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

What Lit Is: Exam and Course Overview

Intro to AP Lit for Teachers

Intro to AP Lit for Teachers - Slides

What Lit Is: Exam and Course Overview - Slides

AP Exam Format and Strategies

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)

MC Answers and Review (Short Fiction, Part 2)

Prose MC Strategies and Practice

Multiple Choice Questions (Poetry, Part 1)

Multiple Choice Intro

Multiple Choice Questions (Long Fiction)

Multiple Choice Questions (Short Fiction, Part 2)

English Literature Multiple Choice

MC Answers and Review (Poetry, Part 2)

MC Answers and Review (Short Fiction, Part 1)

AP English Literature Multiple Choice Help (MCQ)

Multiple Choice Intro - Slides

Multiple Choice Questions (Poetry, Part 2)

Multiple Choice Questions (Short Fiction, Part 1)

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

Poetry Analysis (Q1) Evidence and Commentary 

AP Lit - Annotating for Understanding

AP Lit - Annotating for Understanding - Slides

Poetry Analysis (Q1) Thesis and Introduction

Q1 Thesis and Introduction

Complexity of Poetry

Complexity of Poetry - Slides

How to Read a Poem

How to Read a Poem - Slides

Student Open Poetry Study

How Form Creates Meaning

AP Lit: Poetry Overview

AP Literature - Theme Statements and Thesis Statements

How Form Creates Meaning - Slides

Poetry Analysis (Q1) Evidence and Commentary - Slides

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

AP Lit Prose Analysis Practice Essays & Feedback 

Short Fiction Overview

Prose Analysis: Setting and Characterization

Prose Analysis (Q2) Evidence and Commentary

Prose Analysis Prompt Deconstruction and Strategies 

Prose Analysis (Q2) Thesis and Introduction

Creating a Short Fiction "Boot Camp"

AP Lit Prose Analysis Practice Prompt Answers & Feedback: Fahrenheit 451 (Diction)

Creating a Short Fiction "Boot Camp" - Slides

Prose Analysis Prompt Deconstruction and Strategies - Slides

Prose Analysis (Q2) Thesis and Introduction - Slides

Prose Analysis (Q2) Evidence and Commentary - Slides

FRQ 2: Prose Analysis

AP Lit Prose Analysis: Practice Prompt Samples & Feedback

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

Characters and Relationships

Characters and Relationships - Slides

Figurative Language and Function

Figurative Language and Function - Slides

Finding Theme Through Characterization

Annotating for Analysis, Part 2

Annotating for Analysis, Part 2 - Slides

Literary Argument (Q3): Setting, Characterization and Theme

Literary Argument (Q3): Setting, Characterization and Theme - Slides

AP Lit: Writing a Thesis and FRQ 3 Practice

Frequently Asked Questions

Most Frequently Cited on the AP English Literature Exam

What Is Poetry and How Can It Be Analyzed?

AP Lit Reading List

What is Classic Literature?

How Can I Be Prepared for the AP English Literature FRQs?

Best AP English Literature Quizlet Decks by Unit

How Can I Get a 5 in AP AP English Literature?

What Are the Best AP English Literature Textbooks and Prep Books?

Is AP English Literature Hard? Is AP English Literature Worth Taking?

What Types of Multiple-Choice Questions will Appear on the AP English Literature Exam?

What Are the Best Quizlet Decks for AP English Literature?

How Do I Self-Study AP English Literature?

What Memes Are Perfect for AP English Literature?

How Can I Utilize My Time Wisely on the FRQ Section of the AP Lit Exam?

