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AP U.S. Government and Politics: Argument Essay
Question 4 of the AP U.S. Government and Politics free response section will always be the Argument Essay. These questions begin with a brief paragraph about a given topic, such as the balance between federal and state powers. The prompt will then give specific instructions about how you must format your essay, including a list of several required foundational documents that are relevant to the topic at hand. You will need to discuss one of the listed documents as well as another piece of specific evidence from your own knowledge.
Argument Essay Strategies
While the scoring for the first three free-response questions is more straightforwardâyou earn points (or not) based on fully addressing each part of the promptâthe scoring for the Argument Essay is a little more complex. The following rubric outlines what the AP readers are generally looking for when they grade your Argument Essay; note the various categories and the ways you can earn points.
Sample Question
- Formulate a defensible thesis that establishes a chain of reasoning.
- Federalist 10
- U.S. Constitution
- Take your other piece of evidence from a different foundational document from the list above OR from your own study.
- Logically explain why your evidence supports your thesis.
- Present and reply to an alternative viewpoint using refutation, concession, or rebuttal.
Step 1: Analyze the Prompt
Step 2: plan your response.
Youâll want to create a brief outline before you start writing, just like you would for any other full-length essay. As you saw from the rubric, AP readers are interested in your thesis development, your use of evidence, and your treatment of an alternative view. Everything you write should be toward one or more of those ends.
You will need to state a thesis that specifically addresses the prompt and makes a claim. Avoid rewording the prompt or being too general. A good question to ask yourself is, âAm I actually taking a position on this issue that someone else might argue against?â Also, while the Argument Essay necessitates a longer, more detailed response than the other free-response question types, it does not require a formal introduction; in fact, writing a lengthy introduction can take up valuable time and frustrate the AP reader who is scoring your essay. Assert your thesis as soon as possible, and then move into the rest of your response.
It is important to note that the Argument Essayâs topic and prompt wording will always intentionally allow for multiple positions. Therefore, you should be strategic and choose the position that you can best back up with evidence. You may even advocate for a different position than the one you personally agree with! To that end, no matter how strongly you feel about a topic, always present your evidence and claims in a balanced manner. Throughout your essay, even and especially when responding to an alternative viewpoint, avoid wording that makes it seem like your argument is simply your personal opinion (e.g., âI thinkâ or âI believe,â or any language that is overly emotional).
With all of this in mind, a high-scoring writer might write the following outline:
Thesis: Trustee is the best model (ideals of Constitution)
- Madison’s fear: large country + big gov’t = factions (many groups disagree)
- Trustee can mediate, come to concl, act in best interests
- Needed trustee model to make change
- Civil rights and women’s rights movements
- The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965
Response to alternative view: Anti-Feds would fear large repub (Brutus), but pol system in place would keep trustee honest
Step 3: Action! Write Response & Step 4: Proofread
Sample high-scoring response.
The trustee model of legislative representation is the best reflection of the foundersâ intentions in setting up American democracy because it offers the best hope for what the Preamble to the Constitution calls âa more perfect union,â one that will bring together war- ring factions and increase harmony.
As James Madison pointed out in Federalist 10, it is inevitable that a republic will contain many groups which vehemently disagree. The bigger a country grows, the more frequent and violent factional clashes are likely to become. Madison was looking ahead to the U.S. that would burst the bounds of the original colonies and create more factionalism. This vision of an expanding, clashing nation makes the trustee model very appealing. A trustee Congressperson is one who will listen to all sides, make an independent judgment, but then go on to explain it so that opponents may be persuaded to change their minds, thus bringing resolution to conflicts.
A trustee is a representative willing to do the principled thing even if the public thinks otherwise. Many issues in our history have seemed so polarized that they were beyond resolution and could not wait for popular consensus. This was the case with civil rights issues and legislation in the 1960s. Technically, African Americans had the right to vote since the passage of the Fifteenth Amendment in 1870. However, this right was violently suppressed through intimidation tactics and a variety of restrictive measures such as poll taxes and literacy tests. It was not until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that substantial voting protections were extended to all black people. The Voting Rights Act outlawed literacy tests and other tactics; under this act, federal officials were sent to the South to ensure that African Americans were allowed to vote free from fear and intimidation, and the election practices of local governments were held under greater scrutiny. Civil rights movement leaders had challenged discriminatory practices for decades, but due to intense polarization in society, there was no public consensus on how to address racism in voting practices or even agreement as to whether to address it at all. Legislators had to go against the opinions of the majority in order to act in a way that advanced American ideals for all citizens, and the public eventually caught up.
Similarly, legislators pushed through the Civil Rights Act of 1964 which was supported by people within social movements but not by the general populace. Additionally, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 touched on the goals of not just the civil rights movement but also the womenâs rights movement; for example, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibited sex discrimination in public accommodations. Members of these movements had been working for years to get society at large to expand rights and protections to all people. However, if legislators had waited to act until a majority of their constituency approved of these civil rights bills, the bills may never have passed. In this way, the trustee model can be used to uphold the rights of the minority despite majority resistance.
The trustee idea would have been opposed by Brutus and other Anti-Federalists. Brutus 1 warns that a large republic would necessarily be disconnected from its people. Following this logic, a concern with the trustee model would be that the representative would deviate too far from the will of the people and become despotic. But it is important to note that the people have the ultimate voice if they disagree with the trusteeâs judgments: the power of the ballot. The legislatorâs desire to stay in power is a strong check on him or her, acting as an incentive to listen to constituents.
All in all, the trustee is in the best position to reduce the intense factionalism Madison feared. Even before the advance of mass media, the trustee had many means to learn of the peopleâs different views and to explain why the legislator was voting a certain way, or advancing this or that philosophy. This give and take of ideas surely helped to get the republic through its rocky early decades, and also helped the country to recover from the volatile growing pains and changes in the mid-twentieth century by finding ways to bring people together and advance equal rights for all.
Sample Response Explanation and Scoring
- Thesis (0â1 pt): The writer sets up a clear X because Y sentence to introduce the thesis, which could be paraphrased as, The trustee model brings about harmony. Everything that follows is connected to the foundersâ ideal of harmony. The writer would therefore earn 1 point for Thesis.
- Support (0â3 pts): There is more than enough evidence to gain the full 3 points for Support, as the writer explains Madisonâs argument in Federalist 10 and elaborates upon relevant historical examples of disharmony that those acting as trustees helped to fix through assertive actions. In addition, the references to the Constitution and Brutus 1 (while unnecessary for earning full credit in Support) show a strong command of course material.
- Reasoning (0â1 pt): The writer earns the 1 point for Reasoning by clearly explaining how a trustee offers the best hope for Madisonâs vision. Specifically, the writer asserts in paragraphs 3 and 4 how trustees could not wait for public opinion in order to act.
- Reply to Alternative Viewpoint (0â1 pt): There is a whole paragraph at the end dedicated to rebutting the Anti-Federalistsâ objections. In this way, the writer makes it clear that this requirement has been met and earns the final 1 point.
Question-Specific Rubric: 6 points (1 + 3 + 1 + 1)
Learn more about the other free response questions on the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam. Concept Application  â˘Â  Quantitative Analysis   â˘Â  SCOTUS Comparison
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How to Write the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay (With Example)
November 27, 2023
Feeling intimidated by the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay? Weâre here to help demystify. Whether youâre cramming for the AP Lang exam right now or planning to take the test down the road, weâve got crucial rubric information, helpful tips, and an essay example to prepare you for the big day. This post will cover 1) What is the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay? 2) AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Rubric 3) AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis: Sample Prompt 4) AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example 5)AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example: Why It Works
What is the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay?
The AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay is one of three essays included in the written portion of the AP English Exam. The full AP English Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, with the first 60 minutes dedicated to multiple-choice questions. Once you complete the multiple-choice section, you move on to three equally weighted essays that ask you to synthesize, analyze, and interpret texts and develop well-reasoned arguments. The three essays include:
Synthesis essay: Youâll review various pieces of evidence and then write an essay that synthesizes (aka combines and interprets) the evidence and presents a clear argument. Read our write up on How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis Essay here.
Argumentative essay: Youâll take a stance on a specific topic and argue your case.
Rhetorical essay: Youâll read a provided passage, then analyze the authorâs rhetorical choices and develop an argument that explains why the author made those rhetorical choices.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Rubric
The AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay is graded on just 3 rubric categories: Thesis, Evidence and Commentary, and Sophistication . At a glance, the rubric categories may seem vague, but AP exam graders are actually looking for very particular things in each category. Weâll break it down with dos and donâts for each rubric category:
Thesis (0-1 point)
Thereâs nothing nebulous when it comes to grading AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay thesis. You either have one or you donât. Including a thesis gets you one point closer to a high score and leaving it out means you miss out on one crucial point. So, what makes a thesis that counts?
- Make sure your thesis argues something about the authorâs rhetorical choices. Making an argument means taking a risk and offering your own interpretation of the provided text. This is an argument that someone else might disagree with.
- A good test to see if you have a thesis that makes an argument. In your head, add the phrase âI think thatâŚâ to the beginning of your thesis. If what follows doesnât logically flow after that phrase (aka if what follows isnât something you and only you think), itâs likely youâre not making an argument.
- Avoid a thesis that merely restates the prompt.
- Avoid a thesis that summarizes the text but does not make an argument.
Evidence and Commentary (0-4 points)
This rubric category is graded on a scale of 0-4 where 4 is the highest grade. Per the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis rubric, to get a 4, youâll want to:
- Include lots of specific evidence from the text. There is no set golden number of quotes to include, but youâll want to make sure youâre incorporating more than a couple pieces of evidence that support your argument about the authorâs rhetorical choices.
- Make sure you include more than one type of evidence, too. Letâs say youâre working on your essay and have gathered examples of alliteration to include as supporting evidence. Thatâs just one type of rhetorical choice, and itâs hard to make a credible argument if youâre only looking at one type of evidence. To fix that issue, reread the text again looking for patterns in word choice and syntax, meaningful figurative language and imagery, literary devices, and other rhetorical choices, looking for additional types of evidence to support your argument.
- After you include evidence, offer your own interpretation and explain how this evidence proves the point you make in your thesis.
- Donât summarize or speak generally about the author and the text. Everything you write must be backed up with evidence.
- Donât let quotes speak for themselves. After every piece of evidence you include, make sure to explain your interpretation. Also, connect the evidence to your overarching argument.
Sophistication (0-1 point)
In this case, sophistication isnât about how many fancy vocabulary words or how many semicolons you use. According to College Board , one point can be awarded to AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis essays that âdemonstrate sophistication of thought and/or a complex understanding of the rhetorical situationâ in any of these three ways:
- Explaining the significance or relevance of the writerâs rhetorical choices.
- Explaining the purpose or function of the passageâs complexities or tensions.
- Employing a style that is consistently vivid and persuasive.
Note that you donât have to achieve all three to earn your sophistication point. A good way to think of this rubric category is to consider it a bonus point that you can earn for going above and beyond in depth of analysis or by writing an especially persuasive, clear, and well-structured essay. In order to earn this point, youâll need to first do a good job with your thesis, evidence, and commentary.
- Focus on nailing an argumentative thesis and multiple types of evidence. Getting these fundamentals of your essay right will set you up for achieving depth of analysis.
- Explain how each piece of evidence connects to your thesis.
- Spend a minute outlining your essay before you begin to ensure your essay flows in a clear and cohesive way.
- Steer clear of generalizations about the author or text.
- Donât include arguments you canât prove with evidence from the text.
- Avoid complex sentences and fancy vocabulary words unless you use them often. Long, clunky sentences with imprecisely used words are hard to follow.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis: Sample Prompt
The sample prompt below is published online by College Board and is a real example from the 2021 AP Exam. The prompt provides background context, essay instructions, and the text you need to analyze. For sake of space, weâve included the text as an image you can click to read. After the prompt, we provide a sample high scoring essay and then explain why this AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis essay example works.
Suggested timeâ40 minutes.
(This question counts as one-third of the total essay section score.)
On February 27, 2013, while in office, former president Barack Obama delivered the following address dedicating the Rosa Parks statue in the National Statuary Hall of the United States Capitol building. Rosa Parks was an African American civil rights activist who was arrested in 1955 for refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Read the passage carefully. Write an essay that analyzes the rhetorical choices Obama makes to convey his message.
In your response you should do the following:
- Respond to the prompt with a thesis that analyzes the writerâs rhetorical choices.
- Select and use evidence to support your line of reasoning.
- Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the rhetorical situation.
- Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example
In his speech delivered in 2013 at the dedication of Rosa Parkâs statue, President Barack Obama acknowledges everything that Parksâ activism made possible in the United States. Telling the story of Parksâ life and achievements, Obama highlights the fact that Parks was a regular person whose actions accomplished enormous change during the civil rights era. Through the use of diction that portrays Parks as quiet and demure, long lists that emphasize the extent of her impacts, and Biblical references, Obama suggests that all of us are capable of achieving greater good, just as Parks did.
Although it might be a surprising way to start to his dedication, Obama begins his speech by telling us who Parks was not: âRosa Parks held no elected office. She possessed no fortuneâ he explains in lines 1-2. Later, when he tells the story of the bus driver who threatened to have Parks arrested when she refused to get off the bus, he explains that Parks âsimply replied, âYou may do thatââ (lines 22-23). Right away, he establishes that Parks was a regular person who did not hold a seat of power. Her protest on the bus was not part of a larger plan, it was a simple response. By emphasizing that Parks was not powerful, wealthy, or loud spoken, he implies that Parksâ style of activism is an everyday practice that all of us can aspire to.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example (Continued)
Even though Obama portrays Parks as a demure person whose protest came âsimplyâ and naturally, he shows the importance of her activism through long lists of ripple effects. When Parks challenged her arrest, Obama explains, Martin Luther King, Jr. stood with her and âso did thousands of Montgomery, Alabama commutersâ (lines 27-28). They began a boycott that included âteachers and laborers, clergy and domestics, through rain and cold and sweltering heat, day after day, week after week, month after month, walking miles if they had toâŚâ (lines 28-31). In this section of the speech, Obamaâs sentences grow longer and he uses lists to show that Parksâ small action impacted and inspired many others to fight for change. Further, listing out how many days, weeks, and months the boycott lasted shows how Parksâ single act of protest sparked a much longer push for change.
To further illustrate Parksâ impact, Obama incorporates Biblical references that emphasize the importance of âthat single moment on the busâ (lines 57-58). In lines 33-35, Obama explains that Parks and the other protestors are âdriven by a solemn determination to affirm their God-given dignityâ and he also compares their victory to the fall the âancient walls of Jerichoâ (line 43). By of including these Biblical references, Obama suggests that Parksâ action on the bus did more than correct personal or political wrongs; it also corrected moral and spiritual wrongs. Although Parks had no political power or fortune, she was able to restore a moral balance in our world.
