an original text. Unit 3 Overview: Perspectives and How Arguments Relate 3.1 Interpreting character description and perspective 3.2 Identifying and avoiding flawed lines of reasoning 3.3 Introducing and integrating sources and evidence 3.4 Using sufficient evidence for an argument 3.5 Attributing and citing references 3.6 Developing parts of a text with cause-effect and narrative methods 🎥 Watch these videos: Fiveable’s Introduction into  Synthesis Essays and  How to Begin Your Argument College Board’s Instructional Video:  Complexity in Argument . 🗺 Can you identify these elements of synthesis? 👀 Unit 4 Reasoning: Analysis of argument from introduction to conclusion Unit 4 includes a greater depth of focus on the writing of effective arguments -- the line of reasoning created in the introduction, built with modes of discourse, and strengthened in the conclusion. An important note about these skills of argumentation is that they build toward all parts of every FRQ.  Unit 4 Overview: How writers develop arguments, intros, and conclusion 4.1 Developing and connecting thesis statements and lines of reasoning 4.2 Developing introductions and conclusions 4.3 Adjusting an argument to address new evidence 🎥 Watch these videos:   College Board’s Instructional Video:  Understanding a Line of Reasoning . Fiveable’s  Effective Annotations . ✍️ Practice:   Try Fiveable’s  Guide to LOR Body Paragraphs . 🗺 Can you identify the rhetorical modes? You won’t be asked to name drop them on the exam, but it can be helpful to use devices when discussing strategies. Try  this Quizlet to help prepare. ----------- 🧐 Unit 5 Commentary and Analysis: Analysis of complex argument and intentional rhetoric In Unit 5, the skills look at the minutiae involved in argumentation: development of the line of reasoning that produces strong commentary and maintains the primary claim through all parts of the writing. To achieve these goals, this unit includes a focus on transitions , modifiers , and qualifications for argumentative perspective .   Unit 5 Overview 5.1 Maintaining ideas throughout an argument 5.2 Developing commentary throughout paragraphs 5.3 Using modifiers to qualify an argument and convey perspective 5.4 Using transitions 🎥 Watch these videos:   Fiveable’s video on  How to Improve Analysis Part 1 and  Part 2 - As well as how to  Embed Quotes into Body Paragraphs - Rhetorical Analysis Body Paragraphs - Synthesis Essay Body Paragraphs - Argument Essay Body Paragraphs 📰 Check out these articles: Tara Seale’s adaptation for  Creating a Line of Reasoning . ✍️ Practice: Try Fiveable’s  Guide to LOR Body Paragraphs . --------- 🏃‍♂️ Unit 6 Rhetorical Risks: Analysis of multiple perspectives, bias, and shifts with new evidence In Unit 6, you will notice a direct link building on the ideas of Unit 3 as this instruction looks at position and perspectives while synthesizing information strategically to support a claim.  For greater depth, this unit moves to modify a current argument to include new evidence. Unit 6 Overview: Position, Perspective, and Bias 6.1 Incorporating multiple perspectives strategically into an argument 6.2 Recognizing and accounting for bias 6.3 Adjusting an argument to new evidence 6.4 Analyzing tone and shifts in tone 🎥 Watch these videos:   College Board’s Instructional Video:  Creating a Nuanced Argument .  Fiveable’s video on  Tracking an Author’s Argument --------- 🚀 Unit 7 Complex Argumentation: Analysis of effective arguments, including concession and refutation The skills of Unit 7 are about putting all units of study together to look at the complexity of a given argument and the effectiveness of the pieces built into that argument.  Though many teachers will have addressed counterarguments, concessions, and refutations before reaching this unit, those skills are highly scrutinized in this segment of learning. Unit 7 Overview: Successful and Unsuccessful Arguments 7.1 Examining complexities in issues 7.2 Considering how words, phrases, and clauses can modify and limit an argument 7.3 Examining how counterargument or alternative perspectives affect an argument 7.4 Exploring how sentence development affects an argument 🎥 Watch these videos:   Fiveable’s video on  Arguments and Counterarguments College Board’s Instructional Video:  How Argument Demonstrates Understanding . ✍️ Practice: Check your progress with  Fiveable’s AP Language Skills Matrix . -------- 📝 Unit 8 Style: Analysis of how style influences the audience movement Unit 8 covers how to understand the influence style has on the audience , and the purpose behind each decision. By analyzing these various tactics, students are able to understand the author’s audience, and how to effectively persuade them. Style is an important part in connecting the rest of the course and understanding how the rhetorical choices and devices are used to accomplish a purpose. Unit 8 Overview: Stylistic Choices 8.1 Choosing comparisons based on an audience 8.2 Considering how sentence development and word choice affect how the writer is perceived by an audience 8.3 Considering how all choices made in an argument affect the audience 8.4 Considering how style affects an argument 🎥 Watch these videos:   Fiveable’s  Analysis of the Mindset of the Audience - College Board’s Instructional video:  Analyzing and Understanding the Audience 📰 Check out these articles: College Board’s explanation of  Elements and Context for Style ✍️ Practice: Review this quizlet on  Elements of Style for more practice. --------- ✏️ Unit 9 Craft: Creation of your own complex argument with synthesis and rhetoric The final unit of AP Language and Composition covers how to effectively form your own arguments by acknowledging and understanding complexities to create a nuanced and sophisticated argument. It focuses on your ability to comprehend and connect multiple sources to create a well reasoned, and detailed argument as well as how to add in your own rhetorical devices and choices to make your writing more persuasive and effective.    