Expert's Guide to the AP Literature Exam (PrepScholar)

Overview

• Purpose: To prepare students for the AP English Literature and Composition exam.
• Exam Date: May 7, 2025.
• Exam Components:
  • Multiple-choice section
  • Free-response section

Exam Format

Multiple-Choice Section

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Questions: 55 questions
• Weight: 45% of total score
• Content:
  • Five prose and poetry excerpts (16th to 21st century)
  • No author, date, or title provided (except sometimes for poems)

Types of Questions

1. Reading Comprehension: Basic understanding of the passage.
2. Inference: Infer meaning or intention not directly stated.
3. Figurative Language: Identify or interpret figurative language.
4. Literary Technique: Why the author uses certain techniques.
5. Character Analysis: Describe characters' traits or relationships.
6. Overall Passage: Identify purpose, tone, or genre of the passage.
7. Structure: Questions about the structural elements of a passage.
8. Grammar/Nuts & Bolts: Specific grammar or meter questions.

Free-Response Section

• Duration: 2 hours
• Questions: 3 essays
• Weight: 55% of total score

Essay Types

1. Literary Passage Analysis:
   • One poem and one prose excerpt
   • Analyze a given theme, device, or development
2. Thematic Analysis:
   • Analyze a theme in a work of "literary merit" chosen by the student

Scoring

• Multiple-Choice: 1 point per correct answer (no penalty for guessing)
• Free-Response Essays: Scored 0-6 based on three elements:
  1. Thesis (0-1 points)
  2. Evidence and Commentary (0-4 points)
  3. Sophistication (0-1 points)

Preparation Tips

1. Reading: Read a variety of literary works and be familiar with 4-5 books.
2. Poetry: Read and interpret poetry from various eras and authors.
3. Close Reading: Practice identifying and understanding literary techniques.
4. Literary Devices: Familiarize with literary and poetic devices.
5. Essay Practice: Write essays using released prompts.
6. Practice Tests: Take full practice exams to simulate test conditions.

Test-Day Tips

1. Answer All Questions: No penalty for wrong answers on multiple-choice.
2. Refer to Text: Always look back at the passage when answering.
3. Engagement: Take notes and annotate passages during the test.
4. Familiarity: Know your chosen works well for the student-choice essay.
5. Organization: Plan essays carefully with an outline.
6. Time Management: Allocate time wisely for each essay and question.

Conclusion

• The AP Literature exam is structured to test analytical skills and ability to interpret literary works.
• Preparation involves reading extensively, practicing essays, and understanding literary devices.
• Test-day strategy includes annotating passages, managing time, and answering all questions.