Exam Skills

Breaking Down an Exam Prompt

Breaking Down an Exam Prompt - Slides

Defending a Claim

Defending a Claim - Slides

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and AP Lit

Literary Device Review

Culturally Relevant Pedagogy and AP Lit - Slides

Commentary and Sophistication FAQs

Literary Device Review - Slides

Commentary and Sophistication - Slides

 2022 AP English Literature Exam Guide

Exam Reviews 2020

Final Review: Tips and Tricks

Final Review: Tips and Tricks - Slides

🎉NMSI AP Reader Chat: English Literature

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

Q&A Student Study Session

AP Cram Sessions 2021

🌶️ AP Lit Cram Review: Long Fiction I

🌶️ AP Lit Cram Review: Unit 7: Short Fiction III

🌶️ AP Lit Cram Review: Free Response Tips and Tricks

AP English Literature Cram Free Response Tips and Tricks

🌶️ AP Lit Cram Review: Unit 5: Poetry II

🌶️ AP Lit Cram Review: Unit 3: Longer Fiction or Drama I

AP English Literature Cram Unit 3: Longer Fiction or Drama I

🌶️ AP English Literature Finale Watch Party Admin 3

AP English Literature Cram Unit 5: Poetry II

🌶️ AP English Literature Finale Watch Party Admin 2

🌶️ AP Lit Cram Review: Unit 4: Short Fiction II

Download AP Literature Cheat Sheet PDF Cram Chart

🌶️ AP English Literature Finale May 4, 2021

AP English Literature Finale 

🌶️ AP Lit Cram Review: Unit 9: Longer Fiction or Drama III

AP English Literature Cram Unit 7: Short Fiction III

🌶️ AP Lit Cram Review: Unit 2: Poetry I

AP English Literature Free Response Tips and Tricks

🌶️ AP Lit Cram Review: Unit 8: Poetry III

AP English Literature Cram Unit 8: Poetry III

AP English Literature Cram Unit 1: Short Fiction I

AP English Literature Cram Unit 9: Longer Fiction or Drama III

🌶️ AP Lit Cram Review: Unit 6: Longer Fiction or Drama II

AP English Literature Cram Unit 6: Longer Fiction or Drama II

AP English Literature Cram Unit 2: Poetry I

AP English Literature Cram Unit 4: Short Fiction II

Unit 1 – Intro to Short Fiction

1.3 Understanding how a story’s structure affects interpretations

1.2 Identifying and interpreting setting

1.6 The basics of literary analysis

1.5 Reading texts literally and figuratively

1.1 Interpreting the role of character in fiction

Unit 1 Overview: Introduction to Short Fiction

1.4 Understanding and interpreting a narrator’s perspective

Unit 2 – Intro to Poetry

2.2 Understanding & interpreting meaning in poetic structure

2.3 Analyzing word choice to find meaning

2.0 Unit 2 Overview: Introduction to Poetry

2.1 Identifying characters in poetry

2.4 Identifying techniques in poetry to analyze literary works

Unit 3 – Intro to Longer Fiction & Drama

3.1 Interpreting character description and perspective

3.3 Conflict and plot development

3.5 Identifying evidence and supporting literary arguments

3.4 Interpreting symbolism

3.2 Character evolution throughout a narrative

3.0 Unit 3 Overview: Introduction to Longer Fiction and Drama

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

4.2 Character interactions with setting and its significance

4.0 Unit 4 Overview: Character, Conflict, and Storytelling

4.1 Protagonists, antagonists, character relationships, and conflict

4.4 Types of narration like stream of consciousness

4.3 Archetypes in literature

4.5 Narrative distance, tone, and perspective

Unit 5 – Structure & Figurative Language in Poetry

Unit 5 Overview: Structure and Figurative Language

5.3 Types of comparisons in poetry including personification and allusion

5.2 Use of techniques like imagery and hyperbole

5.4 Identifying and interpreting extended metaphors

5.1 Traits of closed and open structures in poetry

Unit 6 – Literary Techniques in Longer Works

6.2 Understanding and interpreting character complexity

6.1 Interpreting foil characters

6.3 Understanding nonlinear narrative structures like flashbacks and foreshadowing

📚AP English Literature - Unit 8 – Advanced Techniques in Poetry

Exam Date: May 3, 2023

Study Guides

8.0 Unit 8 Overview

8.1 Looking at Punctuation and Structural Patterns

8.2 Interpreting juxtaposition, paradox, and irony

8.3 How ambiguity can allow for various interpretations

8.4 Identifying symbols, conceits, and allusions

8.5 Learning proper attribution and citation in literary analysis

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