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

Annotating is one of the most basic foundational skills of AP Literature.  This stream will give an opportunity to review annotation tips and strategies so that you will be prepared to find what you need to write an excellent response to AP Lit prompts.

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

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

Multiple Choice Practice for Short Fiction (Part 1)

Multiple Choice Practice for Poetry (Part 1)

Multiple Choice Questions (Poetry, Part 1)

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

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

Multiple Choice Practice for Short Fiction (Part 2)

Multiple Choice Practice for Poetry (Part 2)

MC Answers and Review (Short Fiction, 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

Setting the Scene

Conflict 

Plot Development

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

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

Character Descriptions in The Cask of Amontillado

Description of Montresor

Description of Fortunato

Character Relationships in The Cask of  Amontillado

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

Atmosphere and Mood

Characters and Their World 

Character interactions with setting and its significance

6.1 Interpreting foil characters

6.2 Understanding and interpreting character motives

6.3 Understanding nonlinear narrative structures like flashbacks and foreshadowing

6.4 The effect of narrative tone and bias on reading

6.5 Characters as symbols, metaphors, and archetypes

6.6 Developing literary arguments within a broader context of works

Choices

Actions

Speech 

Why Bother Adding and Analyzing Complexity? 

Identifying Foil Characters

Similarities

Opposition

The Key Takeaway

Interpreting foil characters

Flashback 

Foreshadowing

In medias res 

Stream of Consciousness

What’s the Point? 

Understanding nonlinear narrative structures like flashbacks and foreshadowing

7.1 Sudden and more gradual change in characters

7.2 Epiphany as a driver of plot

7.3 Relationships between characters and groups

7.4 Character interactions with settings

7.5 The significance of the pacing of a narrative

7.6 Setting as a symbol

7.7 Interpreting texts in their historical and societal contexts

Unit 7 Overview: Societal and Historical Context

What is Epiphany?

Why do Epiphanies Matter?

Epiphany as a driver of plot

Types of Groups

Types of Forces

Analysis Tips

Relationships between characters and groups

Changing Settings

Contrasting Settings 

How Characters Interact With Their Settings

Character interactions with changing and contrasting settings

AP Lit - Annotating for Understanding - Slides

AP Lit - Annotating for Understanding - Slides

AP English Literature 📚

Resources

Fiveable

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

Fiveable

About Us

Resources