AP English Literature & Composition Study Guide
1. Course Overview
The AP Literature & Composition course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative
literature - mainly fiction, poetry, and drama. You'll learn how to interpret meaning, analyze literary devices,
and write evidence-based essays.
Exam Breakdown:
- Section I (MCQ - 45%): 55 questions in 1 hour
- Section II (FRQ - 55%): 3 essays in 2 hours
* Poetry Analysis
* Prose Fiction Analysis
* Literary Argument (open-ended prompt)
2. Major Literary Elements
Tone: The author's attitude
Diction: Word choice
Syntax: Sentence structure
Imagery: Sensory details
Figurative Language: Similes, metaphors, etc.
Narrative Voice: Who tells the story
Theme: Central message
Characterization: How characters are developed
3. Poetry Analysis Toolkit
Look for: Speaker vs. Poet, Structure, Figurative language, Sound devices
FAST Method: Form, Argument, Shifts, Theme
1. Course Overview
The AP Literature & Composition course focuses on reading, analyzing, and writing about imaginative
literature - mainly fiction, poetry, and drama. You'll learn how to interpret meaning, analyze literary devices,
and write evidence-based essays.
Exam Breakdown:
- Section I (MCQ - 45%): 55 questions in 1 hour
- Section II (FRQ - 55%): 3 essays in 2 hours
* Poetry Analysis
* Prose Fiction Analysis
* Literary Argument (open-ended prompt)
2. Major Literary Elements
Tone: The author's attitude
Diction: Word choice
Syntax: Sentence structure
Imagery: Sensory details
Figurative Language: Similes, metaphors, etc.
Narrative Voice: Who tells the story
Theme: Central message
Characterization: How characters are developed
3. Poetry Analysis Toolkit
Look for: Speaker vs. Poet, Structure, Figurative language, Sound devices
FAST Method: Form, Argument, Shifts, Theme