Unit 9 Overview: Developing a Complex Argument 9.1 Strategically conceding, rebutting, or refuting information 9.2 Crafting an argument through stylistic choices like word choice and description 🎥 Watch these videos:   Fiveable’s video on  Creating your own Synthesis Arguments College Board’s video on  Complexities within Arguments and  How to Create a Nuanced Argument Key Terms to Review ( 38 ) Stay Connected © 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved. AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website. Choose Your Test Search Blogs By Category College Admissions AP and IB Exams GPA and Coursework Expert Guide to the AP Language and Composition Exam Advanced Placement (AP) With the 2023 AP English Language and Composition exam happening on Tuesday, May 9, it's time to make sure that you're familiar with all aspects of the exam. In this article, I'll give a brief overview of the test, do a deeper dive on each of the sections, discuss how the exam is scored, offer some strategies for studying, and finally wrap up with some essential exam day tips. Exam Overview The AP Language and Composition exam tests your rhetorical and composition skills. Essentially, how do authors construct effective arguments in their writing? What tools do they use? How can you use those tools to craft effective writing yourself? That is the essence of rhetorical analysis. The exam has two parts: the first section is an hour-long, 45 question multiple-choice section. It includes five sets of questions, each based on a passage or passages. In this section, there will be 23-25 rhetorical analysis questions which test your rhetorical skills. There will also be 20-22 writing questions which require you to consider revisions to the texts you're shown. The second section is free response. It starts with a 15-minute reading period, and then you'll have 120 minutes to write three analytical essays: One essay where you synthesize several provided texts to create an argument One essay where you analyze a nonfiction passage for its rhetorical construction One essay where you create an original argument in response to a prompt. You will have about 40 minutes to write each essay, but no one will prompt you to move from essay to essay—you can structure the 120 minutes as you wish. In the next sections I'll go over each section of the exam more closely—first multiple choice, and then free response. The AP English Language and Composition Multiple-Choice The multiple-choice section tests you on two main areas. The first is how well you can read and understand nonfiction passages for their use of rhetorical devices and tools. The second is how well you can "think like a writer" and make revisions to texts in composition questions. You will be presented with five passages, about which you will receive a small amount of orienting information, e.g. "This passage is excerpted from a collection of essays on boating" or "This passage is excerpted from an essay written in 19th-century Haiti." Each passage will be followed by a set of questions. There are, in general, eight question types you can expect to encounter on the multiple-choice section of the exam. I've taken my examples from the sample questions in the " Course and Exam Description ." Magic eight-ball says there are eight types of multiple-choice questions! Type 1: Reading Comprehension These questions are focused on verifying that you understood what a certain part of the passage was saying on a concrete, literal level. You can identify these questions from phrases like "according to" "refers," etc. The best way to succeed on these questions is to go back and re-read the part of the passage referred to very carefully. Type 2: Implication These questions take reading comprehension one step further—they are primarily focused on what the author is implying without directly coming out and saying it. These questions will have a correct answer, though, based on evidence from the passage. Which interpretation offered in the answers does the passage most support? You can identify questions like these from words like "best supported," ‘"implies," "suggests," "inferred," and so on. Type 3: Overall Passage and Author Questions These questions ask about overall elements of the passage or the author, such as the author's attitude on the issue discussed, the purpose of the passage, the passage's overarching style, the audience for the passage, and so on. You can identify these questions because they won't refer back to a specific moment in the text. For these questions, you'll need to think of the passage from a "bird's-eye view" and consider what all of the small details together are combining to say. Type 4: Relationships Between Parts of the Text Some questions will ask you to describe the relationship between two parts of the text, whether they are paragraphs or specific lines. You can identify these because they will usually explicitly ask about the relationship between two identified parts of the text, although sometimes they will instead ask about a relationship implicitly, by saying something like "compared to the rest of the passage." Type 5: Interpretation of Imagery/Figurative Language These questions will ask you about the deeper meaning or implication of figurative language or imagery that is used in the text. Essentially, why did the author choose to use this simile or this metaphor? What is s/he trying to accomplish? You can generally identify questions like this because the question will specifically reference a moment of figurative language in the text. However, it might not be immediately apparent that the phrase being referenced is figurative, so you may need to go back and look at it in the passage to be sure of what kind of question you are facing. Type 6: Purpose of Part of the Text Still other questions will ask you to identify what purpose a particular part of the text serves in the author's larger argument. What is the author trying to accomplish with the particular moment in the text identified in the question? You can identify these questions because they will generally explicitly ask what purpose a certain part of the text serves. You may also see words or phrases like "serves to" or "function." Type 7: Rhetorical Strategy These questions will ask you to identify a rhetorical strategy used by the author. They will often specifically use the phrase "rhetorical strategy," although sometimes you will be able to identify them instead through the answer choices, which offer different rhetorical strategies as possibilities. Type 8: Composition This is the newest question type, first seen in the 2019/2020 school year. For these questions, the student will need to act as though they are the writer and think through different choices writers need to make when writing or revising text. These questions can involve changing the order of sentences or paragraphs, adding or omitting information to strengthen an argument or improve clarity, making changes to draw reader attention, and other composition-based choices. Some very important stylish effects going on here. The AP English Language and Composition Free Response The free response section has a 15-minute reading period. After that time, you will have 120 minutes to write three essays