Toward the end of the speech, Obama states that change happens ânot mainly through the exploits of the famous and the powerful, but through the countless acts of often anonymous courage and kindnessâ (lines 78-81). Through carefully chosen diction that portrays her as a quiet, regular person and through lists and Biblical references that highlight the huge impacts of her action, Obama illustrates exactly this point. He wants us to see that, just like Parks, the small and meek can change the world for the better.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Example: Why It Works
We would give the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis essay above a score of 6 out of 6 because it fully satisfies the essayâs 3 rubric categories: Thesis, Evidence and Commentary, and Sophistication . Letâs break down what this student did:
The thesis of this essay appears in the last line of the first paragraph:
â Through the use of diction that portrays Parks as quiet and demure, long lists that emphasize the extent of her impacts, and Biblical references, Obama suggests that all of us are capable of achieving greater good, just as Parks did .â
This studentâs thesis works because they make a clear argument about Obamaâs rhetorical choices. They 1) list the rhetorical choices that will be analyzed in the rest of the essay (the italicized text above) and 2) include an argument someone else might disagree with (the bolded text above).
Evidence and Commentary:
This student includes substantial evidence and commentary. Things they do right, per the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis rubric:
- They include lots of specific evidence from the text in the form of quotes.
- They incorporate 3 different types of evidence (diction, long lists, Biblical references).
- After including evidence, they offer an interpretation of what the evidence means and explain how the evidence contributes to their overarching argument (aka their thesis).
Sophistication
This essay achieves sophistication according to the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis essay rubric in a few key ways:
- This student provides an introduction that flows naturally into the topic their essay will discuss. Before they get to their thesis, they tell us that Obama portrays Parks as a âregular personâ setting up their main argument: Obama wants all regular people to aspire to do good in the world just as Rosa Parks did.
- They organize evidence and commentary in a clear and cohesive way. Each body paragraph focuses on just one type of evidence.
- They explain how their evidence is significant. In the final sentence of each body paragraph, they draw a connection back to the overarching argument presented in the thesis.
- All their evidence supports the argument presented in their thesis. There is no extraneous evidence or misleading detail.
- They consider nuances in the text. Rather than taking the text at face value, they consider what Obamaâs rhetorical choices imply and offer their own unique interpretation of those implications.
- In their final paragraph, they come full circle, reiterate their thesis, and explain what Obamaâs rhetorical choices communicate to readers.
- Their sentences are clear and easy to read. There are no grammar errors or misused words.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis EssayâMore Resources
Looking for more tips to help your master your AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay? Brush up on 20 Rhetorical Devices High School Students Should Know and read our Tips for Improving Reading Comprehension . If youâre ready to start studying for another part of the AP English Exam, find more expert tips in our How to Write the AP Lang Synthesis blog post.
Considering what other AP classes to take? Read up on the Hardest AP Classes .
- High School Success
Christina Wood
Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeneyâs , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story âThe Astronautâ won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a âDistinguished Storiesâ mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.
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- How to write an essay outline | Guidelines & examples
How to Write an Essay Outline | Guidelines & Examples
Published on August 14, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.
An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph , giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold.
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Table of contents
Organizing your material, presentation of the outline, examples of essay outlines, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about essay outlines.
At the stage where youâre writing an essay outline, your ideas are probably still not fully formed. You should know your topic  and have already done some preliminary research to find relevant sources , but now you need to shape your ideas into a structured argument.
Creating categories
Look over any information, quotes and ideas youâve noted down from your research and consider the central point you want to make in the essayâthis will be the basis of your thesis statement . Once you have an idea of your overall argument, you can begin to organize your material in a way that serves that argument.
Try to arrange your material into categories related to different aspects of your argument. If youâre writing about a literary text, you might group your ideas into themes; in a history essay, it might be several key trends or turning points from the period youâre discussing.
Three main themes or subjects is a common structure for essays. Depending on the length of the essay, you could split the themes into three body paragraphs, or three longer sections with several paragraphs covering each theme.
As you create the outline, look critically at your categories and points: Are any of them irrelevant or redundant? Make sure every topic you cover is clearly related to your thesis statement.
Order of information
When you have your material organized into several categories, consider what order they should appear in.
Your essay will always begin and end with an introduction and conclusion , but the organization of the body is up to you.
Consider these questions to order your material:
- Is there an obvious starting point for your argument?
- Is there one subject that provides an easy transition into another?
- Do some points need to be set up by discussing other points first?
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Within each paragraph, youâll discuss a single idea related to your overall topic or argument, using several points of evidence or analysis to do so.
In your outline, you present these points as a few short numbered sentences or phrases.They can be split into sub-points when more detail is needed.
The template below shows how you might structure an outline for a five-paragraph essay.
- Thesis statement
- First piece of evidence
- Second piece of evidence
- Summary/synthesis
- Importance of topic
- Strong closing statement
You can choose whether to write your outline in full sentences or short phrases. Be consistent in your choice; donât randomly write some points as full sentences and others as short phrases.
Examples of outlines for different types of essays are presented below: an argumentative, expository, and literary analysis essay.
Argumentative essay outline
This outline is for a short argumentative essay evaluating the internetâs impact on education. It uses short phrases to summarize each point.
Its body is split into three paragraphs, each presenting arguments about a different aspect of the internetâs effects on education.
- Importance of the internet
- Concerns about internet use
- Thesis statement: Internet use a net positive
- Data exploring this effect
- Analysis indicating it is overstated
- Studentsâ reading levels over time
- Why this data is questionable
- Video media
- Interactive media
- Speed and simplicity of online research
- Questions about reliability (transitioning into next topic)
- Evidence indicating its ubiquity
- Claims that it discourages engagement with academic writing
- Evidence that Wikipedia warns students not to cite it
- Argument that it introduces students to citation
- Summary of key points
- Value of digital education for students
- Need for optimism to embrace advantages of the internet
Expository essay outline
This is the outline for an expository essay describing how the invention of the printing press affected life and politics in Europe.
The paragraphs are still summarized in short phrases here, but individual points are described with full sentences.
- Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages.
- Provide background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press.
- Present the thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.
- Discuss the very high levels of illiteracy in medieval Europe.
- Describe how literacy and thus knowledge and education were mainly the domain of religious and political elites.
- Indicate how this discouraged political and religious change.
- Describe the invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg.
- Show the implications of the new technology for book production.
- Describe the rapid spread of the technology and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible.
- Link to the Reformation.
- Discuss the trend for translating the Bible into vernacular languages during the years following the printing pressâs invention.
- Describe Lutherâs own translation of the Bible during the Reformation.
- Sketch out the large-scale effects the Reformation would have on religion and politics.
- Summarize the history described.
- Stress the significance of the printing press to the events of this period.
Literary analysis essay outline
The literary analysis essay outlined below discusses the role of theater in Jane Austenâs novel Mansfield Park .
The body of the essay is divided into three different themes, each of which is explored through examples from the book.
- Describe the theatricality of Austenâs works
- Outline the role theater plays in Mansfield Park
- Introduce the research question : How does Austen use theater to express the charactersâ morality in Mansfield Park ?
- Discuss Austenâs depiction of the performance at the end of the first volume
- Discuss how Sir Bertram reacts to the acting scheme
- Introduce Austenâs use of stage directionâlike details during dialogue
- Explore how these are deployed to show the charactersâ self-absorption
- Discuss Austenâs description of Maria and Juliaâs relationship as polite but affectionless
- Compare Mrs. Norrisâs self-conceit as charitable despite her idleness
- Summarize the three themes: The acting scheme, stage directions, and the performance of morals
- Answer the research question
- Indicate areas for further study
If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
- Ad hominem fallacy
- Post hoc fallacy
- Appeal to authority fallacy
- False cause fallacy
- Sunk cost fallacy
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You will sometimes be asked to hand in an essay outline before you start writing your essay . Your supervisor wants to see that you have a clear idea of your structure so that writing will go smoothly.
Even when you do not have to hand it in, writing an essay outline is an important part of the writing process . Itâs a good idea to write one (as informally as you like) to clarify your structure for yourself whenever you are working on an essay.
If you have to hand in your essay outline , you may be given specific guidelines stating whether you have to use full sentences. If youâre not sure, ask your supervisor.
When writing an essay outline for yourself, the choice is yours. Some students find it helpful to write out their ideas in full sentences, while others prefer to summarize them in short phrases.
You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, itâs okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why youâre doing so.
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Hey guys, can you give me some advice on how to make an effective outline for an argumentative essay in AP Lang? What steps do you follow, and how does it help you write a better essay?
Creating an outline for an AP Lang argumentative essay can help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your arguments flow logically. Here are some steps to help you create an effective outline:
1. Understand the prompt: Read the prompt carefully and identify the key issue or question you need to address. Make sure you understand any specific requirements, such as word count or citation format.
2. Develop a clear thesis statement: Your thesis statement should be a concise and specific declaration of your main argument. It should clearly state your position on the issue and provide a roadmap for your essay.
3. Gather supporting evidence: Collect evidence from a variety of sources, such as books, articles, or films, to support your thesis statement. Be sure to use credible and relevant sources that strengthen your argument.
4. Organize your arguments: Break down your argument into smaller, more manageable points. Consider using the following structure:
a) Introduction - Provide background information and introduce your thesis statement.
b) Body - Divide your body paragraphs into separate, focused points. Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence that clearly states the main point, followed by supporting evidence, examples, and analysis.
c) Counterarguments - Address potential counterarguments to your main points, and provide your own rebuttals to more thoroughly demonstrate the strength of your argument.
d) Conclusion - Summarize your main points and restate your thesis. Discuss the implications of your argument and any potential recommendations for further study or action.
5. Refine your outline: Review your outline to ensure that your arguments progress logically, and that you have adequately addressed counterarguments. Reorganize your points as needed to improve the flow of your essay.
Creating an outline prior to writing your essay can help you:
- Ensure you address all aspects of the prompt
- Organize your thoughts and present your arguments in a clear and logical manner
- Identify potential weaknesses in your argument and address them proactively
- Save time during the writing process by reducing the need for extensive revisions
Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you practice outlining and writing argumentative essays, the more comfortable and efficient you will become in crafting a strong response to AP Lang prompts. Good luck!
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APÂŽ English Language
How to get a 6 on the argument frq in apÂŽ english language.
- The Albert Team
- Last Updated On: March 1, 2022
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What We Review
Introduction: How to Get a 6 on the Argument FRQ in APÂŽ English Language
Wondering how to get a 6 on the argumentative essay in APÂŽ English Language?
To score an 5 on the APÂŽ English Argument FRQ question, the CollegeBoard scoring guidelines outline that students need to write an essay that effectively argues a position, uses appropriate and convincing evidence, and showcases a wide range of the elements of writing. Essays that score a 6 do all of that and, additionally, demonstrate sophistication in their argument.
An essay that does all of that is an incredibly well-constructed essay. Such an essay needs a solid framework and excellent support. To do this, it is important to have a clear idea of what you are being asked, to not waffle, to spend time and care with your thesis and outline, and to support every claim you make.
We know the best way to write an APÂŽ English FRQ that does everything right is to understand what you are going to see on the APÂŽ English Language test. Read on to prepare yourself for exam day and earn that 6!
What to Expect from the APÂŽ English Language Argument Free Response Questions
The APÂŽ English argument FRQ is the most straightforward of the APÂŽ English FRQs because it is the most similar to the essays youâre already used to writing. Itâs exciting to have free reign and make your own argument, unrestrained from rhetorical analysis devices or documents. But, like most APÂŽ writing, it also can be a little overwhelming.
Thereâs nothing to read and analyze to provide evidence or help you form an argument. Whether youâre feeling excited or overwhelmed by the APÂŽ writing argument FRQ, consider the rhetorical situation. Be strategic about forming your thesis, craft a strong, chronological argument, and utilize good, supportive evidence to earn a better overall essay response.
Determine the question.
The first question to ask yourself is what am I being asked to do ? This may seem obvious, but itâs surprising how tricky it can be to figure out. Look for keywords and phrases that will answer that question.
Hereâs an example from the 2019 APÂŽ English Language argumentative essay.
![essay outline ap What to Expect from the APÂŽ English Language Argument Free Response Questions - Determine the Question](https://www.albert.io/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Determine-the-Question.jpg)
Though there are just two short paragraphs, there is a lot of room for confusion here. In this case, âThen, write a well-developed essay in which you explain your judgment.â is the key sentence you are looking for. In 2019, APÂŽ English Language test takers were asked to select a concept, place, role, etc. that they believed was âoverrated,â and explain why.
If you cannot determine what the question is, go back and reread the prompt. Focus on the last few sentences, as thatâs where youâll usually find it.
Knowing the question you are answering is the most important part of APÂŽ writing. You will not be able to answer the question effectively if you arenât certain what the question is. Pick out a specific sentence or two to determine the question, and thereby ensure that you arenât just writing an essay that responds to the general sense of the argument essay prompts
Pick an opinion and stick to it.
The next step is both simple and difficult. Identify your own opinion on the subject.
But remember — the APÂŽ argumentative essay exam format is designed to test how well you can craft an argument. Questions like the 2019 question seem so daunting, because claiming anything to be âoverratedâ is such a broad topic. It is a bigger question than students are used to encountering on an APÂŽ test.
But, always remember, there is no right or wrong answer for this APÂŽ English FRQ. And whatever argument you choose will not come back later in the exam or in your final grade in the class. This is not to say that you shouldnât believe in what you are writing. Only that you should remember that both sides are arguable, pick one, and stick to it. Donât waffle.
Below we break down two sample student answers from this same 2019 prompt.
![essay outline ap What to Expect from the APÂŽ English Language Argument Free Response Questions - PIck an opinion negative example](https://www.albert.io/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PIck-an-opinion-negative-example-1024x487.png)
In this APÂŽ Lang argument essay example, the student jumps from describing places, to people, to outfits. The prompts asked for only one example and the student gives three. By doing this, it shows they were not only unable to grasp what the prompt was asking, but that they couldnât stick to their opinion. Instead of deeply strengthening one choice, the student gives vague, half-reasons for too many choices. When writing your FRQs, choose just one concept and stick to it.
The following example demonstrates a strong student response:
![essay outline ap What to Expect from the APÂŽ English Language Argument Free Response Questions - Pick an opinion strong example](https://www.albert.io/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Pick-an-opinion-strong-example-1024x391.png)
This student picks one clear concept, capitalism, and clearly outlines their support for it. They write with clear language that opens the door for the deeper analysis coming later in the essay.
Like this student, choose just one clear argument to delve into when writing your FRQ.
Craft a thesis statement.
