why is the english ap test harder that an college literature course

by Wendy Mills 5 min read

Full Answer

Is the AP English literature and Composition exam hard?

The AP English Literature and Composition Exam has consistent question types, weighting, and scoring guidelines every year, so you and your students know what to expect on exam day. There will also be a consistent range of difficulty in the reading passages across all versions of the exam from year to year.

Is the last part of the AP English essay The hardest?

Since the most difficult part is the last, you can use all of your remaining time to work on that essay. You may even have more time than you would have initially assumed if you finished the other two pieces faster than you anticipated. The AP® English review will focus on nonfiction works written in a variety of styles.

Why are AP exams so hard?

If you have a heavy course load, this could make the class more challenging due to the time expectations. All AP® exams are based on a standard scoring system. The scores can range from one to five, with one being the lowest score and five being the highest score available.

Why take the AP® English class?

If you take the AP® English Language and Composition class in high school and pass the corresponding exam, then you can earn credits towards your degree. Not only that, but you will be able to improve your English language skills too. Through the AP® English class, you will be able to strengthen your writing skills while expanding your vocabulary.

Which is harder AP English language or literature?

Different students may find different tests harder, but in general, the AP Literature test is harder. It requires students to take a deeper look into specific texts, touching not only on their rhetoric and composition, but also on their themes, goals, and philosophical implications.

Which class is harder AP Lang or AP Lit?

You read more novels and plays. Additionally, you have to read, understand, and analyze poetry. The complexity level of what you are reading is also usually higher in AP Lit than AP Lang, and you are asked to go more in-depth in terms of analysis.

Are AP tests harder than college classes?

In general, there is a lot of material to cover in AP classes, so they tend to be more challenging than regular classes—especially courses like AP Calculus, AP Biology, AP Physics, US and World History, and English. These are all much harder than their regular or honors equivalents.

Is lit or AP Lang better?

AP English Language is equivalent to an introductory, college-level literary analysis course. AP English Literature focuses more on analyzing works of fiction, such as poetry, short stories, novels, or plays.

Is English Lit harder than English language?

Therefore, the number of passes for each subject are far closer than the percentages made them seem. From this, we can see that English Language is not actually drastically harder than English Literature, it's just that more students sit the Language exams.

Is AP English Literature worth it?

Is AP® English Literature Worth It? The AP® English Literature exam is worth taking for a variety of reasons, from academic to financial. When you successfully complete an AP® course, you can know that you are prepared for the increased pace and academic rigor that is required of college level courses.

What is the hardest AP test to get a 5 on?

Top 10 Hardest AP Classes by Exam Pass RateAP Class/ExamPass Rate (3+)Perfect Score (5)1. Physics 151.6%8.8%2. Environmental Science53.4%11.9%3. Chemistry56.1%10.6%4. U.S. Government and Politics57.5%15.5%6 more rows•Aug 31, 2021

What is the hardest AP class?

The Three Hardest AP ClassesAP Physics 1. Despite a reputation as one of the most difficult AP classes, Physics 1 is also one of the most popular—137,229 students took it in 2021. ... AP U.S. History. AP U.S. history is one of the hardest AP classes in the humanities and in general. ... AP Chemistry.

What's the easiest AP class?

What is the easiest AP class? AP Computer Science Principles is rated as the easiest AP class by real AP class alumnae, with an average difficulty rating of just 2.8 / 10 (1 = easiest), though the 2021 pass rate of 67% is not especially high.

Is AP English hard in high school?

AP Lang is one of the most challenging AP classes you can take in high school in terms of the amount of critical high-level writing expected of you and the amount of time required to keep up with the reading and syllabus. To keep up, you will need to set aside 15-20 hours a week.

Do you read Shakespeare in AP Lang?

At the end, almost the entire cast was slain. Hamlet is important to the AP® English Language exam, because Shakespeare utilizes important figurative language, form, and other important writing techniques in order to convey his messages within the play.

What's the difference between English language and English literature?

English literature is more concerned with the thematic content of texts and typically involves poetry, prose and larger bodies of work. English language Is more scientific in nature and looks at language in segments E.g. Syntax, Morphology, Phonology.

Can you take AP Lit without taking AP Lang?

Can I take AP Lit without taking AP Lang? Yes, although individual schools may have their own rules. I'm deciding what to take next year and I don't know what english class to take. Lang is more focused on writing which is invaluable when writing application essays.