that address three distinct tasks. Because the first essay involves reading sources, it is suggested that you use the entire 15-minute reading period to read the sources and plan the first essay. However, you may want to glance at the other questions during the reading period so that ideas can percolate in the back of your mind as you work on the first essay. Essay One: Synthesis For this essay, you will be briefly oriented on an issue and then given anywhere from six to seven sources that provide various perspectives and information on the issue. You will then need to write an argumentative essay with support from the documents. If this sounds a lot like a DBQ , as on the history AP exams, that's because it is! However, this essay is much more argumentative in nature—your goal is to persuade, not merely interpret the documents. Example (documents not included, see 2022 free response questions ): Essay Two: Rhetorical Analysis In the second essay, you'll be presented with an excerpt from a nonfiction piece that advances an argument and asked to write an essay analyzing the rhetorical strategies used to construct the passage's argument. You will also be given some orienting information—where the passage was excerpted from, who wrote it, its approximate date, where it was published (if at all), and to whom it was directed. Example (excerpt not included, see 2022 free response questions ): Essay Three: Argument In the third essay, you will be presented with an issue and asked to write a persuasive essay taking a position on the issue. You will need to support your position with evidence from your "reading, experience, and observations." This doesn't look like a very well-constructed argument. How The AP Language and Composition Exam Is Scored The multiple-choice section of the exam is worth 45% of your score, and the free-response section is worth the other 55%. So each of the three free-response essays is worth about 18% of your score. As on other APs, your raw score will be converted to a scaled score of 1-5. This exam has a relatively low 5 rate. Only 10% of test takers received a 5 in 2022 , although 56% of students received a score of 3 or higher. In terms of how the raw score is obtained, the multiple-choice section is similar to other AP multiple-choice sections: you receive a point for every question you answer correctly, and there is no penalty for guessing. The grading rubrics for the free-response questions were revamped in 2019. They are scored using analytic rubrics instead of holistic rubrics. For each free-response question, you will be given a score from 0-6. The rubrics assess three major areas: #1: Thesis (0 to 1 points): Is there a thesis, and does it properly respond to the prompt? #2: Evidence and Commentary (0 to 4 points): Does the essay include supporting evidence and analysis that is relevant, specific, well organized, and supports the thesis? #3: Sophistication (0 to 1 points): Is the essay well-crafted and does it show a sufficiently nuanced understanding of the prompt? Each scoring rubric broadly assesses these three factors. However, each task is also different in nature, so the rubrics do have some differences. I'll go over each rubric—and what it really means—for you here. Synthesis Essay Rubrics 0 For any of the following: 1 EVIDENCE AND COMMENTARY 0 1 AND 2 AND 3 AND 4 AND SOPHISTICATION 0 1 Responses that earn this point may demonstrate sophistication of thought and/or a complex understanding of the rhetorical situation by doing any of the following: Time to synthesize this dough into some cookies. Rhetorical Analysis Essay Rubrics 0 1 AND 2 AND 3 AND AND 4 AND AND Examine your texts closely! Argumentative Essay Rubrics The best kind of frenzy is a puppy frenzy! AP English Language Prep Tips Unlike its cousin, the AP English Literature and Composition exam, the AP Language and Composition exam (and course) have very little to do with fiction or poetry. So some students used to more traditional English classes may be somewhat at a loss as to what to do to prepare. Luckily for you, I have a whole slate of preparation tips for you! Read Nonfiction—In a Smart Way A major thing you can do to prepare for the AP Lang and Comp exam is to read nonfiction— particularly nonfiction that argues a position , whether explicitly (like an op-ed) or implicitly (like many memoirs and personal essays). Read a variety of non-fiction genres and topics, and pay attention to the following: What is the author's argument? What evidence do they use to support their position? What rhetorical techniques and strategies do they use to build their argument? Are they persuasive? What counterarguments can you identify? Do they address them? Thinking about these questions with all the reading you do will help you hone your rhetorical analysis skills. Learn Rhetorical Terms and Strategies Of course, if you're going to be analyzing the nonfiction works you read for their rhetorical techniques and strategies, you need to know what those are! You should learn a robust stable of rhetorical terms from your teacher, but here's my guide to the most important AP Language and Composition terms . We've compiled a list of 20 rhetorical devices you should know. A heroic individual from Riverside schools in Ohio uploaded this aggressively comprehensive list of rhetorical terms with examples. It's 27 pages long, and you definitely shouldn't expect to know all of these for the exam, but it's a useful resource for learning some new terms. Another great resource for learning about rhetorical analysis and how rhetorical devices are actually used is the YouTube Channel Teach Argument , which has videos rhetorically analyzing everything from Taylor Swift music videos to Super Bowl commercials. It's a fun way to think about rhetorical devices and get familiar with argumentative structures. Finally, a great book—which you might already use in your class—is " They Say, I Say. " This book provides an overview of rhetoric specifically for academic purposes, which will serve you well for AP preparation and beyond. You also need to practice argumentative and persuasive writing. In particular, you should practice the writing styles that will be tested on the exam: synthesizing your own argument based on multiple outside sources, rhetorically analyzing another piece of writing in-depth, and creating a completely original argument based on your own evidence and experience. You should be doing lots of writing assignments in your AP class to prepare, but thoughtful, additional writing will help. You don't necessarily need to turn all of the practice writing you do into polished pieces, either—just