The thesis statement should be both simple and elegant. Students often find it one of the more difficult writing skills to master, but weâre here to help. Just remember that it should encompass your entire essay in just one sentence. So, for the 2019 argument FRQ :
Good thesis: While capitalism undeniably has its upsides, it has many downsides that are rarely recognized. When considering the downsides, capitalism is clearly overrated as it commodifies humanity and uplifts a minority at the expense of the majority.
This thesis breaks down a) that the author clearly states his claim that capitalism is overrated, b) that the author will support that claim with examples on how it commodifies humanity and how it hurts the majority in favor of the minority.
Good thesis: While the Electoral College was created in the name of equality for smaller states, it is ultimately overrated because it undercuts the popular vote, it is an archaic practice that is unsuitable for the modern era.
This thesis claims the Electoral College is overrated by claiming it doesnât do what it was created to do in the first place- support equality. It also introduces two supporting examples for the rest of the essay- it undercuts the popular vote and it doesnât work in the modern era.
Not a good thesis: Kicking a ball in a net and scoring, is not as important as saving lives. Soccer to me would be considered overrated.
This thesis doesnât give clear direction for the rest of the essay. The author claims soccer is overrated, but doesnât tell us why. The example that âitâs not as important as saving livesâ is unrelated and also not touched on again later in the essay. This thesis isnât specific and doesnât give you a clear idea of what the author will be saying next.
Not a good thesis: The term âoverratedâ has been used in conversation to diminish the value of roles. In unusual circumstances the term âoverratedâ should be applied to the idea of freedom in regards to social change, but overall it should not be applied in regards to global devastation and cruel treatment.
This thesis does not directly answer the question. Is the author arguing that freedom is overrated? They also claim that the term overrated doesnât apply to global devastation and cruel treatment. This second claim is both unrelated to the first and doesnât work to answer the initial prompt.
Looking at these four examples, can you see the difference between a strong and weak thesis?
After youâve determined your thesis, use it as a jumping point to sketch a quick outline. Then, follow your outline, bringing in your own concrete examples and evidence. Doing so will improve your APÂŽ writing.
Return to the Table of Contents
Craft a chronological argument.
A good argument builds as you move through the essay. It does not simply repeat the same points. Instead, the different points of the argument build off one another and work together to advance the authorâs point.
Letâs look at the 2018 APÂŽ English argument FRQ for an example.
![essay outline ap What to Expect from the APÂŽ English Language Argument Free Response Questions - Craft a chronological argument](https://www.albert.io/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Craft-a-chronological-argument.png-1024x422.png)
In this case, students are being asked to argue a position on the value of choosing the unknown.
All students are likely to have their own definitions of what âchoosing the unknownâ might mean. You first want to consider what this phrase means to you, and how it applies to the real world. Could it mean breaking out of your comfort zone in daily routines, or could it mean going to theater school to follow your dreams? Thereâs no wrong answers, but try to pin down one. Consider Lindberghâs quote the prompt gives you, and how shock, disappointment, and enrichment play into choosing the unknown.
Once youâve nailed down your definition, you can begin to form your arguments. A chronological argument builds off itself. So, in this questionâs case, an outline would look something like this:
- Choosing the unknown is necessary for the development of the human race.
- Scientific advancements cannot be made without testing the boundaries of the unknown.
- Cultural and artistic growth can only occur through exploring the unknown.
First, a student must define what choosing the unknown means, and what makes it difficult. Next the student argues for the value of choosing the unknown, in that the human race could never develop without it. Finally, the student will argue for the invaluable scientific and cultural/artistic advances made throughout history by breaking known boundaries.
When you sketch your outline, quickly ask yourself if the outline would make just as much sense if you rearranged it. If the answer is no, start writing your essay. If the answer is yes, try to structure your argument so that your points build off one another.
Support your claims.
All arguments need evidence. This is the proof you need to support your thesis. And in the case of the APÂŽ English argument FRQ, the evidence all comes from you. What exactly that evidence is will vary from question to question and from student to student. But make sure that every point you make is supported by evidence.
Hereâs some good news — you already know quite a bit about effective evidence from what you have learned in APÂŽ English about rhetorical devices. Your main purpose in this essay is to persuade. What have you learned in class about effective ways to persuade? What rhetorical devices can you utilize? Try to pick the best devices to support your argument that you can.
Here are some examples of supportive and non-supportive evidence that students could use to support their claims.
![essay outline ap What to Expect from the APÂŽ English Language Argument Free Response Questions - Support your claims](https://www.albert.io/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/supportyourclaims.png-1024x528.png)
The 2017 APÂŽ English language argument FRQ asked students to argue a position if the most essential skill is artifice. The example student answers given below are from here .
Supportive evidence: âThroughout history, rulers have utilized countless different methods of achieving power, however none have been so successful as mastering the art of lying.
In his advice to future rulers, Niccolo Machiavelli encouraged them to lie and maintain the illusion of sympathy to the common struggles in order to retain power. He asserts that it is imperative for a ruler to appear caring and sympathetic even if he has no objective but power.
Machiavelli argues that to be sincere and honest is akin to being vulnerable. A ruler must be skilled in the art of deception if he is not to fall prey to usurpers. Thus, it is essential that he appear humble and morally upright to his constituents as he is to appear idealistic, despite his nature being identical to his citizens.â
In this paragraph, the student chooses to discuss the role of artifice in politics. The student claims that mastering lying is essential to achieving political power. The student uses Machiavelliâs leadership and beliefs as specific examples to support this, by analyzing and connecting each point back to his/her claim.
Non-supportive evidence: âAnother example would be actors on red carpets or at interviews they sound generous and relatable, but in reality they could be selfish people who donât care about anyone. To the public they act charming, honest, and sincere. They do this so they can get famous and rich. They do this so they will never get ignored.â
In this paragraph, the student chooses to discuss the role of artifice in the culture of entertainment and celebrities. However, the student does not utilize supportive evidence to do so. The paragraph is full of claims about how actors lie, but does not provide a concrete example to anchor the claims. The student provides a lot of very vague generalizations, but no clear evidence or examples of specific celebrities and how they used artifice to succeed.
There is so much variance in prompts and studentsâ prior knowledge; itâs impossible to provide a checklist of what makes evidence supportive. But a good trick to decide if youâve supported your claims well enough is to talk to yourself. No really, itâs a good idea.
Picture yourself discussing your essay with someone. Imagine that this person disagrees with everything that you say. Every time you make a claim, like that itâs important to be polite in an email, your imaginary person shakes their head and tells you no. How would you try to convince them? What examples would you use? Make sure that for each opinion you put forward; you have provided an answer to someone who would disagree with you.
The evidence is an important part of your essay. If your outline and your argument are a framework, your evidence is the brick and mortar. A house without brick and mortar wonât fall, but it wonât be a very nice house to inhabit. Tie every claim you make to a piece of evidence to ensure the best essay possible.
Wrapping Things Up: Scoring a 6 on the Argument FRQ for APÂŽ English Language
The APÂŽ English argument FRQ varies quite a bit. But it is ultimately about how well you can put forth an argument. So, donât be afraid to spend some time crafting that argument. Weâve covered a lot in this article- here are the main points to remember:
- Determine the question. Figure out what the prompt is asking you to do.
- Pick an opinion and stick to it. Choose one side of the argument and one clear claim to support all the way through.
- Craft a thesis statement. Your thesis should be clear, concise, and introduce the content of your essay.
- Craft a chronological argument. Make an argument that builds on its prior points.
- Support your claims. Support yourself with concrete, specific evidence and examples.
But most of all, have fun. This essay is the one you should be looking forward to, where you have the freest rein. Enjoy it and earn yourself a 6.
Do the examples shown make sense to you? Can you picture yourself moving through the APÂŽ writing argument FRQ with ease now?
Interested in a school license?â
8 thoughts on “how to get a 6 on the argument frq in apÂŽ english language”.
Thank you for explaining this so eloquently. Excellent post, I will keep this handy and refer to it often from now on. It’s so educative. Great post!
Sure, glad it helped.
I’m an APÂŽ Language teacher and the title of your article caught my eye because the essays aren’t scored on a 0-9 scale anymore. The max score for an essay now is a 6. Essays are now scored in 3 categories: Thesis: 0 or 1 point Evidence and commentary: 0-4 points Sophistication: 0 or 1 point I just wanted to let you know! I saw this was last updated in 2020 and just thought it should reflect the current APÂŽ exam.
Thank you for the heads up! This is an older blog post that must have had something else updated to it this year. We’ve gone ahead and revised the post.
Hi, my APÂŽ Language teacher emphasized on a counterargument at the end of the supporting paragraphs. Could you elaborate on it? Also, how exactly do we get the sophistication point?
Hi Stephanie, thanks for reaching out! Making a solid counter-argument is definitely one way to make sure that you earn the Sophistication point. We recommend having a look at our APÂŽ English Language Review Guide for 2021 for more tips! The College Board’s Free-Response Question and Scoring Information Archive also provides authentic examples of student writing â many of which successfully make counterarguments and rebuttals to earn the Sophistication point.
Hi can I get a 6?
Hi Roy, we certainly believe that earning a 6 on your FRQs is possible with practice and dedication! I’d recommend having a look at our APÂŽ English Language Review Guide for tips and tricks, and you can also browse our APÂŽ English Language and Composition Resource Page and Free Response practice questions for targeted practice.
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AP ÂŽ Lang teachers: looking to help your students improve their rhetorical analysis essays?
Coach Hall Writes
clear, concise rhetorical analysis instruction.
Argument Essay Outline
November 5, 2022 by Beth Hall
AP ÂŽ Lang argument essays are arguably the most difficult FRQ on the exam because students do not have sources or a passage to work with. However, when planning an argumentative essay, whether it is a timed essay or one you have multiple days to complete, it is important to create an argument essay outline.
Why Do I Need an Argument Essay Outline?
Think of the argument essay outline as your blueprint or your map. When writing a timed essay, your outline helps you know what to include so that you can devote more time to writing your body paragraphs. An outline also allows you to brainstorm a thesis and evidence so that when it comes time to actually write the essay, you will be able to use your time efficiently and also ensure that you are meeting the requirements of the AP ÂŽ Lang rubric.
What is an Argumentative Essay Outline?
An argument essay outline typically includes your thesis, which is the overall claim of your essay. For more information about how to write an argument essay thesis, check out this video.
When writing an outline, you can use bullet points if you want to. Make sure that your thesis asserts a clear position that answers the prompt. Don’t try to argue both sides evenly, though. You can can qualify an argument or write a counterargument thesis, but you must assert a clear position.
Next, you have two choices: determine your main ideas or determine your evidence. Your approach may vary depending on the prompt.
If you have an idea of your main points, go ahead and write a bullet point of the claims you want to make for each body paragraph. For a timed AP ÂŽ Lang argument essay, you’ll likely have 2, possibly 3, body paragraphs. Think of your main ideas as “sub claims,” meaning that these claims should relate to your thesis. As you’re writing your main ideas, be sure to think about the best order for them.
![essay outline ap](https://i0.wp.com/coachhallwrites.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/outline-argument-essay-1000x1000.png?resize=1000%2C1000&ssl=1)
If you choose your main ideas first, you’ll then need to brainstorm specific evidence to prove your claim. For more information about selecting specific evidence, check out this video.
Choose a Mnemonic
Some students prefer to outline their evidence first. To do this, try using an acronym such as CHORES. CHORES stands for current events, history, outside knowledge, reading, experiences, and science. Outside knowledge is a “catch-all” category for topics like sports, pop culture, music, etc.
There are other acronyms to help you plan specific evidence, such as REHUGO or CHELPS. Honestly, it does really matter which acronym you use as long as it helps you generate ideas for specific evidence.
A tip that has really helped my students is to label the evidence they’ve brainstormed with an S for specific, SS for somewhat specific, and G for general. For a timed essay, you can cross out any evidence that you only have a general understanding of, as we want to prioritize specific evidence in our essays.
Develop Your Line of Reasoning
Once you’ve narrowed down your list to your top examples, think about how you might pair your examples together. While you don’t need two examples per paragraph, oftentimes, having two examples helps you develop your ideas and create a stronger line of reasoning. Think about how the examples are related. For example, are they historical examples? Sports examples? Do they have similar or contrasting outcomes?
You’ll also need to consider which evidence should come first in the paragraph and which evidence should come second. Remember that you’ll want commentary after each example, and you’ll want to use a transition word to lead into your next example.
Speaking of order, think about the order of your main ideas. Which one should be your first body paragraph? Which one should be your second body paragraph?
It might sound simple, but creating a strong topic sentence to lead into your second paragraph can help your line of reasoning. For more information about a line of reasoning, check out this video here.
Here are a couple sentence frames to consider for body paragraph 2:
- Having already established that (main idea 1,) one must also acknowledge that (main idea 2.)
- The topic of X is not limited to (main idea 1), however, as it also applies to (main idea 2.)
Argument Essay Outline Example
Here’s an example argumentative essay outline for a timed essay to help you know what you might include. Remember that depending on how much time you have, you may decide to include more detail. However, for a timed essay, it’s often best to keep your argument essay outline simple so that you have more time to write. In this case, the goal is a simple outline to make sure you have some direction as you begin writing.
Thesis: Struggle is valuable because it leads to progress.
Main Idea 1: Women’s Suffrage
Evidence: Emmeline Pankhurst and Susan B. Anthony
Commentary: For them, the struggle was worth the hardship. Their struggles ultimately led to progress, as women in the US gained suffrage in 1920, demonstrating that struggle is valuable when fighting for equality.
Main Idea 2: Sports
Evidence: Billie Jean King and the US Women’s National Soccer Team
Commentary: These examples demonstrate the value of standing up for one’s beliefs, even if it means enduring public criticism.
Do I Need a Counterclaim and Rebuttal?
If you intend to include a counterclaim and rebuttal or concession and refutation in your essay, then yes, add it to your argument essay outline.
For AP ÂŽ Lang, remember that while addressing the counterargument can help create a more nuanced argument, including one is not required, nor does it guarantee the sophistication point.
Given that the goal is to fully develop your claim, many students prefer to address the counterargument at the end of their argument essay. That way, if they run out of time, they still have proven their other sub-claims.
For more information about addressing the counterargument, check out this video.
Additional Resources
Teachers, if you’re looking for a way to help your students create an argument essay outline, check out this Outline Argument Essay resource. These Google Slides compatible digital flipbooks are a quick-and-easy way for students to plan their specific evidence and outline their argument.
APÂŽ Lang Teachers
Looking to help your students improve their rhetorical analysis essays?
