AP English Language and Composition Topics

The AP English Language and Composition course is designed to develop students’ skills in rhetorical analysis, argumentation, and evidence-based writing. However, because there is no fixed curriculum and no required reading list, it can be difficult to know exactly what your course will cover and how you will be assessed.

As an educator with over ten years of experience in English studies, I have helped hundreds of students navigate their English Language courses. This article provides an overview of the key topics that are likely to be covered in AP English Language and Composition, the structure of the final exams, and how students can prepare effectively. 

AP English Language and Composition topics

The best advice I can give to students studying for the AP is to know how you are assessed, and what knowledge and skills you’ll be assessed on. Understanding this gives you a huge advantage: you’ll feel more confident starting the course, and you’ll know exactly what AP examiners will be looking for in your final exams.

Although teachers can structure their courses differently, the College Board recommends covering the following core skills and concepts in AP English Language and Composition. The College Board arranges these into nine units, and although these are not named, we have included titles for them here. These topics provide students with the necessary foundation in rhetorical analysis and argumentation that colleges and universities will be expecting from AP English Language and Composition candidates.

Recommended units for AP English Language and Composition:

1. Rhetorical Situation

2. Claims and Evidence

3. Reasoning and Organization

4. Style and Tone

5. Visual and Quantitative Texts

6. Synthesis and Research

7. Argumentation

8. Rhetorical Analysis

9. Exam Review and Application

1. Rhetorical Situation

Students will analyze how authors make choices based on audience, purpose, and context.

2. Claims and Evidence

This unit focuses on evaluating arguments and supporting claims with evidence.

3. Reasoning and Organization

Students will learn how to structure arguments logically and identify common reasoning flaws.

4. Style and Tone

This unit examines word choice, sentence structure, and rhetorical devices used to enhance meaning.

5. Visual and Quantitative Texts

Students will interpret nontraditional texts such as political cartoons and statistical infographics.

6. Synthesis and Research

Students will learn how to integrate multiple sources to support a coherent argument.

7. Argumentation

This unit teaches students how to construct well-developed arguments with clear reasoning.

8. Rhetorical Analysis

Students will practice breaking down texts to understand how an author’s choices influence meaning.

9. Exam Review and Application

The final unit focuses on practicing and refining all skills in preparation for the AP exam.

Suggested AP English Language and Composition topics in detail

Here is a summary of what each of these topics covers, what skills each topic builds, and example texts that could be studied for each:

What is covered in the AP English Language Section I: Multiple Choice exam?

Section I of the AP English Language and Composition exam consists of multiple-choice questions based on nonfiction passages. Students will be assessed on their ability to:

• Identify and analyze rhetorical strategies used by authors

• Evaluate an author’s use of evidence and reasoning

• Understand how structure and style affect meaning

What is covered in the AP English Language Section II: Free Response exam?

Section II consists of three essay questions:

1. Synthesis Essay: Develop a well supported argument using multiple sources

2. Rhetorical Analysis Essay: Analyze how an author constructs an argument and uses rhetorical strategies

3. Argument Essay: Construct and defend an argument using reasoning and evidence

Exam weightings and timings for AP English Language and Composition

The AP English Language and Composition exam is divided into two sections. Below is an overview of the exam format:

By understanding these topics and the exam structure, you can approach your AP English Language and Composition studies with confidence. Having a strong grasp of the recommended course content will prepare you for the final exam and help you develop essential writing and analytical skills for college and beyond.

Improve your grades with Save My Exams

At Save My Exams, we’re here to help you achieve the best possible grade in AP English Language and Composition. Right now, you can access our past papers with mark schemes, giving you the perfect way to practice and refine your exam technique.

And that’s just the beginning — our expert team is working on even more resources to support your revision, including:

• Clear and concise revision notes that break down complex topics into easy-to-understand explanations

• Exam-style questions with detailed mark schemes, so you know exactly what examiners are looking for

• Flashcards for quick-fire revision and easy recall of key facts and definitions

These new resources are coming soon, so stay tuned! In the meantime, get ahead with our AP English Language and Composition past papers and start building your exam confidence today. 

AP English Language and Composition Revision Resources

References

AP Central’s course overview for AP English Language and Composition

AP English Language and Composition course and exam description