Navigating your teenager’s academic path can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to Advanced Placement courses. If your child is considering AP English, you’re probably wondering: Which course is right for them? When should they take it? How can I best support them?
You’re asking all the right questions, and we’re here to walk you through everything you need to know about AP English exams.
The 2 AP English Exams
Let’s start by clarifying something that confuses many parents. As Hayley, Manager of Online Instruction at Zinkerz, explains: “There are two AP English courses, Language and Composition and Literature and Composition. The primary difference between them is the type of texts students will analyze. The AP Language course focuses on non-fiction texts such as essays and articles, whereas AP Literature focuses on literary texts such as novels and poems.”
We’ll take a deeper look at both.
English Language and Composition
Often named English Lang, AP Language and Compisition is a college-level course that is focused on developing a student’s skills in analysis and writing of non-fiction texts such as essays and articles. Your teen will spend hours cultivating skills in rhetorical analysis, examining how authors make persuasive arguments, and crafting their own evidence-based compositions.
English Literature and Composition
This course, referred to as English Lit, is focused on developing a student’s skills to interpret and analyze fictional texts such as poems and novels. Students cultivate an understanding of the different literary techniques utilized by authors and their effects, and then compose their own interpretation and develop an argument about it.
Both courses share the same exam structure: a multiple-choice section followed by three essay prompts that test different analysis and composition skills.
How AP English Prep Differs From Regular English Classes
AP English courses are meant to prepare students for the rigor of a college-level curriculum. So, they challenge students in a different way than their previous English courses.
The key difference lies in depth and application. While regular English classes build foundational skills, these AP courses push students to master advanced analysis techniques, tackle complex passages, and write sophisticated arguments under timed conditions.
“Having an exam at the end of the course also requires additional prep that is focused on being able to apply the skills they have learned to the exam format,” Hayley notes.
When Should Your Student Take These Courses?
Zinkerz typically recommends AP English Language and Composition and AP Literature and Composition to students in their junior or senior year of high school. That way, they already have the necessary foundations and can build on their skills.
This timing is crucial because by junior year, students have developed the critical reading and writing skills necessary to tackle college-level analysis and composition tasks.
The Big Question: One AP English Exam or Both?
Here’s something that might surprise you. Colleges do not necessarily prefer one AP English exam over the other. They want to see that you have tailored your coursework to your specific interests, so you should make your decision about which exam to take based on the programs your child is interested in in college.
Some students do choose both courses. Good scores can help set a student apart during the college admissions process, especially if they are a planning a major in an English-related field.
Consider your child’s strengths and interests:
- Does your teen enjoy analyzing current events, political speeches, or argumentative essays? AP English Language might be their calling.
- Are they drawn to poetry, novels, and exploring themes in literature? AP Literature could be the perfect fit.
Note: If your teen is pursuing an AP International Diploma, they can take Lit or Lang to help fulfill the world languages portion of the diploma.
AP English Exam Structure
Both AP English exams follow a similar format, as Hayley describes: “The exam has two sections, a multiple choice portion and then an essay portion that involves writing three essays.”
For AP English Language:
- Multiple Choice section tests reading comprehension and rhetorical analysis skills
- Essay prompts typically include synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argument essays
- Students analyze non-fiction passages and craft evidence-based arguments
For AP Literature:
- Multiple Choice section focuses on poetry and prose analysis
- Essay prompts test literary analysis skills across different genres
- Students interpret fictional texts and support their analysis with textual evidence
Practical Exam Day Preparation
When it comes to exam day, Hayley provides an essential checklist:
Students can check their scores when they’re released, typically at the beginning of July, on the College Board website.
AP English Exams Scoring
AP exams are scored on a scale of 1-5. Any AP exam is challenging, but a score of 3 or above is considered passing. Most schools will give you credit for a score of 3, 4, or 5.
However, Hayley emphasizes an important point: “Each university has slightly different guidelines on how AP English scores can be utilized, so you should do some research on the policies for the schools you are interested in applying to.”
The scoring process evaluates both the multiple-choice section and the essay responses, with trained readers using specific scoring guidelines developed by the College Board.
Preparation Strategies for AP English Exams
This is where quality preparation makes all the difference. It’s important to practice with all components of the exam, which includes both the multiple-choice and essay sections.
At Zinkerz, we tailor our material specifically to the exam format, making sure that students have the opportunity to practice in exam-like conditions as frequently as possible, such as by completing timed essays. We also increase the number of weekly classes for AP students for the entire month before the exam to build in extra time to practice with the material and complete full mock exams.
How You Can Support Your Teen
As a parent, your support is invaluable during your teen’s academic journey:
Understand the time commitment: AP courses require more hours of study and preparation than regular subjects. Help your teen manage their schedule and set realistic expectations.
Encourage consistent practice: Both exams test skills that improve with repetition—analyzing passages, crafting arguments, and writing under time constraints.
Stay informed: Familiarize yourself with the College Board resources and exam format so you can better support your student’s preparation.
Consider professional guidance: Zinkerz offers personalized guidance on helping students decide which AP courses are right for them.
Your encouragement and understanding of the demands these courses place on students will make a meaningful difference in their success. Trust in their abilities, provide the support they need, and celebrate their willingness to challenge themselves with college-level coursework.
Prepare for Any AP Exam with Zinkerz
Choosing AP English—whether Language, Literature, or both—represents a significant step in your teen’s academic journey. But success isn’t just measured by exam scores. The critical thinking, analysis, and writing skills your teen develops through these rigorous courses will serve them well throughout their college career and beyond.
Ready to explore AP English options for your teen? Schedule a free consultation today to discuss which courses align best with your child’s goals and interests.
