AP English Language and Composition is a college-level course that develops students’ skills in reading, writing, and rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts. The course is organized into nine units, each centered on themes or topics chosen by the teacher, typically involving short nonfiction works. Students learn to analyze how writers use rhetorical strategies and stylistic choices to craft effective arguments and communicate with diverse audiences. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, critical thinking, and the ability to evaluate and synthesize information. This rigorous course prepares students for college writing demands and the AP exam, which tests skills in reading comprehension, rhetorical analysis, and argumentative essay writing. Students also practice interpreting visuals and multimedia texts, enhancing their overall communication skills. The course framework allows flexibility in content organization while ensuring students develop the necessary skills for college credit or placement.
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted | % of Exam Score | Notes |
| Multiple Choice | 45 | 1 hour | 45% | 5 sets of questions: 23–25 reading, 20–22 writing; 4 answer choices each starting 2025 |
| Free Response | 3 | 2 hours 15 minutes (includes 15-minute reading period) | 55% | Essays: Synthesis, Rhetorical Analysis, Argument |
- Total exam duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Fully digital format using the Bluebook testing app
- Multiple-choice questions test reading comprehension and writing revision skills
- Free-response essays assess argumentation, rhetorical analysis, and synthesis abilities