writing for yourself, while trying to address some of these tasks, will give you a low-pressure way to try out different rhetorical structures and argumentative moves, as well as practicing things like organization and developing your own writing style. Not the most auspicious start to an argumentative essay. Practice for the Exam Finally, you'll need to practice specifically for the exam format. There are sample multiple-choice questions in the " AP Course and Exam Description ," and old free-response questions on the College Board website. Unfortunately, the College Board hasn't officially released any complete exams from previous years for the AP English Language and Composition exam, but you might be able to find some that teachers have uploaded to school websites and so on by Googling "AP Language complete released exams." I also have a guide to AP Language and Composition practice tests . Once you're prepped and ready to go, how can you do your best on the test? AP Language and Composition Test Day Tips Here are four key tips for test-day success. You are one hundred percent success! Interact With the Text When you are reading passages, both on the multiple-choice section and for the first two free-response questions, interact with the text! Mark it up for things that seem important, devices you notice, the author's argument, and anything else that seems important to the rhetorical construction of the text. This will help you engage with the text and make it easier to answer questions or write an essay about the passage. Think About Every Text's Overarching Purpose and Argument Similarly, with every passage you read, consider the author's overarching purpose and argument. If you can confidently figure out what the author's primary assertion is, it will be easier to trace how all of the other aspects of the text play into the author's main point. Plan Your Essays The single most important thing you can do for yourself on the free-response section of the AP English Language exam is to spend a few minutes planning and outlining your essays before you start to write them. Unlike on some other exams, where the content is the most important aspect of the essay, on the AP Language Exam, organization, a well-developed argument, and strong evidence are all critical to strong essay scores. An outline will help you with all of these things. You'll be able to make sure each part of your argument is logical, has sufficient evidence, and that your paragraphs are arranged in a way that is clear and flows well. Anticipate and Address Counterarguments Another thing you can do to give your free responses an extra boost is to identify counterarguments to your position and address them within your essay. This not only helps shore up your own position, but it's also a fairly sophisticated move in a timed essay that will win you kudos with AP graders. Address counterarguments properly or they might get returned to sender! Key Takeaways The AP Language and Composition exam tests your rhetorical skills. The exam has two sections. The first section is an hour-long, 45 question multiple-choice test based on the rhetorical techniques and composition choices. The second section is a two-hour free-response section (with a 15-minute initial reading period) with three essay questions: one where you must synthesize given sources to make an original argument, one where you must rhetorically analyze a given passage, and one where you must create a wholly original argument about an issue with no outside sources given. You'll receive one point for every correct answer on the multiple-choice section of the exam, which is worth 45% of your score. The free-response section is worth 55% of your score. For each free-response question, you'll get a score based on a rubric from 0-6. Your total raw score will be converted to a scaled score from 1-5. Here are some test prep strategies for AP Lang: #1 : Read nonfiction with an eye for rhetoric #2 : Learn rhetorical strategies and techniques #3 : Practice writing to deploy rhetorical skills #4 : Practice for the exam! Here are some test-day success tips: #1 : Interact with each passage you encounter! #2 : Consider every text's overarching purpose and argument. #3 : Keep track of time #4 : Plan your essays #5 : Identify and address counterarguments in your essays. With all of this knowledge, you're ready to slay the AP English Language and Composition beast! Noble knight, prepare to slay the AP dragon! What's Next? Want more AP Lang review? We have a complete collection of released AP Language practice tests , as well as a list of the AP Lang terms you need to know and a guide to the multiple choice section . Taking the AP Literature exam? Check out our ultimate guide to the AP English Literature test and our list of AP Literature practice tests . Taking other AP exams? See our Ultimate Guides to AP World History , AP US History , AP Chemistry , AP Biology , AP World History , and AP Human Geography . Need more AP prep guidance? Check out how to study for AP exams and how to find AP practice tests . These recommendations are based solely on our knowledge and experience. If you purchase an item through one of our links, PrepScholar may receive a commission. Trending Now How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA How to Write an Amazing College Essay What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For? ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take? When should you take the SAT or ACT? 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Ask a Question Below Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply! Are you seeking one-on-one college counseling and/or essay support? Limited spots are now available. Click here to learn more. How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay (With Example) December 14, 2023 We’d like to let you in on a little secret: no one, including us, enjoys writing timed essays. But a little practice goes a long way. If you want to head into your AP English Exam with a cool head, you’ll want to know what you’re getting into ahead of time. We can’t promise the AP Lang Argument Essay will ever feel like an island vacation, but we do have tons of hand tips and tricks (plus a sample essay!) below to help you do your best. This article will cover: 1) What is the AP Lang Argumentative Essay? 