AP Lit Prose Essay Template (with examples) (AP)

AP Lit Prose Essay

The second essay on the AP Lit exam's free-response section, requiring a 500–700 words prose analysis based on a provided excerpt and prompt.

Essay Scoring

The prose essay is scored out of six points: Thesis (0-1), Evidence and Commentary (0-4), and Sophistication (0-1).

Time Management

Allocate 5-7 minutes to read the prompt and passage, followed by 3-5 minutes for planning your response.

Essay Outline

Create a rough outline with a thesis, 2-3 claims supported by evidence, and brief explanations to organize your thoughts.

Thesis Statement

A strong, clear thesis statement is essential to guide the essay and ensure focus on relevant arguments.

Evidence Selection

Use at least 1-2 pieces of evidence per claim, ensuring the quotes are relevant and clearly linked to the argument.

Discussion of Evidence

After citing evidence, provide explanation of its significance and how it supports the overall argument ("So what" part).

Conclusion

The conclusion should summarize the main points to reinforce the thesis without repeating the thesis statement.

Grammar and Style

Proper grammar, punctuation, and spelling are crucial to earn the sophistication point on the AP Lit prose essay rubric.

Essay Focus

The main focus should be clear, organized argumentation in the body paragraphs, with the conclusion as a final reinforcement.

Hook/Opening Statement

A general statement or idea that presents the passage's theme or subject. This can be an observation on the passage's broad significance or on its literary components.

State the author's name and the text's name

Introduces the author and text being analyzed, linking the general idea in the hook to the specifics of the essay.

Importance

Highlights the significance of the text's themes or elements and the applicability of the interpretation in the story's setting and the broader world.

Create thesis statement

The most crucial component of your introduction that presents the main argument of the essay, summarizing the points to be covered in the body paragraphs.

Topic sentence

The paragraph's main idea, introducing the specific point to be covered and directly connecting to the thesis statement.

Relevance from the story

Specific examples or incidents from the text that illustrate and support the point made in the topic sentence.

Analysis - Explanation of WHY or HOW

An explanation of why a particular example or event is important and how it supports the argument being made in the essay.

Support from outside source(s) from your previous research

Use of external information or critical viewpoints to support the argument, such as academic papers or historical background

Transition phase

Links the body of the essay to the conclusion, indicating that a summary or final analysis is about to follow.

Restate the thesis

Restates the thesis clearly in the conclusion, reaffirming the main argument made throughout the essay.

Influence

Discusses the broader implications of the analysis, connecting the argument to universal themes or societal issues.