[…] While the argument essay thesis is an important part of your essay and an easy point to earn on the AP Lang exam, the thesis is just the beginning. For more tips about outlining an argument essay, check out this blog post. […]
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How to write an AP Lang synthesis essay: Format + Outline + Tips
Brendaw Waller
June 3, 2024
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The last component of your basic college English composition course is the AP Lang test. The most crucialâand sometimes challengingâcomponent is the AP Language Synthesis Essay. It’s the cornerstone of your future writing abilities, but if you’re not prepared, it can be challenging. Additionally, each year’s test details could vary. So, with the expert guidance of Nerdpapers analytical essay writers , let’s explore what an AP lang synthesis essay is and how to write it.Â
What is ap lang?
The AP Language exam is a bit lengthy. Students who want to pass this AP test need to be well-versed in multiple rubrics. Reading and writing are covered in the first half, while three distinct kinds of essays are covered in the second, which is a little more freeform. Of those three, the synthesis essay  is the AP Lang rubric, which is the most interesting and, surprisingly, often the most challenging to tackle. We’ll concentrate today on the AP Lang synthesis essay, especially to make sure you know what to expect on your test.
Understanding the AP Lang synthesis essay
Do you know what is a synthesis essay ap lang? Imagine someone is selling a mysterious remedy claiming it can cure any disease, but they won’t reveal its ingredients or how it works. Would it be wise to buy this remedy? Probably not!
The same procedure applies when writing an essay. If you do not cite your sources for your thoughts, a reader won’t believe even your ideas are the best ones. That’s where the synthesis essay comes in! In a comprehensive essay, an argument is made on the basis of outside sources. Synthesis essays are used to develop compelling arguments for your viewpoints. You not only need to gather the information, but you also need to add your opinion.
The goal of the AP synthesis essay rubric is to demonstrate your ability for in-depth source analysis and the creation of an original, well-reasoned thesis statement backed up by relevant evidence. Writing an essay of this kind requires both critical analysis  skills as well as creative thinking since you have to evaluate the data you have collected and combine it to create a fresh, original viewpoint.
Types of Synthesis Essays
Synthesis essays are of different types. But the most common are explanatory and argumentative synthesis essays. Let’s have a look at them:
Explanatory synthesis essay
The purpose of an explanatory essay is to cover a subject, go into great depth about it, and then show a deep understanding of the subject. You can convince the reader about something without necessarily getting into a furious debate with them. All you have to do is compile an unbiased summary.
Argumentative synthesis essay
An argumentative essay contains personal opinions, but it should be as objective and fact based as possible despite the possibility of bias. You should stick to logical and objective facts when presenting your arguments rather than depending on your feelings. This strategy will strengthen your claim.
Key Components of an AP Lang Synthesis Essay Outline
When you go through the examples of synthesis essays, you will notice that their structure is almost similar to other essays. You have to do an in-depth analysis of the material you gathered before you start working on a synthesis essay ap lang outline. Keep in mind that if the document is properly structured, then it must receive good grades. If you don’t format your essay correctly, you won’t get good marks even if you write a superb one. You must ensure that you have a thorough understanding of how to write a synthesis essay ap lang.
A lot of time is required to write a synthesis essay outline for the AP Lang test. Simply follow the below steps:
Introduction:
Write about the topic you’re going to cover. Add a strong thesis statement. Your thesis statement should cover three ideas on the selected topic. Moreover, it should also include some background details and a strong attention-grabbing hook statement.
The body paragraphs (3 to 4 paragraphs):
As per the standard essay outline, you must write three paragraphs in the body section of your synthesis essay. Start each paragraph with a new thought or idea. If you use someone else’s words exactly, put them in quotes. Also, the evidence must be from a reliable source. Any information that is not your own should be cited, and your sources should all be listed in your works cited page or bibliography.
Conclusion (1 paragraph):
This section is dedicated to wrapping up your paper and providing a logical conclusion. Only tie up the topics you covered in the introduction and body, without introducing any new ideas. Your conclusion statement must be strong enough to leave a lasting impression on the reader.
How do you write a synthesis essay introduction?
The most challenging aspect of academic writing  is often getting started. When your mind is teeming with ideas, it can be overwhelming to decide where to begin. Students often spend numerous hours brainstorming ideas. An effective approach is to address this question: ‘What would grab my attention if I were the reader”?
When you’re coming up with ideas for how to compose the paper, keep in mind the specific requirements of the synthesis essay. You can begin in a few different ways. First method is to present a fascinating fact that not everyone is aware of. The second is to start the essay with a well-known quotation related to the subject. The success of your work will mostly depend on the first impression you make on the reader. So, try to grab their interest quickly.
đReading suggestion: Â How to write a research paper introduction
Step-By-Step Guide on How to write a good synthesis essay AP lang
Here are some good techniques for writing a synthesis essays:
![How to write a good synthesis essay AP lang How to write a good synthesis essay AP lang](https://nerdpapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-1024x768.webp)
Thoroughly read assignment details
Think about the requirements for the assignment. It is very important to understand the assignment  completely. Teachers will frequently ask a question regarding a particular subject. They may then assign you a number of readings from articles, academic journals, or other sources to help you gain information. Knowing what the assignment entails will help you make sure you focus on the appropriate material in your readings.
Choose or read about the topic
Read the materials carefully, regardless of whether your instructor assigns you to read a certain amount or requires you to conduct your own research. To fully understand the authors’ points of view and their connections, think about annotating each text. One of the most important aspects of synthesis essays is the ability to contrast and compare ideas from multiple sources.
Make a strong thesis statement
Take time to read each source deeply and create a synthesis essay AP lang thesis statement. Do not overlook minute details. The thesis statement is the baseline of your writing. Write it clearly and concisely. Do not overthink too much because you’re not adding any details at this point.
Create synthesis essay outline ap lang
Making an outline will assist you in organizing the structure of your essay. You can outline your topic and any supporting details in a structured format with Roman numerals. There may be subcategories inside each where you can put references to the different articles and make particular references to points you will make. By citing these sources, you can make sure that your essay includes passages or details from each article.
Compose synthesis essay introduction
A paper’s introduction is its opening paragraph. Its primary goal is to introduce the paper’s basic idea, include any background information that is required, and, ideally, grab the reader’s interest. You should have a compelling thesis statement in the first paragraph. This is where you will introduce your argument or the point of view you are investigating.
Add body paragraphs to your essay
The three primary components of a strong body paragraph are a topic sentence (also known as a key sentence), relevant supporting phrases, and a closing (also known as a transitional) sentence. This format provides clear, succinct information while maintaining your paragraph’s focus on the main point. The various components and justifications of your thesis, together with supporting data from each source, should be covered in detail in each body paragraph. Describe the theme that runs through your materials and how your text relates to them. Add counter arguments as well as how your source material may dispute those claims while supporting your own.
Write conclusion
The last section of a research paper, essay, or article that provides a summary of the entire work is called the conclusion. Your synthesis essay’s conclusion paragraph should repeat your thesis, provide a summary of the main points you raised throughout the essay, and provide your assessment of the main idea.
Make a bibliography
An essay’s bibliography is a list of the sources you consulted while writing it. You may compose this on a formal work cited or references page at the conclusion of the essay, depending on the essay type. Try including any works that you have quoted or paraphrased in order to provide context.
If you don’t know how to cite sources in AP Lang synthesis essay, then avail of our annotated bibliography writing service  to cite your sources correctly.Â
When writing is complete, go over the assignment once more to see if there are any formatting requirements. Depending on your field, you may frequently submit essays using common formatting styles like MLA or APA . This may change depending on the kind of essay you write because synthesis essays can be written on a wide range of topics.
Before submitting or presenting your assignment, make sure to proofread it several times. Sometimes, the entire core of an argument or opinion can be altered or discredited by a few misplaced words or grammatical faults. Make sure your syntax, grammar, and writing style are as precise and understandable as you can. This will make you seem like a reliable source.
Synthesis Essay AP lang rubric
Generally, a synthesis essay rubric assesses multiple factors, such as your ability to compile and integrate several sources, your ability to build a solid argument, and your proficiency with language and mechanics. Although rubrics differ from instructor to instructor, a simple AP synthesis essay rubric includes the following:
- Your argument’s cohesion and clarity
- Ability to back up your claims with proof
- Language and mechanics used
- Combining ideas from several sources
- Information synthesis from several sources
To make sure you’re fulfilling all the requirements for the assignment, make sure you go over any rubrics your professor or teacher may have provided. As an alternative, if you are feeling overwhelmed, you can always hire our assignment writing service  for timely delivery and expert help. Â
Tips for Synthesis Essay AP Lang
Now that you know how to write a synthesis essay in AP lang properly, your chances of receiving an A are significantly increased. Use these synthesis essay tips in AP Lang to ensure that your project will receive a high score. You can become an expert writer by adhering to them.
![Tips for Synthesis Essay AP Lang Tips for synthesis essay ap lang](https://nerdpapers.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/image-1-1024x768.webp)
Pick the right subject
As a student, you may be motivated to write on a topic about which you are unfamiliar in order to widen your horizons. Learning new things is perfectly acceptable, but it should happen on your own time rather than while you are completing a paper for a grade. Write an essay based on your knowledge; we assure you that you will learn a great deal of new information when you research the topic. Focusing on improving your writing abilities and achieving a good mark should be your main objectives; writing on an entirely different subject makes it more likely that you won’t achieve an A.
Refer credible sources
One of the main issues facing academia today is that new students frequently quote Facebook, blogs, and other unreliable media sources in their papers because they are unsure of what makes an authentic source. When writing a paper, refer only to books, academic journals, the internet, and other similar resources.
Properly cite your sources
Making improper or missing citations and bibliographies will always result in a failing assignment. Failure to adhere to the professor’s directions is another factor that frequently gets students into trouble. This frequently occurs when a student chooses to cite in Chicago style format  or Harvard styles, but the professor prefers another format, like MLA essay format. Never carry out this. Regardless of whether you agree with your professor’s instructions or not, you should always obey them.
Read your essay aloud
Speaking out loud while reading an essay can help you identify sentences or paragraphs that need clarification or correction. Try doing this to find any last-minute structural or grammar errors.
Synthesis Essay Do’s and Don’ts
- Leave enough time for proofreading and editing your essay.
- Make a proper schedule for how much time you are required to write each section.
- Try to use MLA or Chicago style to format your essay.
- Add as many arguments as you can to support your claim, but all must be solid and relevant to the topic.
- Read the source material thoroughly.
- Private anecdotes should not be used to support your argument unless the essay genre expressly permits it. These don’t provide a strong enough case.
- Don’t get too deep into the essay topic; instead, immerse yourself and show your thorough understanding of the subject.
AP Lang Synthesis Essay Prompts
Here is a list of AP synthesis essay prompts:
- Analyze the impact of technology on modern society. Â Use evidence from at least four sources to support your viewpoint.
- Discuss the government role in climate change.
- Explore the pros and cons of social media in the context of interpersonal communication.
- Analyze the relationship between education and income inequality.
- Consider the effects of globalization on the economy. Synthesize information from at least three sources to make your case.
- Discuss the effects of climate change on global agriculture. Cite evidence from at least four sources to support your argument.
- Consider the effects of widespread monitoring programs on people’s civil liberties and right to privacy while balancing potential benefits for national security against worries about privacy invasion.
- Analyze the impact of immigration on cultural diversity in the United States.
- Discuss the ways that media sources, such as news sites, social media, and advertisements, affect societal attitudes, beliefs, and actions as well as public opinion.
Final Thoughts
Now we’ve come to the end of the blog; you should not be feeling stressed by the thought of writing an AP Lang synthesis essay. Moreover, you already know that analyzing sources, creating a strong outline, and skillfully integrating them into your writing are essential to success.
So don’t be afraid, brave writer! You’re ready to start writing a successful paper now because you have these synthesis essay writing strategies at your hand. Alternatively, you may simply buy an essay  to wow your teachers!
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Expert's Guide to the AP Literature Exam
![essay outline ap author image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/360031/ellen.jpg)
Advanced Placement (AP)
![shakespeare-67698_640.jpg shakespeare-67698_640.jpg](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/shakespeare-67698_640.jpg?width=331&height=424&name=shakespeare-67698_640.jpg)
If you're planning to take the AP English Literature and Composition exam, you'll need to get familiar with what to expect on the test. Whether the 2023 test date of Wednesday, May 3, is near or far, I'm here to help you get serious about preparing for the exam.
In this guide, I'll go over the test's format and question types, how it's graded, best practices for preparation, and test-day tips. You'll be on your way to AP English Lit success in no time!
AP English Literature: Exam Format and Question Types
The AP Literature Exam is a three-hour exam that contains two sections in this order:
- An hour-long, 55-question multiple-choice section
- A two-hour, three-question free-response section
The exam tests your ability to analyze works and excerpts of literature and cogently communicate that analysis in essay form.
Read on for a breakdown of the two different sections and their question types.
Section I: Multiple Choice
The multiple-choice section, or Section I of the AP Literature exam, is 60 minutes long and has 55 questions. It counts for 45% of your overall exam grade .
You can expect to see five excerpts of prose and poetry. You will always get at least two prose passages (fiction or drama) and two poetry passages. In general, you will not be given the author, date, or title for these works, though occasionally the title of a poem will be given. Unusual words are also sometimes defined for you.
The date ranges of these works could fall from the 16th to the 21st century. Most works will be originally written in English, but you might occasionally see a passage in translation.
There are, generally speaking, eight kinds of questions you can expect to see on the AP English Literature and Composition exam. I'll break each of them down here and give you tips on how to identify and approach them.
![essay outline ap body-waterstone-painting-cc0](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/body-waterstone-painting-cc0.jpg?width=300&height=407&name=body-waterstone-painting-cc0.jpg)
"Pretty flowers carried by ladies" is not one of the question types.
![](http://writinghelp.online/777/templates/cheerup/res/banner1.gif)
The 8 Multiple-Choice Question Types on the AP Literature Exam
Without further delay, here are the eight question types you can expect to see on the AP Lit exam. All questions are taken from the sample questions on the AP Course and Exam Description .
#1: Reading Comprehension
These questions test your ability to understand what the passage is saying on a pretty basic level . They don't require you to do a lot of interpretationâyou just need to know what's going on.
You can identify this question type from words and phrases such as "according to," "mentioned," "asserting," and so on. You'll succeed on these questions as long as you carefully read the text . Note that you might have to go back and reread parts to make sure you understand what the passage is saying.
![1Comprehension.png 1Comprehension.png](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1Comprehension.png?width=528&height=149&name=1Comprehension.png)
#2: Inference
These questions ask you to infer somethingâa character or narrator's opinion, an author's intention, etc.âbased on what is said in the passage . It will be something that isn't stated directly or concretely but that you can assume based on what's clearly written in the passage. You can identify these questions from words such as "infer" and "imply."
The key to these questions is to not get tripped up by the fact that you are making an inferenceâthere will be a best answer, and it will be the choice that is best supported by what is actually found in the passage .
In many ways, inference questions are like second-level reading comprehension questions: you need to know not just what a passage says, but also what it means.
