The AP English Language and Composition exam — often called AP Lang or AP Composition — is one of the most widely taken AP tests. It’s designed to evaluate your ability to analyze rhetoric, write persuasively, and synthesize information from multiple sources.
If you can read critically, think analytically, and write clearly under time pressure, you’re already on your way to success. This guide covers exam format, scoring, essential skills, and study strategies to help you perform at your best.
AP Composition Exam Format
The exam lasts 3 hours and 15 minutes and is divided into two sections:
Section I: Multiple Choice (45% of score)
- 45 questions in 1 hour
- Based on nonfiction passages (articles, essays, historical documents)
- Tests reading comprehension, rhetorical analysis, and argument structure recognition
Section II: Free Response (55% of score) — 2 hours 15 minutes total
- Synthesis Essay — Use multiple sources to form a well-supported argument
- Rhetorical Analysis Essay — Analyze how an author’s choices convey purpose
- Argument Essay — Develop your own argument supported by reasoning and evidence
Skills Tested on AP Composition
- Reading Comprehension & Rhetorical Analysis
- Understanding tone, purpose, audience, and rhetorical strategies
- Evidence-Based Writing
- Integrating sources and examples to strengthen arguments
- Clear, Cohesive Writing
- Logical organization, smooth transitions, and precise language
- Time Management
- Balancing reading, planning, and writing within strict time limits
Scoring Breakdown
- Multiple Choice: 45% of total score
- Free Response Essays: 55% of total score
- Each essay scored on a 1–6 scale using the AP rubric
Best Study Strategies for AP Composition
- Practice Close Reading
- Annotate passages to spot rhetorical devices quickly
- Outline Before You Write
- Spend 3–5 minutes planning each essay for clarity
- Review Sample Essays
- Use College Board scoring commentary to understand what earns a top score
- Expand Your Evidence Bank
- Draw from literature, history, current events, and personal experiences
- Write Under Exam Conditions
- Practice completing full essays in the allotted time
Time Management Tips
- Multiple Choice: 1–1.5 minutes per question
- Synthesis Essay: 15 minutes reading sources, 40 minutes writing
- Rhetorical Analysis: 5 minutes reading, 40 minutes writing
- Argument Essay: 5 minutes planning, 40 minutes writing
FAQ – AP Composition Exam
1. Is AP Composition the same as AP Lang?
Yes — they refer to the same AP English Language and Composition exam.
2. How hard is the AP Composition exam?
Difficulty depends on your writing and reading skills, but with practice, many students score a 4 or 5.
3. Can I use personal experiences in essays?
Yes — especially in the Argument Essay, but support them with reasoning.
4. How do I prepare for the synthesis essay?
Practice integrating multiple sources smoothly into your argument.
5. Is grammar graded?
Only if errors interfere with clarity or meaning.
6. How many practice essays should I write?
Aim for 8–10 full essays before test day.
7. What’s the best way to improve multiple-choice scores?
Practice identifying rhetorical devices and tone shifts.
8. Are quotes required in essays?
No, but integrating specific examples and paraphrasing is recommended.
Use Your AP Composition Score to Impress Colleges
Strong AP English scores can fulfill first-year writing requirements at many universities.
🎯 Take the University Match Quiz to find schools that give credit for AP English Language and Composition.
🌍 Browse the Universities Directory for details on admissions and credit policies.
