Welcome to the AP English Literature Forum—a collaborative space for students to discuss literary texts, analyze themes and techniques, and prepare for the exam. Whether you’re working on poetry analysis, novel discussions, or essay strategies, this forum is the place to ask questions, share insights, and connect with others passionate about literature.
AP English Literature and Composition
Course Description
AP English Literature and Composition (AP Lit) is an Advanced Placement course that develops students’ skills in reading, analyzing, and interpreting a wide range of literary works, including poetry, drama, novels, and short stories. Throughout the year, students engage with complex texts to explore how authors use literary devices and themes to convey meaning and evoke responses.
The course emphasizes close reading, literary analysis, interpretive writing, and critical thinking—skills essential for college and career readiness.
Key Components:
Close reading of poetry, prose, and drama
Literary analysis and interpretation
Thematic and stylistic exploration
Analytical and argumentative essay writing
AP Exam Details
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AP English Literature and Composition (AP Lit) concludes with a traditional end-of-course exam administered by the College Board. Students are assessed on their ability to read closely, analyze literary elements and techniques, and craft clear, insightful analytical essays. The AP Lit Exam includes:
Multiple-choice questions that test reading comprehension and literary analysis of prose and poetry.
Three free-response essays:
Poetry Analysis – analyzing how a poet uses literary devices to convey meaning
Prose Analysis – examining how a passage of prose develops character, theme, or style
Open-Ended Essay – exploring a literary work or works chosen by the student
These components are scored by the College Board and collectively make up 100% of the AP English Literature and Composition score.
Helpful Info
Garden of English
English Nerd
English Nerd
"I considered AP Literature a relatively easier AP class even though it had a much different writing structure than AP Lang. It required a lot of reading, however I mostly used spark notes to review for in class arguments and our style analyses were similar to the rhetorical analyses from AP Lang."
Nethmi
Student
AP English Literature and Composition Score Distribution
From 2020 to 2021, AP English Literature performance declined sharply: pass rates fell from 60.1% to 43.9%, and mean scores dropped from 2.84 to a six-year low of 2.47, reflecting significant challenges in student achievement.
Between 2022 and 2024, scores rebounded modestly, with pass rates stabilizing between 72–78% and mean scores recovering to the low 3s, though slight dips occurred again in 2024.
In 2025, performance strengthened further: 16% earned a 5, 27% a 4, and 31% a 3—raising the pass rate to 74%. Scores of 1s and 2s dropped to just 26%, marking a notable shift toward higher achievement in AP Literature.
AP English Literature and Composition Forum
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Tips & Feedback
Use this space to exchange interpretive strategies, get feedback on your essay ideas, and learn effective approaches to literary analysis. Whether you’re refining your thesis, organizing textual evidence, or polishing your writing, this section is designed to help you develop your skills and confidence.
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