![2inference.png 2inference.png](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2inference.png?width=552&height=152&name=2inference.png)
#3: Identifying and Interpreting Figurative Language
These are questions for which you have to either identify what word or phrase is figurative language or provide the meaning of a figurative phrase . You can identify these as they will either explicitly mention figurative language (or a figurative device, such as a simile or metaphor ) or include a figurative phrase in the question itself.
The meaning of figurative phrases can normally be determined by that phrase's context in the passageâwhat is said around it? What is the phrase referring to?
Example 1: Identifying
![3Identifying_Figurative_Language.png 3Identifying_Figurative_Language.png](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3Identifying_Figurative_Language.png?width=397&height=134&name=3Identifying_Figurative_Language.png)
Example 2: Interpreting
![4Interpret_figurative_language.png 4Interpret_figurative_language.png](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/4Interpret_figurative_language.png?width=457&height=133&name=4Interpret_figurative_language.png)
#4: Literary Technique
These questions involve identifying why an author does what they do , from using a particular phrase to repeating certain words. Basically, what techniques is the author using to construct the passage/poem, and to what effect?
You can identify these questions by words/phrases such as "serves chiefly to," "effect," "evoke," and "in order to." A good way to approach these questions is to ask yourself: so what? Why did the author use these particular words or this particular structure?
![5literary_technique.png 5literary_technique.png](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/5literary_technique.png?width=561&height=184&name=5literary_technique.png)
#5: Character Analysis
These questions ask you to describe something about a character . You can spot them because they will refer directly to characters' attitudes, opinions, beliefs, or relationships with other characters .
This is, in many ways, a special kind of inference question , since you are inferring the broader personality of the character based on the evidence in a passage. Also, these crop up much more commonly for prose passages than they do for poetry ones.
![6character_analysis.png 6character_analysis.png](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/6character_analysis.png?width=536&height=154&name=6character_analysis.png)
#6: Overall Passage Questions
Some questions ask you to identify or describe something about the passage or poem as a whole : its purpose, tone, genre, etc. You can identify these by phrases such as "in the passage" and "as a whole."
To answer these questions, you need to think about the excerpt with a bird's-eye view . What is the overall picture created by all the tiny details?
![7Overall_Passage.png 7Overall_Passage.png](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/7Overall_Passage.png?width=575&height=129&name=7Overall_Passage.png)
#7: Structure
Some AP Lit questions will ask you about specific structural elements of the passage: a shift in tone, a digression, the specific form of a poem, etc . Often these questions will specify a part of the passage/poem and ask you to identify what that part is accomplishing.
Being able to identify and understand the significance of any shifts âstructural, tonal, in genre, and so onâwill be of key importance for these questions.
![7.1Structure.png 7.1Structure.png](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/7.1Structure.png?width=430&height=138&name=7.1Structure.png)
#8: Grammar/Nuts & Bolts
Very occasionally you will be asked a specific grammar question , such as what word an adjective is modifying. I'd also include in this category super-specific questions such as those that ask about the meter of a poem (e.g., iambic pentameter).
These questions are less about literary artistry and more about the fairly dry technique involved in having a fluent command of the English language .
![8Nuts_and_Bolts.png 8Nuts_and_Bolts.png](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/8Nuts_and_Bolts.png?width=399&height=135&name=8Nuts_and_Bolts.png)
That covers the eight question types on the multiple-choice section. Now, let's take a look at the free-response section of the AP Literature exam.
![bolts-150617_640.png bolts-150617_640.png](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bolts-150617_640.png?width=387&name=bolts-150617_640.png)
Keep track of the nuts and bolts of grammar.
Section II: Free Response
The AP Literature Free Response section is two hours long and involves three free-response essay questions , so you'll have about 40 minutes per essay. That's not a lot of time considering this section of the test counts for 55% of your overall exam grade !
Note, though, that no one will prompt you to move from essay to essay, so you can theoretically divide up the time however you want. Just be sure to leave enough time for each essay! Skipping an essay, or running out of time so you have to rush through one, can really impact your final test score.
The first two essays are literary analysis essays of specific passages, with one poem and one prose excerpt. The final essay is an analysis of a given theme in a work selected by you , the student.
Essays 1 & 2: Literary Passage Analysis
For the first two essays, you'll be presented with an excerpt and directed to analyze the excerpt for a given theme, device, or development . One of the passages will be poetry, and one will be prose. You will be provided with the author of the work, the approximate date, and some orienting information (i.e., the plot context of an excerpt from a novel).
Below are some sample questions from the 2022 Free Response Questions .
![essay outline ap body-2022-question-1-ss](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/body-2022-question-1-ss.jpg?width=600&height=113&name=body-2022-question-1-ss.jpg)
Essay 3: Thematic Analysis
For the third and final essay, you'll be asked to discuss a particular theme in a work that you select . You will be provided with a list of notable works that address the given theme below the prompt, but you can also choose to discuss any "work of literary merit."
So while you do have the power to choose which work you wish to write an essay about , the key words here are "literary merit." That means no genre fiction! Stick to safe bets like authors in the list on pages 10-11 of the old 2014 AP Lit Course Description .
(I know, I knowâlots of genre fiction works do have literary merit and Shakespeare actually began as low culture, and so on and so forth. Indeed, you might find academic designations of "literary merit" elitist and problematic, but the time to rage against the literary establishment is not your AP Lit test! Save it for a really, really good college admissions essay instead .)
Here's a sample question from 2022:
![essay outline ap body-2022-question-3-ss](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/body-2022-question-3-ss.jpg?width=450&height=408&name=body-2022-question-3-ss.jpg)
As you can see, the list of works provided spans many time periods and countries : there are ancient Greek plays ( Antigone ), modern literary works (such as Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale ), Shakespeare plays ( The Tempest ), 19th-century English plays ( The Importance of Being Earnest ), etc. So you have a lot to work with!
Also note that you can choose a work of "comparable literary merit." That means you can select a work not on this list as long as it's as difficult and meaningful as the example titles you've been given. So for example, Jane Eyre or East of Eden would be great choices, but Twilight or The Hunger Games would not.
Our advice? If you're not sure what a work of "comparable literary merit" is, stick to the titles on the provided list .
![mark-twain-67793_640.jpg mark-twain-67793_640.jpg](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mark-twain-67793_640.jpg?width=331&height=424&name=mark-twain-67793_640.jpg)
You might even see something by this guy.
How Is the AP Literature Test Graded?
The multiple-choice section of the exam comprises 45% of your total exam score; the three essays, or free-response section, comprise the other 55%. Each essay, then, is worth about 18% of your grade.
As on other AP exams, your raw score will be converted to a score from 1-5 . You don't have to get every point possible to get a 5 by any means. In 2022, 16.9% of students received 5s on the AP English Literature test, the 14th highest 5 score out of the 38 different AP exams.
So, how do you calculate your raw scores?
Multiple-Choice Scoring
For the multiple-choice section, you receive 1 point for each question you answer correctly . There's no guessing penalty, so you should answer every questionâbut guess only after you're able to eliminate any answer you know is wrong to up your chances of choosing the right one.
Free-Response Scoring
Scoring for multiple choice is pretty straightforward; however, essay scoring is a little more complicated.
Each of your essays will receive a score from 0 to 6 based on the College Board rubric , which also includes question-specific rubrics. All the rubrics are very similar, with only minor differences between them.
Each essay rubric has three elements you'll be graded on:
- Thesis (0-1 points)
- Evidence and Commentary (0-4 points)
- Sophistication (0-1 points)
We'll be looking at the current rubric for the AP Lit exam , which was released in September 2019, and what every score means for each of the three elements above:
Restates prompt. Makes generalized comment. Describes work rather than making a claim. | Is incoherent or does not address prompt. May be just opinion with no textual references or references that are irrelevant. | Attempts to contextualize interpretation consist mainly of sweeping generalizations. Only hints at other interpretations. Does not consistently maintain thematic interpretation. Oversimplifies complexities. Uses overly complex language. | |
Provides defensible interpretation in response to prompt. | Focuses on broad elements, summary, or description rather than specific details or techniques. Mentions literary elements, devices, or techniques with little or no explanation. | Identifies and explores complexities/tensions within work. Situates interpretation within broader context. Accounts for alternative interpretations. Style is consistently vivid and persuasive. | |
â | Consists of mix of specific evidence and broad generalities. May contain some simplistic, inaccurate, or repetitive explanations. Does not make multiple supporting claims or does not support more than one claim. No clear connections or progression between claims. | â | |
â | Uniformly offers evidence to support claims. Focuses on importance of specific words and details. Organizes argument as line of reasoning composed of several supporting claims. Commentary may fail to integrate some evidence or support key claim. | â | |
â | Uniformly offers evidence to support claims. Focuses on importance of specific words and details. Organizes argument as line of reasoning composed of several supporting claims, each with adequate evidence. Explains how use of literary techniques contributes to interpretation. | â |
To get a high-scoring essay in the 5-6 point range, you'll need to not only come up with an original and intriguing argument that you thoroughly support with textual evidence, but youâll also need to stay focused, organized, and clear. And all in just 40 minutes per essay!
If getting a high score on this section sounds like a tall order, that's because it is.
![essay outline ap body-writing-computer-orange-write](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/body-writing-computer-orange-write.jpg?width=424&height=282&name=body-writing-computer-orange-write.jpg)
Practice makes perfect!
Skill-Building for Success on the AP Literature Exam
There are several things you can do to hone your skills and best prepare for the AP Lit exam.
Read Some Books, Maybe More Than Once
One of the most important steps you can take to prepare for the AP Literature and Composition exam is to read a lot and read well . You'll be reading a wide variety of notable literary works in your AP English Literature course, but additional reading will help you further develop your analytical reading skills .
I suggest checking out this list of notable authors in the 2014 AP Lit Course Description (pages 10-11).
In addition to reading broadly, you'll want to become especially familiar with the details of four to five books with different themes so you'll be prepared to write a strong student-choice essay. You should know the plot, themes, characters, and structural details of these books inside and out.
See my AP English Literature Reading List for more guidance.
Read (and Interpret) Poetry
One thing students might not do very much on their own time but that will help a lot with AP Lit exam prep is to read poetry. Try to read poems from a lot of eras and authors to get familiar with the language.
We know that poetry can be intimidating. That's why we've put together a bunch of guides to help you crack the poetry code (so to speak). You can learn more about poetic devices âlike imagery and i ambic pentameter âin our comprehensive guide. Then you can see those analytical skills in action in our expert analysis of " Do not go gentle into that good night " by Dylan Thomas.
When you think you have a grip on basic comprehension, you can then move on to close reading (see below).
Hone Your Close Reading and Analysis Skills
Your AP class will likely focus heavily on close reading and analysis of prose and poetry, but extra practice won't hurt you. Close reading is the ability to identify which techniques the author is using and why. You'll need to be able to do this both to gather evidence for original arguments on the free-response questions and to answer analytical multiple-choice questions.
Here are some helpful close reading resources for prose :
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Writing Center's guide to close reading
- Harvard College Writing Center's close reading guide
- Purdue OWL's article on steering clear of close reading "pitfalls"
And here are some for poetry :
- University of Wisconsin-Madison's poetry-reading guide
- This guide to reading poetry at Poets.org (complete with two poetry close readings)
- Our own expert analyses of famous poems, such as " Ozymandias ", and the 10 famous sonnets you should know
Learn Literary and Poetic Devices
You'll want to be familiar with literary terms so that any test questions that ask about them will make sense to you. Again, you'll probably learn most of these in class, but it doesn't hurt to brush up on them.
Here are some comprehensive lists of literary terms with definitions :
- The 31 Literary Devices You Must Know
- The 20 Poetic Devices You Must Know
- The 9 Literary Elements You'll Find In Every Story
- What Is Imagery?
- Understanding Assonance
- What Is Iambic Pentameter in Poetry?
- Simile vs Metaphor: The 1 Big Difference
- 10 Personification Examples in Poetry, Literature, and More
Practice Writing Essays
The majority of your grade on the AP English Lit exam comes from essays, so it's critical that you practice your timed essay-writing skills . You of course should use the College Board's released free-response questions to practice writing complete timed essays of each type, but you can also practice quickly outlining thorough essays that are well supported with textual evidence.
Take Practice Tests
Taking practice tests is a great way to prepare for the exam. It will help you get familiar with the exam format and overall experience . You can get sample questions from the Course and Exam Description , the College Board website , and our guide to AP English Lit practice test resources .
Be aware that the released exams don't have complete slates of free-response questions, so you might need to supplement these with released free-response questions .
Since there are three complete released exams, you can take one toward the beginning of your prep time to get familiar with the exam and set a benchmark, and one toward the end to make sure the experience is fresh in your mind and to check your progress.
![essay outline ap body-cloud-cc0](https://blog.prepscholar.com/hs-fs/hubfs/body-cloud-cc0.jpg?width=424&height=283&name=body-cloud-cc0.jpg)
Don't wander like a lonely cloud through your AP Lit prep.
AP Literature: 6 Critical Test-Day Tips
Before we wrap up, here are my six top tips for AP Lit test day:
- #1: On the multiple-choice section, it's to your advantage to answer every question. If you eliminate all the answers you know are wrong before guessing, you'll raise your chances of guessing the correct one.
- #2: Don't rely on your memory of the passage when answering multiple-choice questions (or when writing essays, for that matter). Look back at the passage!
- #3: Interact with the text : circle, mark, underline, make notesâwhatever floats your boat. This will help you retain information and actively engage with the passage.
- #4: This was mentioned above, but it's critical that you know four to five books well for the student-choice essay . You'll want to know all the characters, the plot, the themes, and any major devices or motifs the author uses throughout.
- #5: Be sure to plan out your essays! Organization and focus are critical for high-scoring AP Literature essays. An outline will take you a few minutes, but it will help your writing process go much faster.
- #6: Manage your time on essays closely. One strategy is to start with the essay you think will be the easiest to write. This way you'll be able to get through it while thinking about the other two essays.
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And don't forget to eat breakfast! Apron optional.
AP Literature Exam: Key Takeaways
The AP Literature exam is a three-hour test that includes an hour-long multiple-choice section based on five prose and poetry passages and with 55 questions, and a two-hour free-response section with three essays : one analyzing a poetry passage, one analyzing a prose passage, and one analyzing a work chosen by you, the student.
The multiple-choice section is worth 45% of your total score , and the free-response section is worth 55% . The three essays are each scored on a rubric of 0-6, and raw scores are converted to a final scaled score from 1 to 5.
Here are some things you can do to prepare for the exam:
- Read books and be particularly familiar with four to five works for the student-choice essays
- Read poetry
- Work on your close reading and analysis skills
- Learn common literary devices
- Practice writing essays
- Take practice tests!
