AP English Literature and Composition

The exam format includes 55 multiple-choice questions and three free-response questions. Students are allotted 60 minutes to complete the multiple-choice section and 120 minutes to compose their responses to the free response questions. To make sure you’re prepared enough to finish in time, take a look through our free AP English Literature and Composition study guide that covers the most important material you should know.

How do I study for AP English Literature and Composition?

You’ve likely covered a lot of material during your course this year, but to get a 5 on the AP exam, it’s important you understand how often each topic shows up. Once you take a look through the breakdown below, make sure to read through the AP English Literature and Composition study guide above with all the key points you should know for each unit.

What units are on AP English Literature and Composition?

Unit 1: Critical Reading Skills for Short Fiction
In this unit, you will develop critical reading skills that enable you to analyze, interpret, and comprehend prose effectively.
Unit 2: Exploring Poetry through Critical Reading
This unit will focus on expanding your critical reading skills to analyze different elements within a wide range of poems.
Unit 3: Analyzing Longer Fiction or Drama
You will observe how literary techniques unfold in longer works and examine the development and interaction of characters over the course of a narrative.
Unit 4: Advanced Analysis of Short Fiction
Building upon previous units, this unit will delve deeper into the roles of character and conflict in fiction, as well as explore the influence of a narrator's perspective on storytelling.
Unit 5: Examining Poetry in Depth
This unit will delve into different forms of poetry, studying how structure and figurative language contribute to meaning and impact.
Unit 6: Complex Analysis of Longer Fiction or Drama
You will analyze the progression of various literary techniques in longer works and explore the changes that characters undergo as they respond to plot developments.
Unit 7: Fiction's Reflection of Society
This unit will examine how works of fiction interact with and reflect the world and society in which the authors live or lived.
Unit 8: Advancing Interpretation of Poetry
By exploring contrasts, ambiguous language, and other techniques, this unit will deepen your interpretation and understanding of poetry.
Unit 9: Comprehensive Analysis of Longer Fiction or Drama
Drawing upon the skills and interpretations learned in prior units, you will conduct a nuanced analysis of complex longer narratives as a whole.

What are the video resources?

We’ve handpicked some of our favorite youtube channels and videos that align with the key topics and themes covered in our AP English Literature and Composition study guides. These channels can be a great way to better understand how to understand and evaluate works of fiction, poetry, and drama from various periods and cultures..

Where can I ask AP English Literature and Composition questions?

Connect with like-minded students who are also preparing for the exam and delve into the world of AP English Literature and Composition review together. By joining our Discord community, you can collaborate, exchange questions, discuss AP English Literature and Composition notes, and discuss any tricky problems with fellow AP English Literature and Composition students. Together, you can better understand challenging concepts, share helpful resources, and support each other on your way to getting a 5!

What is AP English Literature and Composition?

AP English Literature and Composition explores how to understand and evaluate works of fiction, poetry, and drama from various periods and cultures. On this page, you’ll find AP English Literature and Composition resources to help you with your AP English Literature and Composition review.