AP Language Exam Overview and Essay Strategies

Vocabulary and core concepts covering the structure, timing, scoring rubric, and introduction strategies for the AP English Language exam based on Tommy's introductory lecture.

Multiple Choice Section (AP Language)

A $1$-hour exam section containing $5$ total passages ($2$ reading and $3$ writing) and $45$ questions, which accounts for $45\%$ of the total composite exam score ($1\%$ per question).

Free Response Section (AP Language)

A $2$-hour and $15$-minute exam section composed of three essays (synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argument) that accounts for $55\%$ of the total score (each essay being worth approximately $18\%$).

Synthesis Essay

A free response essay where students are provided with $6$ or $7$ sources and tasked with composing an argument in response to a prompt using evidence drawn directly from those sources.

Rhetorical Analysis Essay

A free response essay where students read a given passage, identify the rhetorical choices made by the author, and analyze the impact or effect of those specific choices.

Argument Essay

The final essay on the exam where students are provided with a claim or idea and must create and support an argument using evidence from their own knowledge, observations, or experiences rather than provided sources.

Thesis Point

A $1$-point category on the essay rubric earned by writing a thesis statement that directly responds to the prompt and presents a defensible position.

Defensible Position

A requirement of the thesis statement indicating that the central claim must be an arguable stance that can be defended and supported with reasoning and evidence.

Evidence and Commentary

The rubric category worth the largest portion of points, awarded for providing evidence that supports claims through a line of coherent reasoning and offering commentary that explains how that evidence supports the reasoning.

Sophistication Point

A rubric point awarded for presenting a complex argument and articulating the implications or limitations of that argument, including the effective use of rhetorical techniques.

1-3-1 Approach

An essay structure recommended by the instructor consisting of $1$ introductory paragraph, $3$ body paragraphs, and $1$ conclusion paragraph to ensure sufficient evidence within the allotted time.

Introduction Paragraph (Two Goals)

The opening component of an essay whose sole objectives are to provide background context to introduce the topic and to present the thesis statement.