On test day, be sure to really look closely at all the passages and really interact with them by marking the text in a way that makes sense to you. This will help on both multiple-choice questions and the free-response essays. You should also outline your essays before you write them.
With all this in mind, you're well on your way to AP Lit success!
What's Next?
If you're taking other AP exams this year, you might be interested in our other AP resources: from the Ultimate Guide to the US History Exam , to the Ultimate AP Chemistry Study Guide , to the Best AP Psychology Study Guide , we have tons of articles on AP courses and exams for you !
Looking for practice exams? Here are some tips on how to find the best AP practice tests . We've also got comprehensive lists of practice tests for AP Psychology , AP Biology , AP Chemistry , and AP US History .
Deciding which APs to take? Take a look through the complete list of AP courses and tests , read our analysis of which AP classes are the hardest and easiest , and learn how many AP classes you should take .
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How to write a good AP synthesis essay
Published September 27, 2020. Updated June 7, 2022.
Synthesis Essay Definition
A synthesis essay uses information from multiple sources to support an argument or explanation.
Overview of Synthesis Essay Writing
First, take some time to develop a thorough understanding of what you will be writing about. Take notes as you go, keeping track of points you want to make and evidence you want to include in the essay. While you read, you can begin to brainstorm a thesis statement and outline for the essay. Writing an outline will help structure your essay and keep you on track. The standard synthesis essay outline includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. Spend adequate time reviewing the instructions, sources, and prompts.
The AP English Language and Composition (also known as AP Lang) exam is composed of two sections: a Multiple Choice section and a Free Response section. Itâs normal to be nervous before an exam, especially an AP exam. If youâre not sure what to expect from the AP Lang synthesis essay, never fear. Here you can read about everything you need to know before exam day, including:
- the purpose of the synthesis essay
- what to expect from the sources and prompt
- a sample prompt and response
- how the synthesis essay is scored
- how to write a high-scoring synthesis essay
Worried about your writing? Submit your paper for a Chegg Writing essay check , or for an Expert Check proofreading . Both can help you find and fix potential writing issues.
Synthesis essay
The College Board describes the synthesis essay this way:
âAfter reading 6â7 texts about a topic (including visual and quantitative sources), students will compose an argument that combines and cites at least 3 of the sources to support their thesis.â
You will have 45 minutes to complete the synthesis essay. How you use this time is up to you, but below weâve included a timeline for how you might choose to use your 45 minutes.
What will the sources and prompt be like?
The six to seven sources will all be centered on a specific topic. In past exams, the prompt has been focused on subjects like alternative energy and eminent domain. At least two of the sources will be visual, and at least one will be numerical (a chart or graph). The others will be text passages of roughly 500 words.
Before the sources, youâll be given directions and a writing prompt. The prompt will explain the topic, then present a claim for you to respond to. Your response should synthesize material from at least three of the sources, forming a full-fledged essay.
See a sample synthesis essay prompt directly from the College Board linked here.
Following the directions in this sample prompt, youâll find Sources A-F. Click here to view sample student responses.
How will my synthesis essay be scored?
Synthesis essays will be scored on a range from 0 to 6 based on an analytic rubric. This score will be the total of three scores based on three categories: your thesis, your evidence and commentary, and your sophistication.
Click here to review the complete free-response scoring guidelines for the 2020 AP Lang exam. As a quick summary, weâll provide the College Boardâs descriptions for what warrants the highest and lowest points in each category.
According to the AP English Language Scoring Rubrics, 0 points in the thesis category will be given âfor any of the following”:
- There is no defensible thesis.
- The intended thesis only restates the prompt.
- The intended thesis provides a summary of the issue with no apparent or coherent claim.
- There is a thesis, but it does not respond to the prompt.
1 point in the thesis category will be given to essays that respond âto the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible position.â
0 points will be given in the evidence and commentary section to any essay that âSimply restates thesis (if present), repeats provided information, or references fewer than two of the provided sources.â
4 points will be given in the evidence and commentary section to an essay that âProvides specific evidence from at least three of the provided sources to support all claims in a line of reasoningâ and âConsistently explains how the evidence supports a line of reasoning.â
Finally, in the sophistication category , 1 point will be given to an essay that demonstrates âsophistication of thought and/or develops a complex understanding of the rhetorical situation.â 0 points will be given to essays that do not meet that criteria.
While itâs natural to worry about your score, keep in mind that your scorers know you have less than an hour to complete your synthesis essay. They know it is essentially a first draft, and they will pay more mind to what you do right than what you do wrong. Even the highest-scoring essays will contain occasional errors, so worry less about perfection than your holistic argument and synthesis.
How to write a high-scoring synthesis essay
Before we dive into what makes a high-scoring synthesis essay, letâs cover the basics. What is a synthesis essay?
Basically, a synthesis essay uses information from multiple sources to support an argument or explanation. However, when it comes to the AP Lang exam, you will be writing an argumentative synthesis essay.
Youâll take an argumentative stance, which you will express via your thesis statement, and argue in favor of that stance using evidence from multiple sources.
Outstanding AP Lang synthesis essays tend to do the following things very well. They:
- demonstrate an understanding of the topic at hand.
- express understanding of the topicâs importance.
- make the writerâs opinion on the topic clear early on.
- frequently cite examples from the sources, such as statistics and quotes.
- conclude with a strong âso whatâ point.
To write an essay that succeeds in all of these areas, you should use a few strategies on exam day.
Read, read, and read again
One of the worst mistakes you can make is to jump into outlining and writing before youâve read and analyzed the directions, prompt, and sources. Though you have limited time, itâs worth taking some time to develop a thorough understanding about what youâll be writing about.
Take notes as you go, keeping track of points you want to make and evidence you want to include in your essay. While you read, you can begin to brainstorm a thesis statement and outline for your essay.
Follow an outline
Even if youâre more of a âfly by the seat of your pantsâ type, an outline will help structure your essay and keep you on track.
Below is a standard synthesis essay outline to keep in mind. However, this is only an example, and your argument may not fit this outline exactly.
- Give a bit of context on the subject, demonstrating the knowledge you gained from reviewing the sources.
- Give a clear and concise thesis statement that presents your argument.
- Topic sentence
- Evidence #1
- Evidence #2
- Sum up the main points made in the essay.
- Restate the thesis statement
- End on a âso what?â statement.
Donât lose track of time
While itâs vital you spend adequate time reviewing the instructions, sources, and prompt, itâs a lost cause if you donât leave yourself enough time to outline and write!
Hereâs a handy timeline to keep in mind during the 55-minute-long synthesis essay portion of the AP Lang exam:
- Reading the directions, sources, and prompt: 15 minutes
- Analyzing the sources and outlining your response: 10 minutes
- Drafting your response: 25 minutes
- Reviewing and revising your response: 5 minutes
Before you turn in that paper, donât forget to cite your sources in APA format , MLA format , or a style of your choice.
Sample synthesis essay
Although you cannot know what your prompt and sources will be before exam day, you can prepare beforehand by reading sample synthesis essays  and writing practice essays from past questions .
AP synthesis example essay
Based on the 2020 prompt :Â
The impact of television on political matters has been under  debate for years. Television provides a low-cost method to stay informed  about policy changes  and receive  important announcements, and  it  often offers  a path to learn more about political figures and their plans for the United States. However, critics of television believe that there is a strong psychological and marketing strategy in play, which presents  false images of personalities and is commonly used as a tool to sway public opinion. While there are drawbacks to broadcasting debates and politics , it  positively influences presidential elections by providing accessible information to viewers ,  shar ing  the candidate sâ  personali ties , plans, and ideals during their  potential role as president, and ultimately assisting citizens in casting their vot e. Â
The primary benefit of televising politics is t hat it provides  accessible information . Television, as s ource A explains , provides an opportunity for citizens to be more involved in political matters than ever before, specifically by adding to their knowledge. With public speeches and political events televised, viewers can learn about the structure of the U.S. political system and build a better understanding of  how legislation is created, in addition to their representative sâ  contribution s  to political matters. The reach of television is clear, as shown in Source D, where millions of viewers tune in every four years for the presidential debates. T he data reports that 80.6 million people view ed  the debates in 1980, and even in 1996, the chart’s lowest year of ratings, 46.1 million viewers tuned in â all who may have been influenced to vote !  The data shows that television is unmatched in its ability to reach voters , proving that it is a beneficial tool for providing information to help citizens make their choices . Â
Television also works as a trust-building tool between the viewer and the presidential candidate s . Although the criticism from Source C â which  claim s  that televised debates are  largely focused  on image instead of content â is noteworthy, we  must also consider the relationship development that occurs between the constituent and the politician. For example, consider  the story of Walter Cronkite, who performed investigat ive  journalism on-site in Vietnam to deliver a message about his opinion of the war. In doing so, he was able to shift the support for the ongoing war into a national call for closure, resulting in the end of the United States â  presence in Vietnam and potentially saving thousands of  live s  (Source E) . For presidents, their arguments, vision, and speeches can establish trust with the viewers, raising citizensâ confidence in their  ability to  do the job successfully. Though  televised appearances do result in investment in public relation campaigns and sometimes support an inauthentic view of their subjects , at the same time, television serves as an important tool to connect citizens with their president and candidates . Â
Perhaps the most  troubling  element of  televisi ng  presidential elections is the threat  of commercialism. With the variety of issues and complaints regarding legislation and public policy, presidential candidates may use their live airtime to tackle only the most popular economic and social issues. T ed Koppel  analyzed this phenomenon during a past presidential debate, in which  the television station structured the debate to limit responses from the candidates (Source F) .  This approach is somewhat deceptive, forcing the candidates to come up with quick answers while  masking other issues. For example,  only the most popular social issues may have been brought up, sidelining complex political matters and policy problems that may have been ongoing for years. However, while this format surely limits candidates â ability  to share their opinions on a wide variety of issues, television does allow the candidates to connect with the masses, which may not be possible through other forms of communication.  I f necessary , the format of future debates could be restructured to create more space for complex argumentation  without sacrificing the benefits of televised communication. Â
In summary, t he  influence of television is unprecedented, allowing presidential candidates and other politicians to connect with viewers from across the nation. The critics are justified in remarking  that televised debates may mislead  citizens through their emphasis on public image. However, if audiences  analyz e  the debates, announcements, and other such matters with a critical approach, this highly accessible form of communication  encourages people to build trust with presidential candidates, enhance their worldview, and feel more involved in political matters. Â
Works cited
âAP English Language.â AP Central , 13 Aug. 2020, apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-english-language-and-composition/exam.
âAP English Language and Composition Free-Response Questions Scoring Rubrics, Effective Fall 2019.â The College Board, 2019, https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-english-language-and-composition-frqs-1-2-3-scoring-rubrics.pdf
âAP English Language and Composition 2020 Free-Response Scoring Guidelines Applied to the 2019 Exam Questions.â The College Board, 2019, https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/pdf/ap-english-language-and-composition-2020-frq-scoring-guidelines-2019-exam-questions-0.pdf
Published September 8, 2020.
By Jolee McManus. Jolee earned a BA in English from the University of Georgia. She has several years of experience as a writing tutor and freelance copywriter and editor.
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How to Write the AP Lit Prose Essay + Example
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What is the ap lit prose essay, how will ap scores affect my college chances.
AP Literature and Composition (AP Lit), not to be confused with AP English Language and Composition (AP Lang), teaches students how to develop the ability to critically read and analyze literary texts. These texts include poetry, prose, and drama. Analysis is an essential component of this course and critical for the educational development of all students when it comes to college preparation. In this course, you can expect to see an added difficulty of texts and concepts, similar to the material one would see in a college literature course.
While not as popular as AP Lang, over 380,136 students took the class in 2019. However, the course is significantly more challenging, with only 49.7% of students receiving a score of three or higher on the exam. A staggeringly low 6.2% of students received a five on the exam.Â
The AP Lit exam is similar to the AP Lang exam in format, but covers different subject areas. The first section is multiple-choice questions based on five short passages. There are 55 questions to be answered in 1 hour. The passages will include at least two prose fiction passages and two poetry passages and will account for 45% of your total score. All possible answer choices can be found within the text, so you donât need to come into the exam with prior knowledge of the passages to understand the work.Â
The second section contains three free-response essays to be finished in under two hours. This section accounts for 55% of the final score and includes three essay questions: the poetry analysis essay, the prose analysis essay, and the thematic analysis essay. Typically, a five-paragraph format will suffice for this type of writing. These essays are scored holistically from one to six points.
Today we will take a look at the AP Lit prose essay and discuss tips and tricks to master this section of the exam. We will also provide an example of a well-written essay for review. Â
The AP Lit prose essay is the second of the three essays included in the free-response section of the AP Lit exam, lasting around 40 minutes in total. A prose passage of approximately 500 to 700 words and a prompt will be given to guide your analytical essay. Worth about 18% of your total grade, the essay will be graded out of six points depending on the quality of your thesis (0-1 points), evidence and commentary (0-4 points), and sophistication (0-1 points).Â
While this exam seems extremely overwhelming, considering there are a total of three free-response essays to complete, with proper time management and practiced skills, this essay is manageable and straightforward. In order to enhance the time management aspect of the test to the best of your ability, it is essential to understand the following six key concepts.
1. Have a Clear Understanding of the Prompt and the Passage
Since the prose essay is testing your ability to analyze literature and construct an evidence-based argument, the most important thing you can do is make sure you understand the passage. That being said, you only have about 40 minutes for the whole essay so you canât spend too much time reading the passage. Allot yourself 5-7 minutes to read the prompt and the passage and then another 3-5 minutes to plan your response.
As you read through the prompt and text, highlight, circle, and markup anything that stands out to you. Specifically, try to find lines in the passage that could bolster your argument since you will need to include in-text citations from the passage in your essay. Even if you donât know exactly what your argument might be, itâs still helpful to have a variety of quotes to use depending on what direction you take your essay, so take note of whatever strikes you as important. Taking the time to annotate as you read will save you a lot of time later on because you wonât need to reread the passage to find examples when you are in the middle of writing.Â
Once you have a good grasp on the passage and a solid array of quotes to choose from, you should develop a rough outline of your essay. The prompt will provide 4-5 bullets that remind you of what to include in your essay, so you can use these to structure your outline. Start with a thesis, come up with 2-3 concrete claims to support your thesis, back up each claim with 1-2 pieces of evidence from the text, and write a brief explanation of how the evidence supports the claim.
