AP By the Sea

FAQ’s on
The English Literature Exam

Multiple Choice: 1 hour

You will get about 55 multiple choice questions based on a close reading of four short selections, usually two prose and two poetry.
The questions can be analyzed according to three types:

Level 3: Identifying the theme and tone

Essays: 2 hours

You will write three essays in 2 hours (about 40 minutes per essay.)
One essay will be based on a prose selection; one based on a poetry selection. These essays deal with the effects writers create by artful manipulation of language: stylistic analysis focusing on tone, diction, syntax, imagery, point of view, and use of figurative and ironic devices.
The third essay allows you to select a play or novel that you have read to answer a prompt that reflects close reading and literary analysis.
The essay section is worth 55% of your total score.
Each essay is scored by a different reader, but is only read once on a 9 point rubric.

Composite Scores:

You will receive an a grade of 1 to 5.
3's, 4's, & 5's will usually earn college credit for an introductory lit/comp course, although some colleges only accept 4's and 5's. Check with counselor.
Approximately 11% of students score 5's, 20% score 4's, and 35% score 3's.
You can get about half the multiple choice questions right and score an average of 5 (out of 9) on the essays and get a grade of 3.