What are the easiest AP classes to take in high school?

The Three Easiest AP ClassesAP Psychology. With a reputation as one of the easiest AP classes, it comes as no surprise that AP Psychology is also one of the most popular—288,511 students took the exam in 2021. ... AP Comparative Government and Politics. ... AP Environmental Science.

Which AP exams are the hardest?

United States History, Biology, English Literature, Calculus BC, Physics C, and Chemistry are often named as the hardest AP classes and tests. These classes have large curriculums, tough tests, and conceptually difficult material.

Is AP English Lit hard Reddit?

The answer is always it depends on the teacher, and how you are as a student. For myself, AP Lit has been mostly pretty easy with the essay's being the most difficult part, but those are things that get easier over the duration of the course.

How are AP exams scored point-wise?

AP exams are graded on a scale of one to five. One represents the lowest possible score, while five represents the highest possible score. Normally...

What kinds of scores do colleges require to grant credit?

Many colleges require a score of four to five, in order to receive credit for their classes.

How can I tell which exams are harder vs easier?

To measure harder vs easier classes, the College Board provided data on the percentage of students in 2019 who received three or higher across exams.

What are some of the hardest AP Exams to score high on?

Physics 1, Human Geography, English Literature and Composition, Environmental Science, United States History

What are some of the easier AP Exams to score high on?

Art History, Chinese Language and Culture, Japanese Language and Culture, Calculus BC, Physics C

What is the minimum score required for AP?

The scores can range from one to five, with one being the lowest score and five being the highest score available. A minimum score of 3 is required to qualify for college credit at most accredited educational institutions.

When do most test takers go to high school?

Based on the most common progression through English courses in high school, the majority of test-takers are in their junior year. This is the point in your education where you will have enough exposure to understand the more advanced concepts, allowing you a higher chance of success than in previous years.

Is it cheaper to take an AP exam?

Taking an AP® exam is much cheaper than paying for a college course so that you can keep the difference. If you have an interest in language and writing in general, you will be able to explore new concepts to expand your understanding of the subject.

Why do colleges not accept AP classes?

Colleges don’t always accept AP courses’ credit, which leads to many students repeating similar courses in university.

What is the AP test?

AP courses are rigorous courses focused on one subject leading to a final nationwide test in May determining a score between 1-5 (5 being the highest). Some students take the AP test without taking the course if they feel prepared.

Is AP a scam?

In The Atlantic’s article, “AP Classes Are a Scam,” John Tierney states, “students don’t receive college credit for high scores on AP courses; they simply are allowed to opt out of the introductory sequence in a major.”. Taking an AP class can arguably give students unnecessary anxiety and stress for credits and work that may not be accepted ...

How to prepare for AP English Literature and Composition?

In order to effectively prepare for the AP ® English Literature and Composition Exam, you’ll have to start planning your entire year. That means knowing when specific quizzes, tests, and presentations are due, leading up to the big day when you take the AP ® English Literature Composition Exam in May. In the weeks leading up to the actual AP ® Exam, you will need to develop a study plan and follow through with it. These planning skills will be crucial for you once it comes time for college and your career.

How much does an AP exam cost?

Department of Defense Dependents School. If you’re outside of those areas, the AP ® Exam will cost $125 per exam.

What is the purpose of the entire exam?

Read, read, read, read, and read some more. The entire exam is all about making intelligent analyses of the techniques writers use to achieve purpose and generate meaning. The only way to get better at that is to read as much as you can in the weeks and months before the test. …But read with purpose!

How to sign up for AP exam?

To sign up for the real AP ® Exam, you need to speak with the AP ® coordinator at your school. He or she will help facilitate your courses and exams. You’ll likely need to meet some eligibility requirements before you can take an AP ® course. Once you do though, you’ll be well on your way to attaining college credit.

What is the ability to write well?

The ability to write well is a skill that you’ll draw upon for the rest of your life, no matter what career you decide to take. So many college students point back to their AP ® English Literature and Composition course in high school as the moment they learned to write at the college level.

What is literary analysis?

A literary analysis of a given passage of prose fiction (this may include drama) An analysis that examines a specific concept, issue, or element in a work selected by the student. In responding to Question 3, students should select a work of fiction that will be appropriate to the question.

When can students try out the test day experience?