2. Start with a Brief Introduction that Includes a Clear Thesis Statement
Having a strong thesis can help you stay focused and avoid tangents while writing. By deciding the relevant information you want to hit upon in your essay up front, you can prevent wasting precious time later on. Clear theses are also important for the reader because they direct their focus to your essential arguments.Â
In other words, itâs important to make the introduction brief and compact so your thesis statement shines through. The introduction should include details from the passage, like the author and title, but donât waste too much time with extraneous details. Get to the heart of your essay as quick as possible.Â
3. Use Clear Examples to Support Your ArgumentÂ
One of the requirements AP Lit readers are looking for is your use of evidence. In order to satisfy this aspect of the rubric, you should make sure each body paragraph has at least 1-2 pieces of evidence, directly from the text, that relate to the claim that paragraph is making. Since the prose essay tests your ability to recognize and analyze literary elements and techniques, itâs often better to include smaller quotes. For example, when writing about the authorâs use of imagery or diction you might pick out specific words and quote each word separately rather than quoting a large block of text. Smaller quotes clarify exactly what stood out to you so your reader can better understand what are you saying.
Including smaller quotes also allows you to include more evidence in your essay. Be careful thoughâhaving more quotes is not necessarily better! You will showcase your strength as a writer not by the number of quotes you manage to jam into a paragraph, but by the relevance of the quotes to your argument and explanation you provide. If the details donât connect, they are merely just strings of details.
4. Discussion is Crucial to Connect Your Evidence to Your ArgumentÂ
As the previous tip explained, citing phrases and words from the passage wonât get you anywhere if you donât provide an explanation as to how your examples support the claim you are making. After each new piece of evidence is introduced, you should have a sentence or two that explains the significance of this quote to the piece as a whole.
This part of the paragraph is the âSo what?â Youâve already stated the point you are trying to get across in the topic sentence and shared the examples from the text, so now show the reader why or how this quote demonstrates an effective use of a literary technique by the author. Sometimes students can get bogged down by the discussion and lose sight of the point they are trying to make. If this happens to you while writing, take a step back and ask yourself âWhy did I include this quote? What does it contribute to the piece as a whole?â Write down your answer and you will be good to go.Â
5. Write a Brief Conclusion
While the critical part of the essay is to provide a substantive, organized, and clear argument throughout the body paragraphs, a conclusion provides a satisfying ending to the essay and the last opportunity to drive home your argument. If you run out of time for a conclusion because of extra time spent in the preceding paragraphs, do not worry, as that is not fatal to your score.Â
Without repeating your thesis statement word for word, find a way to return to the thesis statement by summing up your main points. This recap reinforces the arguments stated in the previous paragraphs, while all of the preceding paragraphs successfully proved the thesis statement.
6. Donât Forget About Your Grammar
Though you will undoubtedly be pressed for time, itâs still important your essay is well-written with correct punctuating and spelling. Many students are able to write a strong thesis and include good evidence and commentary, but the final point on the rubric is for sophistication. This criteria is more holistic than the former ones which means you should have elevated thoughts and writingâno grammatical errors. While a lack of grammatical mistakes alone wonât earn you the sophistication point, it will leave the reader with a more favorable impression of you.Â
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Here are Nine Must-have Tips and Tricks to Get a Good Score on the Prose Essay:
- Carefully read, review, and underline key instruction s in the prompt.
- Briefly outlin e what you want to cover in your essay.
- Be sure to have a clear thesis that includes the terms mentioned in the instructions, literary devices, tone, and meaning.
- Include the authorâs name and title  in your introduction. Refer to characters by name.
- Quality over quantity when it comes to picking quotes! Better to have a smaller number of more detailed quotes than a large amount of vague ones.
- Fully explain how each piece of evidence supports your thesis . Â
- Focus on the literary techniques in the passage and avoid summarizing the plot.Â
- Use transitions to connect sentences and paragraphs.
- Keep your introduction and conclusion short, and donât repeat your thesis verbatim in your conclusion.
Here is an example essay from 2020 that received a perfect 6:
[1] In this passage from a 1912 novel, the narrator wistfully details his childhood crush on a girl violinist. Through a motif of the allure of musical instruments, and abundant sensory details that summon a vivid image of the event of their meeting, the reader can infer that the narrator was utterly enraptured by his obsession in the moment, and upon later reflection cannot help but feel a combination of amusement and a resummoning of the momentâs passion.Â
[2] The overwhelming abundance of hyper-specific sensory details reveals to the reader that meeting his crush must have been an intensely powerful experience to create such a vivid memory. The narrator can picture the âhalf-dim churchâ, can hear the âclear wailâ of the girlâs violin, can see âher eyes almost closingâ, can smell a âfaint but distinct fragrance.â Clearly, this moment of discovery was very impactful on the boy, because even later he can remember the experience in minute detail. However, these details may also not be entirely faithful to the original experience; they all possess a somewhat mysterious quality that shows how the narrator may be employing hyperbole to accentuate the girlâs allure. The church is âhalf-dimâ, the eyes âalmost closingâ â all the details are held within an ethereal state of halfway, which also serves to emphasize that this is all told through memory. The first paragraph also introduces the central conciet of music. The narrator was drawn to the âtones she called forthâ from her violin and wanted desperately to play her âaccompaniment.â This serves the double role of sensory imagery (with the added effect of music being a powerful aural image) and metaphor, as the accompaniment stands in for the narratorâs true desire to be coupled with his newfound crush. The musical juxtaposition between the âheaving tremor of the organâ and the âclear wailâ of her violin serves to further accentuate how the narrator percieved the girl as above all other things, as high as an angel. Clearly, the memory of his meeting his crush is a powerful one that left an indelible impact on the narrator.Â
[3] Upon reflecting on this memory and the period of obsession that followed, the narrator cannot help but feel amused at the lengths to which his younger self would go; this is communicated to the reader with some playful irony and bemused yet earnest tone. The narrator claims to have made his âfirst and last attempts at poetryâ in devotion to his crush, and jokes that he did not know to be âashamedâ at the quality of his poetry. This playful tone pokes fun at his childhood self for being an inexperienced poet, yet also acknowledges the very real passion that the poetry stemmed from. The narrator goes on to mention his âsuccessfulâ endeavor to conceal his crush from his friends and the girl; this holds an ironic tone because the narrator immediately admits that his attempts to hide it were ill-fated and all parties were very aware of his feelings. The narrator also recalls his younger self jumping to hyperbolic extremes when imagining what he would do if betrayed by his love, calling her a âheartless jadeâ to ironically play along with the memory. Despite all this irony, the narrator does also truly comprehend the depths of his past selfâs infatuation and finds it moving. The narrator begins the second paragraph with a sentence that moves urgently, emphasizing the myriad ways the boy was obsessed. He also remarks, somewhat wistfully, that the experience of having this crush âmoved [him] to a degree which now [he] can hardly think of as possible.â Clearly, upon reflection the narrator feels a combination of amusement at the silliness of his former self and wistful respect for the emotion that the crush stirred within him.Â
[4] In this passage, the narrator has a multifaceted emotional response while remembering an experience that was very impactful on him. The meaning of the work is that when we look back on our memories (especially those of intense passion), added perspective can modify or augment how those experiences make us feel
More essay examples, score sheets, and commentaries can be found at College Board .
While AP Scores help to boost your weighted GPA, or give you the option to get college credit, AP Scores donât have a strong effect on your admissions chances . However, colleges can still see your self-reported scores, so you might not want to automatically send scores to colleges if they are lower than a 3. That being said, admissions officers care far more about your grade in an AP class than your score on the exam.
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28 AP Exams Go Digital in May 2025
Learn about digital ap exams.
Starting in May 2025, standard paper testing will be discontinued for 28 AP Examsâthese exams will move to the Bluebook digital testing application.
As announced to the AP community , the AP Program is accelerating the transition to digital testing to ensure the continued security of AP Exams.
- Students will take digital exams in the Bluebook app. AP coordinators and proctors will administer digital exams using the Test Day Toolkit web application.âŻ
- Paper exams in these subjects will only be available to students approved by the College Board to receive a paper exam for digital assessments.âŻ
- For math, science, and economics exams that require graphing or symbolic notation, students will view free-response questions and prompts in Bluebook and write their answers in paper exam booklets.âŻâŻ
- All schools, including schools and test centers outside of the United States, must administer these 28 AP Exams digitally.âŻ
- Late-testing exams in these subjects, if offered by the school, are also in digital format.âŻ
Digital AP Exam Subjects
Of the 28 digital exams in 2025, 16 will be fully digital and 12 will be hybrid digital.âŻ
Fully Digital Subjects
Students complete multiple-choice and free-response questions in Bluebook, with all responses automatically submitted at the end of the exam.âŻâŻ
- AP African American Studies (U.S. schools only)âŻâŻ
- AP Art HistoryâŻ
- AP Comparative Government and PoliticsâŻ
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Computer Science PrinciplesâŻâŻ
- AP English Language and CompositionâŻâŻ
- AP English Literature and CompositionâŻâŻ
- AP Environmental ScienceâŻ
- AP European HistoryâŻâŻ
- AP Human GeographyâŻ
- AP LatinâŻ
- AP PsychologyâŻ
- AP SeminarâŻâŻ
- AP United States Government and PoliticsâŻ
- AP United States HistoryâŻâŻ
- AP World History: ModernâŻ
Hybrid Digital Subjects
Students complete multiple-choice questions and view free-response questions in Bluebook. They handwrite their free-response answers in paper exam booklets that are returned for scoring.âŻ
- AP BiologyâŻâŻ
- AP Calculus ABâŻ
- AP Calculus BCâŻ
- AP ChemistryâŻ
- AP MacroeconomicsâŻâŻ
- AP MicroeconomicsâŻ
- AP Physics 1: Algebra-BasedâŻâŻ
- AP Physics 2: Algebra-BasedâŻ
- AP Physics C: Electricity and MagnetismâŻ
- AP Physics C: MechanicsâŻ
- AP PrecalculusâŻ
- AP StatisticsâŻâŻ
Note: The AP Exam administration for exams with audio components and exams consisting solely of portfolio assessments is remaining unchanged for the May 2025 AP Exam administration:
- AP 2-D Art and Design
- AP 3-D Art and Design
- AP Chinese Language and Culture
- AP French Language and Culture
- AP German Language and Culture
- AP Italian Language and Culture
- AP Japanese Language and Culture
- AP Music Theory
- AP Research
- AP Spanish Language and Culture
- AP Spanish Literature and Culture
What to Know About Digital AP Exams
Bluebook digital testing is user-friendly and designed to keep testing smooth and secure.
- Exams can be taken on Mac and Windows devices, iPads, and school-managed Chromebooks. College Board will provide schools with loaner devices and Wi-Fi supports as needed.
- Students only need to be connected to the internet to start the test and at the end to submit their responses. If the internet drops during testing, students can continue testing without disruption.âŻ
- After the proctor starts the exam, Bluebook controls the exam timing; exam responses are submitted automatically as soon as the exam ends.âŻ
- In case of a widespread internet outage for an extended period or another unforeseen issue that prevents automatic answer submission at the end of the exam, students have up until 4 days after the exam to find an internet connection and submit their encrypted responses.âŻâŻ
- Accommodations such as extended time are provided in Bluebook.âŻâŻâŻ
- Students will have ample opportunities to familiarize themselves with digital AP Exams, including test previews in the Bluebook app, AP Classroom practice assessments that closely mimic the look and feel of Bluebook exams, video tours of Bluebook features and tools, and more.âŻ
Testing logistics are similar to those for paper AP Exams.
- Digital exams require the same number of proctors as paper exams.
- Exams can be administered in typical testing rooms, including classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, computer labs, gymnasiums, and auditoriums.âŻ
The basic requirements of the exams arenât changing.
- The number of sections, number and type of questions, question choice (if applicable), and timing remain unchanged.âŻâŻ
- Students can go back within a section or part to review or complete previous questions. Students may not return to parts within a section that have already been completed.âŻ
- Digital AP Exams allow students to highlight and annotate exam stimuli and questions, mark questions to revisit, and eliminate answer choices.âŻStudents will be able to plan and outline on scratch paper provided by the proctor.âŻ
- AP calculator policies are unchanged.âŻ
- Reference materials, such as the periodic table, equation sheets, and Java Quick Reference, will be available in Bluebook.âŻ
Next StepsâŻ
- Review the information about digital AP Exams, including answers to frequently asked questions , on this site. This site will be updated throughout the year with further details and supporting resources.âŻ
- Join the AP Programâs digital AP Exams webinar series to gain insights and readiness for administering digital AP Exams. Pose questions and receive an immediate response.âŻ
- Share the technical information about Bluebook and Test Day Toolkit with the school or districtâs device and network managers.âŻ
Does this change to digital testing impact the exam content?
The wording for some question directions will be updated to reflect the delivery mode. However, the number of sections, number and type of questions, question choice (if applicable), and timing remain unchanged.âŻ
Will studentsâ scores be impacted because they find digital testing easier or harder than paper testing?âŻ
AP Exam scores are evaluated across administrations and statistically adjusted for form difficulty differences to ensure that the same standards are applied across administrations, regardless of the mode of testing.âŻ
How will the hybrid digital exams work?
For the 12 hybrid digital AP Exams, students complete multiple-choice questions and view free-response questions in Bluebook. They handwrite their free-response answers in paper exam booklets that are returned for scoring. More information about these exams will be shared with teachers and AP coordinators in the coming months.
What about AP Exams that allow or require the use of calculators?
The AP calculator policies are unchanged. Students can use an approved personal or school-provided calculator on AP Exams that allow or require the use of calculators.âŻWe will notify AP teachers and AP coordinators if the Desmos calculator will be available in Bluebook for May 2025 AP Exams.âŻ
What about issues with connectivity or battery life?âŻâŻ
If the internet disconnects during testing, students will still be able to progress through the exam with no disruption. And if a studentâs computer runs out of battery, they can simply plug in, restart their device, and pick up where they left offâall their work will be saved, and they wonât lose testing time.âŻHowever, with the back-to-back morning and afternoon nature of AP Exam scheduling, schools should have a power planâeither plugging in for testing or recharging between testing periods or ensuring that devices can be connected to power strips during testing sessions, if needed.
My school doesnât have enough devices for all students in certain subjects to test at the same time. What options do I have?
Schools that anticipate device shortages can explore various options, including:âŻ
- Purchasing or renting additional devicesâŻ
- Borrowing additional devices from neighboring schoolsâŻ
- Allowing students to use approved personal devices or devices borrowed from family members or friendsâŻ
- Dividing testing between the regularly scheduled exam date and the late-testing date for impacted subjectsâŻ
Schools that are unable to find local solutions for anticipated technology shortages will have the opportunity to request loaner devices and Wi-Fi supports from College Board.âŻâŻ
Iâm concerned that my school doesnât have the capacity to provide power to all digital AP Exam takers at the same time. What should I do?
If studentsâ devices are fully charged and capable of lasting the duration of the exam (at least 4 hours), they donât need to be plugged in throughout the exam. In previous digital AP Exam administrations, the vast majority of students reported not having their device plugged in for the duration of the exam. Many devices have sufficient battery life to last through two exams.âŻ
We recommend that schools have seats in the exam room next to outlets or power strips, so if a student runs lower on power, they can get the attention of the proctor and move to a seat where they can plug in.âŻ
Power banks and external laptop batteries are permitted.âŻ
We have some students who take two exams on the same day. How can we ensure their device wonât run out of power during the exam?
