As an AP Lang teacher and someone who talks about AP® Lang on YouTube quite a bit, I have heard several frequently asked questions about the AP Lang test. In this post, I want to answer those AP Lang exam FAQ because chances are you might be wondering about some of them as well!
Don’t see your question here? Check out my YouTube channel or blog for way more AP®AP Lang content.
Can I move around, or skip a question and come back?
You are able to move around between questions within a section. What that means is you won’t be able to see the essays while completing the multiple choice, but you can navigate between multiple choice passages and questions, or even between essays (when you are in that section).
Before you even read the passage, take a look at the questions (not the answer choices), so you know what to look for as you read. Additionally, you have limited time, don’t linger too long on any one particular question.
Do I get penalized for guessing on the AP Lang exam?
No, there is no penalty for guessing. If you are running out of time in the multiple choice section, choose one letter and bubble that answer consistently on the questions you won’t have time for. You should aim to answer every question, even if it is a guess.
How should I use my time during the AP Lang essays?
During the essay section, you will get 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete 3 essays. The first 15 minutes is a reading time, but if you are ready to begin planning or writing, then go for it.
Then, take a look at the 3 essays. If there is an essay topic you think is easy or an essay type you normally do well on, start with that. This allows you plenty of time to complete the essay as satisfactorily as possible.
When thinking of time, you want to allot about 40 minutes per essay. The bulk of the time will be spent writing the body paragraphs. Don’t worry too much about spelling and grammar since these items generally do not affect your score since the essays are considered rough drafts. If you do edit something, a simple strikethrough will do.
How many paragraphs do you need on the AP Lang essay?
You want to have an intro paragraph, but it can be short and sweet. It can simply be a defensible thesis with a few sentences of context before (if time permits).
The general rule is quality is better than quantity. Two really good body paragraphs is better than three mediocre ones. Conclusions are nice but not necessary. If you have the time and you feel it would benefit your essay, then do it. If not, then skip it.
For tips about writing a rhetorical analysis introduction, check out this blog post.
What materials do I need for the AP Lang Test?
On the day of the test, you should bring at least two pencils for the multiple choice section and two pens (blue or black ink) for the essays. You may also bring a snack, depending on the testing site rules. A watch may also be a good idea, but it cannot be a smart watch. If you don’t have a watch, don’t worry–there should be a clock in the testing room.
How long is the AP Lang test?
The first portion of the test is multiple choice. You have 1 hour to answer 45 questions. The second half is the essays. You have 2 hours and 15 minutes for 3 essays. This amounts to a 15-minute recommended reading period and 40 minutes for each of the essays.
How do you earn the sophistication point on the AP Lang exam?
I have a video on YouTube all about the sophistication point that you can watch here. I recommend looking at samples from The College Board and reading the ones that have earned a sophistication point. Look at the essay commentary to see why they earned the point.
Can I write about personal experience in my AP Lang essay?
For a rhetorical analysis essay, no. However it can be used as an argument essay. Be sure the personal experience is relevant to the prompt and your thesis. It should be a meaningful piece of evidence that further develops your argument. For more tips, check out the video below.
Want more of your AP Lang exam FAQ answered? You can find more information about the AP Lang exam by checking out my YouTube channel here or my blog here!
