AP English Language & Composition – Quick Reference

Overview

  • College-level rhetoric & writing course; effective Fall 2024
  • Emphasizes analytic/argumentative writing and rhetorical analysis of nonfiction (incl. images)
  • No prerequisites; students should read college texts & write clearly

AP Principles

  • Clarity & transparency of expectations
  • Evidence-based inquiry; oppose censorship & indoctrination
  • Open-minded study of diverse histories/cultures; respect all voices
  • AP is elective; schools must teach required content or lose AP label

Big Ideas & Enduring Understandings

  • RHS – Rhetorical Situation: Writers make strategic choices for audience, purpose, context
  • CLE – Claims & Evidence: Arguments use defendable claims, apt evidence, address opposition
  • REO – Reasoning & Organization: Coherent structure & commentary guide line of reasoning
  • STL – Style: Word choice, syntax, grammar, and design advance purpose & tone

Course Skills (paired Reading / Writing)

  1. Identify & use rhetorical situation
  2. Craft introductions / conclusions fitting context
  3. Locate & develop claims + evidence
  4. Write thesis; qualify claims
  5. Describe & build lines of reasoning; use methods of development
  6. Employ transitions for coherence
  7. Explain & control style (diction, comparisons, syntax)
  8. Apply grammar & mechanics for clarity

Unit Sequence (≈15 class periods each)

  1. Rhetorical situation; paragraph-level claims & evidence
  2. Audience, thesis statements, appeals
  3. Lines of reasoning; narration, cause-effect, etc.
  4. Introductions/conclusions; compare-contrast, definition
  5. Coherence, transitions, diction & tone
  6. Bias, source credibility; tone connotation
  7. Qualifying claims; clauses, punctuation, design
  8. Audience-centered style & syntax
  9. Counterargument, concession, rebuttal; review weak skills

Assessment & Pacing Tools

  • Progress Checks: MCQ + FRQ per unit (formative only)
  • Question Bank: build custom practice
  • Reports Dashboard: skill diagnostics

Exam Structure (3 h 15 min)

  • Section I MCQ (45 Q, 60 min, 45%)
    • Reading skills 23–25 Q; Writing skills 20–22 Q
  • Section II FRQ (3 essays, 2 h 15 min, 55%)
    • Q1 Synthesis (use ≥3 sources)
    • Q2 Rhetorical Analysis (nonfiction passage)
    • Q3 Argument (evidence-based position)

Essay Rubric Highlights (6 pts each)

  • Row A Thesis (1)
  • Row B Evidence & Commentary (4)
  • Row C Sophistication (1)

AP Resources

  • AP Classroom: Unit Guides, Progress Checks, AP Daily videos
  • AP Reading: teachers can score exams, earn PD & CEUs

Course Audit Requirements

  • Local syllabus must meet curricular & resource criteria to use “AP” label

Key Takeaways

  • Teach reading⇄writing loop: analyze arguments, then compose
  • Prioritize evidence quality, commentary, and audience awareness
  • Scaffold skills across 9 units; leverage AP Classroom for feedback