The Exam
You've explored works of literature in great depth. Now it's time to put your knowledge to the test -- and perhaps earn college credit -- with the AP English Literature & Composition Exam.
About the Exam
The three-hour exam usually consists of a one-hour multiple-choice section and a two-hour free-response section.
Section I: Multiple-Choice
The multiple-choice section tests your critical reading skills. You'll read several passages and answer questions about the content, form, and style of each. Remember that random guessing can hurt your final score. While you don't lose anything for leaving a question blank, one quarter of a point is subtracted for each incorrect answer on the test. But if you have some knowledge of the question and can eliminate one or more answers, it's usually to your advantage to choose what you believe is the best answer from the remaining choices.
Section II: Free-Response
In this section you'll write essays to show your ability to analyze and interpret literary texts in clear and effective prose.
Scoring the Exam
The multiple-choice section counts for 45 percent of your grade. The free-response section contributes the remaining 55 percent.
