AP English Literature Exam information
What it is, what's tested, and how it's scored.
AP English Literature exam details
The Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature and Composition exam assesses your ability to analyze and interpret important works of fiction, poetry, and drama. It serves as the final examination for the College Board's AP English Literature class, which is offered to advanced students at many high schools.
Students who take AP Lit engage in intensive, college-level coursework and hone their abilities in analytical writing, close reading, and critical thinking. Depending on exam performance, you may also earn college credit through the class.
The AP English Literature exam is hosted by College Board and costs $99 to register. Participants have 3 hours to answer 55 multiple-choice questions, 3 free-response questions. The passing score is 3 (on scale of 1-5).
Time
3 hours
Format
55 multiple-choice questions
3 free-response questions
Exam fee
$99
Passing score
3 (on scale of 1-5)
Details
The AP Lit exam is taken in school or at designated testing centers. It is distributed in an entirely digital format through the Bluebook testing app. The exam is divided into two sections, each taking 1 hour and 2 hours to complete. A 10-minute scheduled break is included between the two sections.
The AP Lit course and exam cover the following topics:
Unit 1: Short Fiction I
Unit 2: Poetry I
Unit 3: Longer Fiction or Drama I
Unit 4: Short Fiction II
Unit 5: Poetry II
Unit 6: Longer Fiction or Drama II
Unit 7: Short Fiction III
Unit 8: Poetry III
Unit 9: Longer Fiction or Drama III
Throughout the AP English Literature and Composition course, students are expected to practice and develop the following skills that will help them learn how to read texts critically:
Explaining the functions of characters, setting, plots, and structure
Determining the intent, tone, and characteristics of a narrator or speaker
Evaluating word choice and understanding imagery and symbols
Developing skills in comparative analysis
Interpreting texts or portions of texts and building textually substantiated arguments
The College Board creates a standardized curriculum guide for all AP exams. The order units are taught, as well as the depth and focus of each, which will be determined by your teacher.
College Board's AP English Literature exam summary
Multiple Choice Section
45% of exam
55 questions
Includes 5 passages of prose fiction, drama, or poetry and an accompanying set of questions, with 8-13 questions per set. This section will contain at least 2 prose fiction and 2 poetry passages.
Free Response Section
55% of exam
3 essays
Students will be asked to respond to 3 free-response prompts from the following categories: a literary analysis of a poem, a literary analysis of a prose fiction passage, and an analysis that examines a specific concept, issue, or element in a high-level work of fiction selected by the student.
Achievable AP English Literature content outline
1
AP Exam Overview
An introduction to the structure and scoring of the AP English Literature and Composition exam. Covers test-taking strategies, time management, and a reference list of commonly taught literary works.
2
Literary Devices
Explores the key techniques authors use to shape meaning and tone. Includes point of view, diction, imagery, syntax, and various forms of figurative language essential for analysis.
3
Literary Movements
Presents major literary movements often referenced on the AP exam. Includes summaries of Metaphysical poetry, Romanticism, Transcendentalism, Realism, the Harlem Renaissance, Modernism, and Postmodernism, along with suggestions for additional movements to research independently.
4
Close Reading Techniques
Develops skills for analyzing prose and poetry at the passage level. Teaches how to break down structure, identify literary elements, and interpret meaning under timed conditions.
5
The Multiple Choice Section
Focuses on strategies for answering reading comprehension questions. Covers passage types, question formats, active reading methods, common traps, and how to combine techniques effectively.
6
Tackling the Essays
Guides students through the AP essay section, including types of prompts and grading criteria. Covers planning, evidence selection, writing strong analyses, and crafting effective introductions, body paragraphs, and conclusions.