2) AP Lang Argument Rubric 3) AP Lang Argument Sample Prompt 4) AP Lang Argument Essay Example 5) AP Lang Argument Essay Example: Answer Breakdown. What is the AP Lang Argument Essay? The AP Lang Argument Essay is one of three essays included in the written portion of the AP English Exam. The full AP English Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, with the first 60 minutes dedicated to multiple-choice questions. Once you complete the multiple-choice section, you move on to three equally weighted essays that ask you to synthesize, analyze, and interpret texts and develop well-reasoned arguments. The three essays include: Synthesis essay: You’ll review various pieces of evidence and then write an essay that synthesizes (aka combines and interprets) the evidence and presents a clear argument. Read our write-up on How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay here. Argumentative essay: You’ll take a stance on a specific topic and argue your case. Rhetorical essay: You’ll read a provided passage, then analyze the author’s rhetorical choices and develop an argument that explains why the author made those rhetorical choices. Read our write-up on How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Essay here. AP Lang Argument Essay Rubric The AP Lang Argument Essay is graded on 3 rubric categories : Thesis, Evidence and Commentary, and Sophistication . How can you make sure you cover all three bases in your essay? We’ll break down each rubric category with dos and don’ts below: Thesis (0-1 point) When it comes to grading your thesis, AP Exam graders are checking off a box: you either have a clear thesis or you don’t. So, what crucial components of a thesis will get you your check mark? Make sure your thesis argues something . To satisfy your graders, your thesis needs to take a clear stance on the issue at hand. Include your thesis statement in your intro paragraph. The AP Lang Argumentative essay is just that: an essay that makes an argument, so make sure you present your argument right away at the end of your first paragraph. A good test to see if you have a thesis that makes an argument for your AP Lang Argumentative Essay: In your head, add the phrase “I agree/disagree that…” to the beginning of your thesis. If what follows doesn’t logically flow after that phrase (aka if what follows isn’t an agreement or disagreement), it’s likely you’re not making an argument. In your thesis, outline the evidence you’ll cover in your body paragraphs. AP Lang Argument Essay Rubric (Continued) Avoid a thesis that merely restates the prompt. Avoid a thesis that summarizes the text but does not make an argument. Avoid a thesis that weighs the pros and cons of an issue. Your job in your thesis is to pick a side and stick with it. Evidence and Commentary (0-4 points) This rubric category is graded on a scale of 0-4 where 4 is the highest grade. Unlike the rhetorical and synthesis essays, the evidence you need to write your AP Lang Argument Essay is not provided to you. Rather, you’ll need to generate your own evidence and comment upon it. What counts as evidence? Typically, the AP Lang Argument Essay prompt asks you to reflect on a broad cultural, moral, or social issue that is open to debate. For evidence, you won’t be asked to memorize and cite statistics or facts. Rather, you’ll want to bring in real-world examples of: Historical events Current-day events from the news Personal anecdotes For this essay, your graders know that you’re not able to do research to find the perfect evidence. What’s most important is that you find evidence that logically supports your argument. What is commentary? In this essay, it’s important to do more than just provide examples relevant evidence. After each piece of evidence you include, you’ll need to explain why it’s significant and how it connects to your main argument. The analysis you include after your evidence is commentary . Take a minute to brainstorm evidence that logically supports your argument. If you have to go out of your way to find the connection, it’s better to think of different evidence. Include multiple pieces of evidence. There is no magic number, but do make sure you incorporate more than a couple pieces of evidence that support your argument. Make sure you include more than one example of evidence, too. Let’s say you’re working on an essay that argues that people are always stronger together than apart. You’ve already included an example from history: during the civil rights era, protestors staged group sit-ins as a powerful form of peaceful protest. That’s just one example, and it’s hard to make a credible argument with just one piece of evidence. To fix that issue, think of additional examples from history, current events, or personal experience that are not related to the civil rights era. After you include each piece of evidence, explain why it’s significant and how it connects to your main argument. Don’t summarize or speak generally about the topic. Everything you write must be backed up with specific and relevant evidence and examples. Don’t let quotes speak for themselves. After every piece of evidence you include, make sure to explain and connect the evidence to your overarching argument. AP Lang Argument Essay (Continued) Sophistication (0-1 point) According to the College Board , one point can be awarded to AP Lang Argument essays that achieve a high level of sophistication. You can accomplish that in four ways: Crafting a nuanced argument by consistently identifying and exploring complexities or tensions. Articulating the implications or limitations of an argument by situating it within a broader context. Making effective rhetorical choices that consistently strengthen the force and impact of the student’s argument. Employing a style that is consistently vivid and persuasive. In sum, this means you can earn an additional point for going above and beyond in depth, complexity of thought, or by writing an especially persuasive, clear, and well-structured essay. In order to earn this point, you’ll first need to do a good job with the fundamentals: your thesis, evidence, and commentary. Then, to earn your sophistication point, follow these tips: Outline your essay before you begin to ensure it flows in a clear and cohesive way. Include well-rounded evidence. Don’t rely entirely on personal anecdotes, for example. Incorporate examples from current events or history, as well. Thoroughly explain how each piece of evidence connects to your thesis in order to fully develop your argument. Explore broader implications. If what you’re arguing is true, what does that mean to us today? Who is impacted by this issue? What real-world issues are relevant to this core issue? Briefly explore the other side of the issue. Are the instances where your argument might not be true? Acknowledge the other side, then return to proving your original argument. Steer clear of generalizations (avoid