
Do You Have to Present in AP Lit? Close Reading Presentation Research Presentation How to Give a Great Presentation Common Mistakes to Avoid Step-by-Step Approach to Giving a Presentation FAQs Conclusion Additional Resources
The answer is a resounding yes! Presentations are an integral part of the Advanced Placement Literature and Composition (AP Lit) course. In fact, they count for 20% of your overall grade.

So, what exactly do you have to present in AP Lit? You will be required to give two formal presentations:
- Close Reading Presentation
- Research Presentation
In the Close Reading Presentation, you will analyze a specific literary text in depth. You will be expected to:
- Identify the text’s main themes and motifs
- Discuss the author’s use of literary devices
- Provide your own interpretation of the text
You will have 10-15 minutes to present your analysis.
In the Research Presentation, you will choose a research topic related to literature. You will then conduct research on your topic and prepare a presentation that summarizes your findings. You will be expected to:
- Choose a topic that is relevant to the AP Lit curriculum
- Conduct thorough research from credible sources
- Organize your presentation clearly and concisely
- Cite your sources correctly
You will have 15-20 minutes to present your research.
Here are some tips for giving a great AP Lit presentation:
- Know your material inside and out. This means doing your research and practicing your presentation beforehand.
- Be organized and clear. Your presentation should have a clear structure and be easy to follow.
- Speak clearly and confidently. You want to be able to engage your audience and keep their attention.
- Use visual aids. Visual aids can help you to illustrate your points and make your presentation more engaging.
- Be prepared to answer questions. You should be prepared to answer questions from your audience about your presentation.
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when giving an AP Lit presentation:
- Rushing through your presentation. You want to give your audience time to absorb your information.
- Being too technical. Use clear and concise language that your audience can understand.
- Reading from your notes. You should know your material well enough to be able to speak without notes.
- Using too many visual aids. Visual aids should be used to supplement your presentation, not replace it.
- Not being prepared to answer questions. You should be prepared to answer questions from your audience about your presentation.
Here is a step-by-step approach to giving a great AP Lit presentation:
- Choose a topic. Your topic should be relevant to the AP Lit curriculum and something that you are passionate about.
- Conduct research. Gather information from credible sources to support your topic.
- Organize your presentation. Your presentation should have a clear structure with an introduction, body, and conclusion.
- Create visual aids. Visual aids can help you to illustrate your points and make your presentation more engaging.
- Practice your presentation. Rehearse multiple times to ensure that you are confident and comfortable with your material.
- Deliver your presentation. Speak clearly and confidently, and be prepared to answer questions from your audience.
Here are some frequently asked questions about AP Lit presentations:
- How long should my presentation be? Your Close Reading Presentation should be 10-15 minutes long, and your Research Presentation should be 15-20 minutes long.
- What kind of visual aids can I use? You can use any type of visual aids that will help you to illustrate your points, such as slides, charts, graphs, and images.
- How will I be graded? You will be graded on your content, delivery, and visual aids.
- What are some tips for giving a great presentation? See the section above for tips.
- What are some common mistakes to avoid? See the section above for common mistakes.
Presentations are an important part of the AP Lit course. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can give a great presentation that will earn you a high grade.