AP English Literature

Get an overview of what the AP English Literature and Composition course covers and what the exam looks like. Learn about everything Fiveable has to offer for AP Lit! 

Introduction

Ace the multiple-choice questions of the AP English Literature and Composition exam with these guides! We go over how the section is structured, how to approach each question, and some last minute tips. By knowing the questions types and skills accessed, you can ace the AP Lit MCQs in no time!

Exam Review – Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

Feeling stuck with poetry and verse? Learn the ins-and-outs of poetry and how to effectively respond to the poetry FRQ section of the AP English Literature exam. Learn how to annotate, read a poem, and get the evasive complexity point. We'll also show you how to write a solid essay with thesis, intro, evidence, and commentary. 

Exam Review - Poetry Analysis Essay

Tackle the fictional prose free-response of the AP English Literature and Composition exam. We explore the setting, character, and literary elements that are essential to prose analysis as well as the evidence and commentary pieces needed to be successful. You'll also be able to write a good thesis and introduction paragraph.

Exam Review – Short Fiction FRQ

Worrying about the literary argument free-response question of the AP English Literature exam? With these resources, you'll be able to do just that. We cover how to write a thesis, setting, characterization, theme, figurative language, annotating, characters, and relationships. Be prepared for the exam with our signature guides and streams!

Exam Review – Literary Argument Essay

Frequently Asked Questions

Exam Skills

Exam Reviews 2020

Past Events

Have all your questions answered in these AP English Literature and Composition question and answer sessions. You'll be able to get ease any uncertainties and calm your nerves before the exam, and maybe you can help out your peers, too!

Q and A Sessions

AP Cram Sessions 2021

Unit 1 – Intro to Short Fiction

Unit 2 – Intro to Poetry

Unit 3 – Intro to Longer Fiction & Drama

Unit 4 – Character, Conflict, & Storytelling in Short Fiction

Unit 5 – Structure & Figurative Language in Poetry

Unit 6 – Literary Techniques in Longer Works

Unit 7 – Societal & Historical Context in Short Fiction

Unit 8 – Advanced Techniques in Poetry

Unit 9 – Nuanced Analysis in Longer Works

Live Cram Sessions 2020

This is an introduction to the AP Literature multiple choice -- an overview of the weights, number and types of questions you will encounter, with some tips for practice and preparation.

Multiple Choice Practice for Long Fiction

Multiple Choice Questions (Long Fiction)

The Basics of the AP Literature Multiple Choice

On Exam Day

Pro Tip 💁

The Skills You’ll Need

Example: The Function of the Narrator or Speaker 

Example: Explain the function of word choice, imagery, and symbols

Question Structure

English Literature Multiple Choice

Multiple Choice Practice for Poetry (Part 1)

Multiple Choice Practice for Short Fiction (Part 1)

Answers and Review for Multiple Choice Practice on Short Fiction (Part 1)

MC Answers and Review (Short Fiction, Part 1)

Answers and Review for Multiple Choice Practice on Short Fiction (Part 2)

Multiple Choice Practice for Short Fiction (Part 2)

Answers and Review for Multiple Choice Practice on Poetry (Part 2)

Multiple Choice Practice for Poetry (Part 2)

Multiple Choice Questions (Poetry, Part 2)

AP English Lit: Poetry Analysis

The Prompt

Reading the Poem

Thesis Point

Evidence and Commentary Points

Sophistication Point

AP Lit: Poetry Overview

What is a Short Story?

Literary vs. Commercial Fiction

How are short stories used on the AP Literature Exam?

How to read a short story. Like, really read it.

The (Sometimes) Hidden Question: Overall Meaning

Short Stories and Complex Relationships. (No, Not That Kind. Maybe.)

Literary Devices and Figurative Language in Short Stories

Characterization in Short Stories

All Roads Lead to Tone and Irony

Thematic Analysis of a Short Story

Some good, dense literary short stories for practice (and enjoyment!)