words like “always” and “everyone”). Don’t choose an argument you can’t back up with relevant examples. Avoid complex sentences and fancy vocabulary words unless you use them often. Long, clunky sentences with imprecisely used words are hard to follow. AP Lang Argument Sample Prompt The sample prompt below is published online by the College Board and is a real example from the 2021 AP English Exam. The prompt provides background context, essay instructions, and the text you need to analyze. Suggested time—40 minutes. Many people spend long hours trying to achieve perfection in their personal or professional lives. Similarly, people often demand perfection from others, creating expectations that may be challenging to live up to. In contrast, some people think perfection is not attainable or desirable. Write an essay that argues your position on the value of striving for perfection. In your response you should do the following: Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position. Provide evidence to support your line of reasoning. Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning. Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument. AP Lang Argument Essay Example As the old phrase says, “Practice makes perfect.” But is perfection something that is actually attainable? Sometimes, pushing for perfection helps us achieve great things, but most often, perfectionism puts too much pressure on us and prevents us from knowing when we have done the best we can. Striving for perfection can only lead us to shortchange ourselves. Instead, we should value learning, growth, and creativity and not worry whether we are first or fifth best. Students often feel the need to be perfect in their classes, and this can cause students to struggle or stop making an effort in class. In elementary and middle school, for example, I was very nervous about public speaking. When I had to give a speech, my voice would shake, and I would turn very red. My teachers always told me “relax!” and I got Bs on Cs on my speeches. As a result, I put more pressure on myself to do well, spending extra time making my speeches perfect and rehearsing late at night at home. But this pressure only made me more nervous, and I started getting stomach aches before speaking in public. Once I got to high school, however, I started doing YouTube make-up tutorials with a friend. We made videos just for fun, and laughed when we made mistakes or said something silly. Only then, when I wasn’t striving to be perfect, did I get more comfortable with public speaking. AP Lang Argumentative Essay Example (Continued) In the world of art and business and science, perfectionism can also limit what we are able to achieve. Artists, for example, have to take risks and leave room for creativity. If artists strive for perfection, then they won’t be willing to fail at new experiments and their work will be less innovative and interesting. In business and science, many products, like penicillin for example, were discovered by accident. If the scientist who discovered penicillin mold growing on his petri dishes had gotten angry at his mistake and thrown the dishes away, he would never have discovered a medicine that is vital to us today. Some fields do need to value perfection. We wouldn’t like it, for example, if our surgeon wasn’t striving for perfection during our operation. However, for most of us, perfectionism can limit our potential for learning and growth. Instead of trying to be perfect, we should strive to learn, innovate, and do our personal best. AP Lang Argument Essay Example: Answer Breakdown The sample AP Lang Argumentative Essay above has some strengths and some weaknesses. Overall, we would give this essay a 3 or a 4. Let’s break down what’s working and what could be improved: The essay offers a thesis that makes a clear argument that is relevant to the prompt: “Striving for perfection can only lead us to shortchange ourselves. Instead, we should value learning, growth, and creativity and not worry whether we are first or fifth best.” The first body paragraph provides evidence that supports the essay’s thesis. This student’s personal anecdote offers an example of a time when perfectionism led them to shortchange themselves. The second body paragraph provides additional evidence that supports the essay’s thesis. The example describing the discovery of penicillin offers another example of a situation in which perfectionism might have limited scientific progress. The writer offers commentary explaining how her examples of public speaking and penicillin illustrate that we should “value learning, growth, and creativity” over perfectionism. The essay follows one line of reasoning and does not stray into tangents. The essay is organized well with intro, body, and concluding paragraphs. Overall, it is easy to read and is free of grammar errors. What could be improved: Although the second body paragraph provides one good specific example about the discovery of penicillin, the other examples it offers about art and business are only discussed generally and aren’t backed up with evidence. This paragraph would be stronger if it provided more examples. Or, if this writer couldn’t think of examples, they could have left out mentions of art and business altogether and included alternate evidence instead. This writer would more thoroughly support their argument if they were able to offer one more example of evidence. They could provide another personal anecdote, an example from history, or an example from current events. The writer briefly mentions the other side of the argument in their concluding paragraph: “Some fields do need to value perfection. We wouldn’t like it, for example, if our surgeon wasn’t striving for perfection during our operation.” Since it’s so brief a mention of the other side, it undermines the writer’s overall argument. This writer should either dedicate more time to reflecting on why even surgeons should “value learning, growth, and creativity” over perfectionism, or they should leave these sentences out. AP Lang Argument Essay Example—More Resources Looking for more tips to help you master your AP Lang Argumentative Essay? Brush up on 20 Rhetorical Devices High School Students Should Know and read our Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension . If you’re ready to start studying for another part of the AP English Exam, find more expert tips in our How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis and How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Essay blog posts. High School Success Christina Wood Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology. 