The AP Language and Composition exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes. You will get one short break between the multiple-choice and free response section.
Things to remember:
APMC requires a number two pencil.
Essays must be written in blue or black ink.
AP Multiple Choice
Time Number of Questions
60 minutes Approx. 55
Multiple -choice is the first section of the test. You will be given 4-6 passages with accompanying multiple-choice (8-15 questions per passage). It is important to scan the passages and decide where to begin. Think about your strategy. Starting with an “easier” passage can help build confidence and momentum.
• Answer each question. There is no deduction for wrong answers.
• Scan first and last paragraphs of each passage for big picture/author purpose.
• Cross out answer choices that are clearly wrong.
• Do not linger over questions/answer choices. Come back later and/or guess.
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AP Essays
Time Number of Essays
15 minutes of reading time 3
40 minutes per essay (135 minutes total)
Reading Time is yours to peruse the documents, annotate, write working thesis statements, list evidence, etc. Spend most of your time prepping the synthesis documents. Extra time should be spent working on the other two prompts.
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Essay Types
Synthesis-Question #1 in the free response section
• A “cover sheet” that offers directions, topic background and the assignment
• 6-10 documents of which you are required to use at least 3
o Evaluate documents for worth and credibility.
o Do not summarize documents. Determine how they run pro and con to your own
opinion.
• Consider any outside knowledge you bring to the topic
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Rhetorical Analysis-Question #2 in the free response section
• A 50-90 line passage (approx.)
• A prompt that will ask you, the writer, to analyze “rhetorical strategies” (i.e. style)
• A required focus on how these “devices” prove the author’s argument/purpose
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Argument –Question #3 in the free response section
• A moral or ethical dilemma that you “theoretically” address and/or solve
o “Defend, challenge, qualify” the point of view established in the prompt
• Requires you, the writer, to identify evidence from reading, observations, etc.
• Evidence can (i.e. History, Literature, Current Events, etc.)
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