The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Language and Composition exam is a standardized test that measures students’ skills in reading, writing, and language analysis. The exam is divided into two sections:
- Multiple-choice section: This section consists of 55 multiple-choice questions that cover a variety of topics, including grammar, usage, and rhetoric. Students have 60 minutes to complete this section.
- Free-response section: This section consists of three free-response questions that require students to write essays on different topics. Students have 120 minutes to complete this section.
The total time for the AP Lang exam is 3 hours.
How Long Is the AP Lang Multiple-Choice Section?
The multiple-choice section of the AP Lang exam consists of 55 questions that cover a variety of topics, including:
- Grammar and usage (20 questions)
- Rhetoric and style (15 questions)
- Synthesis (10 questions)
- Literary analysis (10 questions)
Students have 60 minutes to complete the multiple-choice section. This means that they have an average of about 1 minute and 6 seconds to answer each question.
How Long Is the AP Lang Free-Response Section?
The free-response section of the AP Lang exam consists of three free-response questions that require students to write essays on different topics. The topics are chosen from a list of six possible topics that are published by the College Board each year.
Students have 120 minutes to complete the free-response section. This means that they have an average of 40 minutes to write each essay.
How Can I Prepare for the AP Lang Exam?
The best way to prepare for the AP Lang exam is to take a preparatory course or to study with a tutor. There are also a number of resources available online, such as practice tests and study guides.
Here are some tips for preparing for the AP Lang exam:
- Start early. The sooner you start studying, the more time you will have to review the material and practice your writing skills.
- Take a preparatory course or study with a tutor. This is a great way to get personalized instruction and feedback on your writing.
- Take practice tests. This will help you get familiar with the format of the exam and identify areas where you need to improve.
- Review the College Board’s website. The College Board’s website has a wealth of information about the AP Lang exam, including practice tests, study guides, and scoring rubrics.
What Is a Good Score on the AP Lang Exam?
A good score on the AP Lang exam is a score of 3 or higher. A score of 3 is considered a passing score, while a score of 4 or 5 is considered a high score.
The following table shows the percentage of students who scored a 3 or higher on the AP Lang exam in recent years:
| Year | Percentage of Students Who Scored a 3 or Higher |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 53.8% |
| 2021 | 52.9% |
| 2020 | 51.7% |
| 2019 | 50.9% |
| 2018 | 49.8% |
What Are the Benefits of Taking the AP Lang Exam?
There are a number of benefits to taking the AP Lang exam, including:
- You can earn college credit. Many colleges and universities offer college credit for students who score a 3 or higher on the AP Lang exam. This can save you time and money on your college education.
- You can improve your writing skills. The AP Lang exam requires students to write a variety of essays, which can help them improve their writing skills in a number of areas, including grammar, usage, and rhetoric.
- You can boost your college applications. Colleges and universities look for students who have taken challenging courses, such as the AP Lang exam. Taking the AP Lang exam can help you stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting into your top choice college.
Conclusion
The AP Lang exam is a challenging but rewarding exam that can help you improve your writing skills, earn college credit, and boost your college applications. If you are a high school student who is interested in pursuing a career in writing, the AP Lang exam is a great option for you.