2-Year Colleges Application Strategies Best Colleges by Major Best Colleges by State Big Picture Career & Personality Assessment College Essay College Search/Knowledge College Success Costs & Financial Aid Data Visualizations Dental School Admissions Extracurricular Activities Graduate School Admissions High Schools Homeschool Resources Law School Admissions Medical School Admissions Navigating the Admissions Process Online Learning Outdoor Adventure Private High School Spotlight Research Programs Summer Program Spotlight Summer Programs Teacher Tools Test Prep Provider Spotlight “Innovative and invaluable…use this book as your college lifeline.” — Lynn O'Shaughnessy Nationally Recognized College Expert College Planning in Your Inbox Join our information-packed monthly newsletter. Calculate for all schools Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, experience with ap lang released exams. I'm a junior prepping for the AP Lang exam and wondering if going through released exams is an effective way to prepare. Has anyone else used them for study purposes? Were they helpful for understanding exam format and content? Using released exams as part of your study plan for the AP Lang exam is indeed an effective strategy. Many students have found them beneficial for several reasons: 1. Familiarity with exam format: Reviewing released exams allows you to become accustomed to the types of questions asked, as well as the overall structure of the test. This can help ease any test anxiety, as you'll know what to expect on exam day. 2. Exposure to previous essay prompts: Working through the essay prompts from past exams will give you a broader understanding of the types of prompts that may appear on the test. This can help you generate ideas and practice your essay-writing skills under timed conditions. 3. Awareness of challenging content: By going through released exams, you can identify areas where you may need additional practice or review. This knowledge can help you target areas for improvement and ensure that your study efforts are focused where they will be most effective. 4. Skill development: Practicing multiple-choice questions and essays from released exams can reinforce your understanding of the reading, writing, and analytical skills that the AP Lang exam tests. This can be especially helpful if you struggle with specific skill areas. 5. Self-assessment: Using released exams for timed practice tests can help you gauge your performance and track your progress throughout your study period. This can serve as an effective benchmark, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments or modifications to your study plan. While using released exams is a valuable strategy, it's essential to supplement them with other study resources, such as textbooks, review guides, and videos, to build a well-rounded understanding of the material. Additionally, consider discussing your progress with your teacher, who may be able to provide further guidance and resources tailored to your specific needs. About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field. Scores for 2024 AP Exams are available now. Sign in and get your reports .  Synthesis Essay Materials The two synthesis essay questions below are examples of the question type that has been one of the three free-response questions on the AP English Language and Composition Exam as of the May 2007 exam. The synthesis question asks students to synthesize information from a variety of sources to inform their own discussion of a topic. Students are given a 15-minute reading period to accommodate the additional reading required for the question. Below is a sample synthesis essay question, sample scoring guidelines, comments from the Chief Reader about the sample student essays, seven sample student responses, and scoring commentary for each sample. Approximately 300 AP English Language and Composition students from eight schools in New York, Maine, Texas, Tennessee, Washington, Florida, and New Mexico wrote responses to this synthesis topic. Students from these schools were given a 15-minute reading period followed by a 40-minute writing period in which to complete the sample synthesis assignment. AP English Language and Composition Synthesis Essay #1 (.pdf/84KB) Sample Scoring Guidelines (.pdf/43KB) Comments from the Chief Reader (.pdf/47KB) Sample Student Responses (.pdf/3.65MB) Scoring Commentary (.pdf/50KB) An additional sample synthesis essay question is provided here. AP English Language and Composition Synthesis Essay #2 (.pdf/338KB) 340 IMAGES 002 Scanprompt0001 Ap Lang Argument Essay Prompts ~ Thatsnotus AP LANG Final Exam Essay AP Lang Synthesis Essay Example: Prompt- American Metaphors AP Language and Composition Ap Lang Prompts 2024 Incredible Ap Lang Argument Essay Prompts ~ Thatsnotus VIDEO How to NAIL the UC Essay Prompts (pt. 3) AP LANG PULLUP ap lang project AP Lang osu! Presentation AP Lang Final Project AP lang final project COMMENTS AP English Language and Composition Exam Questions Download free-response questions from this year's exam and past exams along with scoring guidelines, sample responses from exam takers, and scoring distributions. If you are using assistive technology and need help accessing these PDFs in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 or by email at ssd@info ... PDF AP English Language and Composition 2022 Free-Response Questions AP English Language and Composition 2022 Free-Response Questions Author: ETS Subject: Free-Response Questions from the 2022 AP English Language and Composition Exam Keywords: English Language and Composition; Free-Response Questions; 2022; exam resources; exam information; teaching resources; exam practice Created Date: 9/20/2021 8:04:57 AM PDF AP English Language and Composition 2021 Free-Response Questions Suggested time—40 minutes. (This question counts as one-third of the total essay section score.) Many people spend long hours trying to achieve perfection in their personal or professional lives. Similarly, people often demand perfection from others, creating expectations that may be challenging to live up to. Every AP English Language and Composition Practice Exam Beginning on page 115, the AP Course and Exam description for AP Language and composition includes 17 multiple-choice questions and three free-response prompts: one synthesis prompt, one analysis prompt, and one argument prompt. As mentioned above, this is the only current source of official practice questions for the new "composition" question ... PDF AP English Language & Composition Exam Prompts (1981 to 2017) AP English Language & Composition Exam Prompts (1981 