Starting April 8, students can try out the test-day experience by answering example questions in the digital testing application. See the Digital Practice page for general information about practice options.

How long is the Digital Practice exam?

Both provide approximately the same time limit per question as the full exam. Digital Practice has a shortened multiple-choice section (13 questions, 17 minutes), a shortened break of 5 minutes, and a full-length free-response section (3 questions, 2 hours).

Why do students use annotations?

Students can use the digital annotation tool to identify key elements within texts, organize their thoughts, and draft brief textual analysis. While the annotations that students construct will not be scored, annotating may help students interpret texts and answer multiple-choice or free-response questions.

Can you skip ahead on a test?

Students cannot go back to questions they’ve already answered, and cannot skip ahead. Exam directions and section-specific directions will not be read by a proctor–they’ll appear entirely in the application. Students will see them at the beginning of each section, and can access them at any time during the exam.

Can you handwrite multiple choice questions?

Scratch paper is permitted for notes or planning, but students cannot handwrite or otherwise upload responses .

Can you read the directions on a digital exam?

While students should read the directions, they should be aware that the timer will be running while they do so. Teachers and students can view the full text of the exam and section directions in advance of the exam. More information about taking digital exams is available in the Digital Testing Guide.

What is AP English Literature?

The course content is organized into units that have been arranged in a logical sequence. This sequence has been developed through feedback from educators as well as analysis of high school and college courses and textbooks. The units in AP English Literature and Composition scaffold skills and knowledge through three genre-based, recurring units. This course framework provides a description of what students should know and be able to do to qualify for college credit or placement.

What is AP English Literature and Composition?

The AP English Literature and Composition framework included in the course and exam description outlines distinct skills that students should practice throughout the year—skills that will help them learn to read texts critically.

What is AP English?

AP English Literature and Composition is an introductory college-level literary analysis course. Students cultivate their understanding of literature through reading and analyzing texts as they explore concepts like character, setting, structure, perspective, figurative language, and literary analysis in the context of literary works.

What is the role of AP?

Higher education professionals play a key role developing AP courses and exams, setting credit and placement policies, and scoring student work. The AP Higher Education site features information on recruitment and admission, advising and placement, and more.

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Course Overview

Academic Challenges in AP® English Language

  • Even though writing is a fundamental component of the course, AP® English’s difficulty resides in the reading levelrequired. You will need to be able to employ critical thinking skills to answer fundamental questions regarding the composition of specified works. Further, you will have to be able to integrate the concepts behind these core questions...
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by The Numbers

  • All AP® exams are based on a standard scoring system. The scores can range from one to five, with one being the lowest score and five being the highest score available. A minimum score of 3 is required to qualify for college credit at most accredited educational institutions. The most recent CollegeBoard report, based on data from the year 2013, shows the success rate of stude…
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Exam Structure

  • The CollegeBoard has standardized the structure of the AP® English exam. Section I is multiple choiceand accounts for 45 percent of the total exam score. You are given one hour to complete this section and are presented with anywhere from 52 to 55 questions. Many of the questions are accompanied by excerpts from selected nonfiction works. This allows you to refer to the piece …
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Content

  • The AP® English review will focus on nonfiction works written in a variety of styles. The features texts can include works across multiple eras as well as a wide selection of topics. The focus will be on critical thinking in regards to how certain features of the texts affect the tone and effectiveness of the work. The reading and writing assignments are designed to advance your v…
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Skills Required

  • If you want to flourish in AP® English, you will need a suitable reading and writing level for the associated work. Often, this includes an advanced vocabulary and a solid understanding of the structures of selected written works. Analytical and critical thinking skills are also essential, as well as the ability to back arguments with facts. Knowledge of current events can be helpful in cr…
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Is AP® English Language Worth It?

  • One of the benefits of taking AP® English courses is that you will be better prepared for the demands of college. Not only will you be introduced to college-level concepts, but you will have the opportunity to build upon them. Were you hoping for more? Well, here is the best part. By completing the AP® English Language and Composition course, you will be prepared to take th…
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Next Steps

  • If taking the AP® English Language class sounds like the right move to you, you will want to sign up for the class. You can speak with your administrator or guidance counselor to see if you can attend the class. Even though the CollegeBoard lists no prerequisites that do not mean your school does not have minimum standards to qualify. While most schools offer the class, smalle…
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