There are a variety of approaches to ensure that students taking two digital AP Exams on the same device on the same day can test successfully. Once youâve confirmed with technology staff that the fully charged device is unlikely to last through two digital AP Exams, consider the following:âŻ
- Seat the student where their device can be plugged in during the morning exam.âŻ
- Provide the student with a power bank or external laptop battery.âŻ
- Start the morning exam at the beginning of the start window (as close to 8 a.m. as possible) and start the afternoon exam at the end of the start window (as close to 1 p.m. as possible) to allow time to charge the device between exams.âŻ
If these options arenât feasible, consider providing the student with another device for their afternoon exam, or have the student take one of the exams on the late-testing date instead.
Will students testing with extended time be required to use the entire amount of their extended time?
Per the current policy for digital AP Exams, students must stay for the full duration of their approved extended time. We have heard concerns from some students and educators about digital AP Exams requiring students to stay for the entire amount of their approved extended time. We are looking into these concerns. If there are any changes to the existing extended time testing policy, we will notify AP coordinators, SSD coordinators, and school administrators.âŻ
How does College Board protect the integrity and security of AP Exams?âŻ
College Board has a best-in-class test security team. They lead comprehensive investigative efforts to uncover attempted cheating by students and adults and then conduct sophisticated statistical analyses of test results to cancel scores of those who attempt to gain an unfair advantage over other students. Because the thefts and security breaches this past year were limited in scale, we were able to enact score cancellations in a focused way among students who participated in such cheating. The move to digital will prevent the risk of disclosure associated with shipping millions of paper exam booklets to schools worldwide.âŻ
Digital AP Exams FAQ
Browse frequently asked questions about digital AP Exams.
Technology Overview for Digital AP Exams
Review device and network requirements for digital testing.
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- Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-harris-outlines-steps-in-gaza-cease-fire-proposal-after-meeting-with-israels-netanyahu
WATCH: Harris outlines steps in Gaza cease-fire proposal after meeting with Israel’s Netanyahu
WASHINGTON (AP) â Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met separately at the White House Thursday with President Joe Biden and likely Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss the war in Gaza and the possibility of securing a cease-fire deal.
Watch Harris’ remarks in the player above.
Netanyahu’s first White House visit since 2020 comes a day after he gave a fiery speech to Congress  and at a time of growing pressure in Israel and the U.S. to find an endgame to the nine-month war that’s left more than 39,000 dead in Gaza and some 1,200 dead in Israel. Dozens of Israeli hostages are still languishing in Hamas captivity.
WATCH: Mideast analysts weigh in on Netanyahuâs address and if it could affect support for Israel
Harris said in remarks after what she called a âfrank and constructive meetingâ with the Israeli leader that she supports Israel’s right to defend itself, but said, “how it does so matters.â
She expressed concern over the âdevastatingâ humanitarian situation in Gaza and images of civilians killed in the conflict, saying, “We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies.â
She echoed Biden in calling for a swift cease-fire to end the fighting, at least for a time, to boost humanitarian aid to Gaza and release some of the most vulnerable hostages from Hamas captivity.
White House officials say the negotiations are in the closing stages, but there are issues that need to be resolved.
âThe gaps are closable,â White House national security spokesman John Kirby said. He added, âBut itâs going to require, as it always does, some leadership, some compromise.â
Harris met with Netanyahu in her ceremonial office in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. She is also expected to press him on securing a deal to release the hostages kidnapped during Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel that launched the war.
âWe have a lot to talk about,â Harris said as she welcomed the Israeli leader. âWe do indeed,â he replied.
Thousands protested Netanyahuâs visit in Washington, and Harris condemned those who were violent or used rhetoric that praised Hamas.
Netanyahu, last at the White House when former President Donald Trump was in office, is headed to Florida on Friday to meet with the Republican presidential nominee.
The conservative Likud Party leader Netanyahu and centrist Democrat Biden have had ups-and-downs over the years. Netanyahu, in what will likely be his last White House meeting with Biden, reflected on the roughly 40 years they’ve known each other and thanked the president for his service.
âFrom a proud Jewish Zionist to a proud Irish American Zionist, I want to thank you for 50 years of public service and 50 years of support for the state of Israel,â Netanyahu told Biden at the start of their meeting.
A U.S.-backed proposal to release remaining hostages in Gaza over three phases is something that would be a legacy-affirming achievement for Biden, who abandoned his reelection bid and endorsed Harris . It could also be a boon for Harris in her bid to succeed him.
Following their talks, Biden and Netanyahu met with the families of American hostages.
For Harris, the meeting with Netanyahu is an opportunity to demonstrate that she has the mettle to serve as commander in chief. She’s being scrutinized by those on the political left who say Biden hasn’t done enough to force Netanyahu to end the war and by Republicans looking to brand her as insufficient in her support for Israel.
A senior administration official, who briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House, said there is âno daylight between the president and vice president” on Israel. Harris’ last one-on-one engagement with Netanyahu  was in March 2021, but she’s taken part in more than 20 calls between Biden and Netanyahu.
Netanyahu is trying to navigate his own delicate political moment. He faces pressure from the families of hostages demanding a cease-fire agreement to bring their loved ones home and from far-right members of his governing coalition who demand he resist any deal that could keep Israeli forces from eliminating Hamas.
In his speech to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday, Netanyahu offered a robust defense of Israel’s conduct during the war and lashed out against accusations by the International Criminal Court of Israeli war crimes. He made the case that Israel, in its fight against Iran-backed Hamas, was effectively keeping âAmericans boots off the ground while protecting our shared interests in the Middle East.â
âRemember this: Our enemies are your enemies,â Netanyahu said. âOur fight, itâs your fight. And our victory will be your victory. â
Netanyahu used his speech to praise Biden for his administration’s support in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack. But he also noted action that Trump took during his four years in office that benefited Israel, including recognizing Israelâs sovereignty over the Golan Heights, confronting Iranâs aggression and moving the U.S Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
Netanyahu derided protesters who massed near the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, calling them Iranâs âuseful idiots.â
Harris on Thursday said she was outraged that some protesters tagged areas near the U.S. Capitol with pro-Hamas graffiti, expressed support for the militants, and burned a U.S. flag at Union Station.
âPro-Hamas graffiti and rhetoric is abhorrent and we must not tolerate it in our nation,â Harris said in a statement. âI condemn the burning of the American flag. That flag is a symbol of our highest ideals as a nation and represents the promise of America. It should never be desecrated in that way.â
Protesters massed near the White House on Thursday chanted, âArrest Netanyahu,â and brought in an effigy of the prime minister with blood on its hands and wearing an orange jumpsuit. A small number of counter-protesters wore Israeli flags around their shoulders.
Trump and his Republican allies criticized Harris, who had events in Indiana and Texas  on Wednesday, for skipping Netanyahuâs address to Congress. The vice president is the president of the Senate and would typically co-preside over such an event with the House speaker, Republican Mike Johnson. White House officials said that her absence wasn’t a slight and was solely due to scheduling conflicts.
Sen. JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, also skipped the speech to campaign. Biden, as vice president, skipped an address Netanyahu made to Congress in 2015.
Harris has long spoken of her strong support for Israel. The first overseas trip of her Senate career in early 2017 was to Israel, and one of her first acts in office was to introduce a resolution opposing a U.N. Security Council resolution condemning Israel.
She’s also spoken of her personal ties to Israel, including memories of raising money as a child to plant trees in Israel, installing a mezuzah near the front door of the vice president’s residence in Washington (her husband is Jewish) and her connections to pro-Israel groups including the conservative American Israel Public Affairs Committee and the liberal J Street.
Harris has largely been in lockstep with Biden throughout the conflict, but at moments she’s been a front-runner for tougher Biden administration rhetoric on Israel.
She used a high-profile address in March in Selma, Alabama, a day before she met with Netanyahu rival and Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz to decry Palestinians âstarvingâ in the face of âinhumaneâ conditions and to urge Israel to do more to alleviate civilian suffering in Gaza.
AP writer Ashraf Khalil contributed reporting.
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Step 5: Draft Your Essay Response. The great thing about taking a few minutes to develop an outline is that you can develop it out into your essay draft. After you take about 5 to 10 minutes to outline your synthesis essay, you can use the remaining 30 to 35 minutes to draft your essay and review it.
Step 5: Write your Essay. Use the remaining 30-35 minutes to write your essay. This should be relatively easy if you took the time to mark up the sources and have a detailed outline. Remember to add special consideration and emphasis to the commentary sections of the supporting arguments outlined in your thesis.
2. Pick one side of the argument, but acknowledge the other side. When you write the essay, it's best if you pick one side of the debate and stick with it for the entire essay. All your evidence should be in support of that one side. However, in your introductory paragraph, as you introduce the debate, be sure to mention any merit the ...
The two synthesis essay questions below are examples of the question type that has been one of the three free-response questions on the AP English Language and Composition Exam as of the May 2007 exam. The synthesis question asks students to synthesize information from a variety of sources to inform their own discussion of a topic. Students are given a 15-minute reading period to accommodate ...
Typically, the AP Lang Argument Essay prompt asks you to reflect on a broad cultural, moral, or social issue that is open to debate. For evidence, you won't be asked to memorize and cite statistics or facts. Rather, you'll want to bring in real-world examples of: Historical events. Current-day events from the news.
The Argument Essay differs substantially from the other free-response questions on the AP U.S. Government and Politics exam, but you can and should still follow the Kaplan Method (AP-AP). It is recommended that you take 40 minutes to plan and write your Argument Essay (as opposed to 20 minutes each for the other free-response questions), so ...
AP Lang Exam Basics. The AP Lang exam is separated into two sections. In the first section, students have one hour to answer a series of 45 multiple-choice questions. Here, about half of the questions are based on passages students read. The other half are focused on the best revision techniques.
The AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay is one of three essays included in the written portion of the AP English Exam. The full AP English Exam is 3 hours and 15 minutes long, with the first 60 minutes dedicated to multiple-choice questions. Once you complete the multiple-choice section, you move on to three equally weighted essays that ask you ...
đ˝ Exam Skills study guides written by former AP English Lang students to review Exam Skills with detailed explanations and ... timing, and examples. An effective outline helps you to write an effective essay! All Study Guides; AP English Language; Exam Skills; How to Outline an Essay; How to Outline an Essay. august 26, 2019. Kathryn Howard.
However, the one thing you really have to do while writing the APÂŽ Language and Composition synthesis essay (or any other essay) is keep your tone consistent. Jot some tone-related ideas down as you outline during the 15-minute reading period, and keep in mind everything you've learned about tone and other aspects of rhetoric so far this ...
Tips for Writing the AP Lang Rhetorical Essay. 1. Outline Your Essay Before Writing. One of the most important parts of the AP Lang essays is structuring your essay so that it makes sense to the reader. This is just as important as having good content. For this essay in particular, you'll want to read the passage first and write a brief ...
Revised on July 23, 2023. An essay outline is a way of planning the structure of your essay before you start writing. It involves writing quick summary sentences or phrases for every point you will cover in each paragraph, giving you a picture of how your argument will unfold. You'll sometimes be asked to submit an essay outline as a separate ...
Creating an outline for an AP Lang argumentative essay can help you organize your thoughts and ensure that your arguments flow logically. Here are some steps to help you create an effective outline: 1. Understand the prompt: Read the prompt carefully and identify the key issue or question you need to address. Make sure you understand any specific requirements, such as word count or citation ...
Argumentative Essay Outline AP Lang. Hook: Start with a captivating sentence to draw readers in and set the tone for your essay. the reader can understand why it is important and engaging. throughout the essay. II. Body Paragraph 1. important and relevant to your thesis statement. main point is valid and important. flaws in the reasoning.
Course Overview. AP English Language and Composition is an introductory college-level composition course. Students cultivate their understanding of writing and rhetorical arguments through reading, analyzing, and writing texts as they explore topics like rhetorical situation, claims and evidence, reasoning and organization, and style.
Pick an opinion and stick to it. Choose one side of the argument and one clear claim to support all the way through. Craft a thesis statement. Your thesis should be clear, concise, and introduce the content of your essay. Craft a chronological argument. Make an argument that builds on its prior points.
AP ÂŽ Lang argument essays are arguably the most difficult FRQ on the exam because students do not have sources or a passage to work with. However, when planning an argumentative essay, whether it is a timed essay or one you have multiple days to complete, it is important to create an argument essay outline.
Create synthesis essay outline ap lang. Making an outline will assist you in organizing the structure of your essay. You can outline your topic and any supporting details in a structured format with Roman numerals. There may be subcategories inside each where you can put references to the different articles and make particular references to ...
The AP Literature Exam is a three-hour exam that contains two sections in this order: An hour-long, 55-question multiple-choice section. A two-hour, three-question free-response section. The exam tests your ability to analyze works and excerpts of literature and cogently communicate that analysis in essay form.
THE ARGUMENT ESSAYObjective for the WeekFor an APÂŽ English Language essay, students will review and score student sam-ples, dissect a new prompt, outline an argument essay, provide peer feedback over evidenc. , and write and revise an argument essay. This week, students will also develop short answer respo.
Here's a handy timeline to keep in mind during the 55-minute-long synthesis essay portion of the AP Lang exam: Reading the directions, sources, and prompt: 15 minutes. Analyzing the sources and outlining your response: 10 minutes. Drafting your response: 25 minutes. Reviewing and revising your response: 5 minutes.
The AP Lit prose essay is the second of the three essays included in the free-response section of the AP Lit exam, lasting around 40 minutes in total. A prose passage of approximately 500 to 700 words and a prompt will be given to guide your analytical essay. Worth about 18% of your total grade, the essay will be graded out of six points ...
We help students compose essays or other types of papers for their courses. Now is the time to come visit us! How to Overcome the Complexity of a Nursing Essay. There aren't many alternatives for professional translations. Before writing a good summary of something, you need to know your subject well enough to be able to write an accurate one.
Ap Psychology Strengths And Weaknesses; ... In our Experimental Methods class we create our own research and present our outline to the class. My research tests which relationship is most important to a college student's body satisfaction, either parent, peer, or significant other. I hypothesized that significant others would be the most ...
Digital AP Exams allow students to highlight and annotate exam stimuli and questions, mark questions to revisit, and eliminate answer choices. Students will be able to plan and outline on scratch paper provided by the proctor. AP calculator policies are unchanged. Reference materials, such as the periodic table, equation sheets, and Java Quick ...
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met separately at the White House Thursday with President Joe Biden and likely Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris to discuss the war in Gaza ...