to 2017) YEAR Question 1 (Synthesis) Question 2 (Rhetorical Analysis) Question 3 (Argumentative) 1981 "The Rattler"- analyze effect on reader - consider organization, point of view, language, detail. George Bernard Shaw letter - describe writer's attitude toward mother & her PDF MsEffie's List of Advanced Placement® Language and Composition Prompts MsEffie's List of Advanced Placement® Language and Composition Prompts (1981 to 2024)* *Advanced Placement® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this website. YEAR Question 1 Question 2 Question 3 1981 "The Rattler"- analyze effect on reader - consider organization, point of view, language, detail. AP English Language and Composition Exam 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. How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay + Examples 2. Pick one side of the argument, but acknowledge the other side. When you write the essay, it's best if you pick one side of the debate and stick with it for the entire essay. All your evidence should be in support of that one side. However, in your introductory paragraph, as you introduce the debate, be sure to mention any merit the ... The 2023 AP® Lang FRQ Questions Were Just Released: Now what? A veteran AP English Language teacher breaks down each of the three released FRQs for the 2023 AP Lang Exam for classroom instruction. ... Finally, let's look at the argument prompt. Question 3: The Argument Essay. 2023 Free Response Question #3 Prompt. In a 2016 interview published in the Los Angeles Review of Books, Maxine Hong Kingston, an ... How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay + Example The AP Lang exam has two sections. The first consists of 45 multiple choice questions which need to be completed in an hour. This portion counts for around 45% of your total score. These questions ask students to analyze written pieces and answer questions related to each respective passage. AP English Language Practice Exams AP English Language Practice Exams Free Response Notes Vocab Study Guides. We have links to all of the online AP English Language & Composition practice exams. This is the best way to prepare for your AP Lang exam. Choose from the list below to get started on your test prep right now! How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay with Example Most recently, her work has been featured in Belle Ombre, Flypaper Lit, and Mag 20/20, among others, and she was nominated for the Mary Troy Prize in Fiction. How to write the AP Lang synthesis essay with examples. The synthesis essay is the first free response essay on the AP Lang exam. AP English Language and Composition Exam Starting in the 2024-25 school year, AP English Language and Composition multiple-choice questions (MCQs) will have four answer choices instead of five. This change will take effect with the 2025 exam. All resources have been updated to reflect this change. PDF AP® English Language and Composition 2010 Free-Response Questions Question 1. (Suggested time—40 minutes. This question counts for one-third of the total essay section score.) Directions: The following prompt is based on the accompanying six sources. This question requires you to synthesize a variety of sources into a coherent, well-written essay. Advanced Placement English Advanced Placement® Language and Literature Tests from 1970 to 2024. AP Language and LiteratureTests Reorganized: Each prompt is now a separate dated file with prompt, scoring guide (6-point and/or 9-point), sample student essays, comments -- whatever I have, attached. Released multiple-choice exams are in a separate folder. AP Lang Exam Guide Format of the 2024 AP English Language and Composition exam. This year, all AP exams will cover all units and essay types. The 2024 AP English Language and Composition exam format will be: Section I: Multiple Choice - 45% of your score- - 45 questions in 1 hour. Section II: Free Response Section - 55% of your score- - 2 hours and 15 minutes for ... Expert Guide to the AP Language and Composition Exam The AP English Language and Composition Multiple-Choice. The multiple-choice section tests you on two main areas. The first is how well you can read and understand nonfiction passages for their use of rhetorical devices and tools. The second is how well you can "think like a writer" and make revisions to texts in composition questions. PDF AP® English Language and Composition Question 1. It is suggested that you spend 15 minutes reading the question, analyzing and evaluating the sources, and 40 minutes writing your response. Note: You may begin writing your response before the reading period is over. (This question counts as one-third of the total essay section score.) How to Write the AP Lang Argument Essay (With Example) The AP Lang Argument Essay is one of three essays included in the written portion of the AP English Exam. The full AP English Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, with the first 60 minutes dedicated to multiple-choice questions. AP Lang and Comp Prompts: What to Expect? AP Lang and Comp (AP English Language and Composition) focuses primarily on rhetorical analysis, argumentation, and synthesis. The essay prompts are designed to test your critical thinking, reading, and writing skills. Here's a brief overview of the different types of prompts you may expect: 1. Rhetorical Analysis - You'll be given a nonfiction ... SAT® and AP® English Language essay prompts Click below to view a list of official SAT® Essay prompts. Then, click the title of each prompt to view the page or download a PDF of the text. 💡Some prompts below include links to an external resource. To include this link as your essay prompt when creating a writing assignment in NoRedInk, be sure to copy and paste the website's full ... Experience with AP Lang released exams? 2 months ago. Using released exams as part of your study plan for the AP Lang exam is indeed an effective strategy. Many students have found them beneficial for several reasons: 1. Familiarity with exam format: Reviewing released exams allows you to become accustomed to the types of questions asked, as well as the overall structure of the test. Synthesis Essay Materials The two synthesis essay questions below are examples of the question type that has been one of the three free-response questions on the AP English Language and Composition Exam as of the May 2007 exam. The synthesis question asks students to synthesize information from a variety of sources to inform their own discussion of a topic. Students are given a 15-minute reading period to accommodate ... assignment essay homework paper phd report resume speech