Short Fiction Overview

AP Lit: Prose Analysis

Prompt Structure

Example: Reading the Passage

The Rubric

Thesis (1 Point)

Evidence and Commentary (4 Points)

Sophistication (1 Point)

FRQ 2: Prose Analysis

1.1 Interpreting the role of character in fiction

1.2 Identifying and interpreting setting

1.3 Understanding how a story’s structure affects interpretations

1.4 Understanding and interpreting a narrator’s perspective

1.5 Reading texts literally and figuratively

1.6 The basics of literary analysis

Unit 1 Overview: Introduction to Short Fiction

Components of a Character

1. Description

2. Dialogue

3. Behavior

Importance of Character

What do characters do for the story?

What do characters do for the reader?

Character Perspective

What is perspective and why is it important?

How is a character's perspective revealed?

Conclusion

Interpreting the role of character in fiction

Identifying Setting

"Where the Crawdads Sing" Setting Identification

Influence of Setting

"Where the Crawdads Sing" Setting Analysis

Identifying and interpreting setting

General: Structure

Specific: Plot in Depth

Dramatic Situation

Types of Dramatic Situation

Sequencing and its Impact

Understanding how a story’s structure affects interpretations

Narrator Basics

What is Point of View?

Test Yourself

Influence of Narrator/Speaker

Influence of POV

Answer to Test Yourself exercise

Understanding and interpreting a narrator’s perspective

Reading Literally

Reading Figuratively

Which One to Use?

Reading texts literally and figuratively

What is Literary Analysis?

Why do it?

How to Write Literary Analysis Arguments

Part 1: Claim

Part 2: Evidence

Tips on Writing Them

The basics of literary analysis

2.1 Identifying characters in poetry

2.2 Understanding and interpreting meaning in poetry

2.3 Analyzing word choice to find meaning

2.4 Identifying techniques to analyze literary works

Unit 2 Overview: Introduction to Poetry

Character Components in Poetry

Imagery & Figures of Speech

Identifying characters in poetry

Syntax & Interpretations

Structure

Themes

Understanding & interpreting meaning in poetic structure

Grammar, Diction, & Tone

Grammar

Diction

Tone

Analyzing word choice to find meaning

Literary Devices & Prosody

Literary Devices

Prosody

Identifying techniques in poetry to analyze literary works

Why is this Unit Important?

3.1 Interpreting character description and perspective

3.2 Character evolution throughout a narrative

3.3 Conflict and plot development

3.4 Interpreting symbolism

3.5 Identifying evidence and supporting literary arguments

Unit 3 Overview: Introduction to Longer Fiction and Drama

Descriptions, Descriptions…

(Great) Expectations

Devil in the Details

Perspective 

Interpreting character description and perspective

Dynamic Characters

Common Changes

Static Characters

Examples of Static Characters

Character evolution throughout a narrative

Setting the Scene

Conflict 

Plot Development

Conflict and plot development

What is Symbolism?

Identifying Symbolism

Common Symbols 

What makes something symbolic? 

Interpreting symbolism

Thesis (0-1 Points)

Evidence and Commentary (0-4 points)

Sophistication (0-1 points)

Identifying evidence and supporting literary arguments

4.1 Protagonists, antagonists, character relationships, and conflict

4.2 Character interactions with setting and its significance

4.3 Archetypes in literature

4.4 Types of narration like stream of consciousness

4.5 Narrative distance, tone, and perspective

Unit 4 Overview: Character, Conflict, and Storytelling

Character Descriptions in The Cask of Amontillado

Description of Montresor

Description of Fortunato

Character Relationships in The Cask of  Amontillado

Protagonists, antagonists, character relationships, and conflict

Atmosphere and Mood

Characters and Their World 

Character interactions with setting and its significance

What are Archetypes?

Archetypes Importance

What are Contrasts?

Contrasts Importance

“Metamorphosis” Example

“Moby Dick” Example

Archetypes in literature

Types of Narration

Impact of Narration Types

Example Passage

Types of narration like stream of consciousness

Narrative Distance

What is Narrative Distance?

Narrative distance, tone, and perspective

Multiple Choice Intro - Slides

Multiple Choice Intro - Slides

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