Test Preparation Services (TPS)

This page gives you some details of what the AP Literature and Composition program and test entails

Ottawa
Ontario

TPS - AP Literature & Composition Exam

Prep in Ottawa

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What is it?

The AP Literature and Composition program is a college-level course and exam designed for high school students who love reading and analyzing literature. In the course, you’ll explore novels, plays, and poetry, focusing on themes, characters, and writing styles. The exam tests your ability to interpret texts and write strong essays. It has two sections: multiple-choice questions about passages and essays where you analyze literature and make arguments. Scoring well can earn you college credit. It’s a great way to improve critical thinking and writing skills while diving deep into stories and poems that challenge and inspire you!

Who is the AP Lit test suitable for?

The AP Literature and Composition course and exam are perfect for certain types of high school students who enjoy reading, writing, and analyzing texts. Here are five types of students who might benefit from taking it:

1. The Future English Major: If you love books, poetry, and discussing ideas, and you’re thinking about studying English, journalism, or creative writing in college, this course is for you. It’ll deepen your understanding of literature and prepare you for college-level analysis.
2. The Aspiring Lawyer or Debater: If you’re interested in law, politics, or debate, this course helps you build strong critical thinking and argumentative writing skills. You’ll learn to analyze complex texts and craft persuasive essays, which are essential for careers in law or public speaking.
3. The Humanities Enthusiast: If you enjoy history, philosophy, or the arts, AP Lit complements these interests. It focuses on understanding human experiences and cultures through literature, which ties into many humanities fields.
4. The Strong Writer: If you’re confident in your writing and want to challenge yourself, this course will push you to write clear, insightful essays. It’s ideal for students who want to improve their ability to express complex ideas effectively.
5. The College-Bound Student: If you’re aiming for competitive universities, AP Lit shows colleges you can handle rigorous coursework. It’s also a chance to earn college credit, saving time and money later.

In short, if you enjoy reading, analyzing stories, and writing, or if you’re planning a career that requires strong communication and critical thinking, AP Literature and Composition is a great fit. It’s challenging but rewarding for students who are curious, hardworking, and passionate about exploring the world through literature.

Is the AP Lit test more difficult than the AP Lang test

Whether AP Literature (AP Lit) is harder than AP Language and Composition (AP Lang) depends on your strengths and interests. Both are challenging but focus on different skills.

AP Lit is more about analyzing literature, like novels, plays, and poetry. You’ll dive deep into themes, characters, and symbolism, and write essays that interpret these elements. If you love reading and discussing stories, you might find AP Lit engaging but still challenging because it requires strong critical thinking and writing skills.

AP Lang, on the other hand, focuses on nonfiction, like essays, speeches, and articles. It’s more about understanding arguments, rhetoric, and how writers persuade their audience. You’ll also write essays, but they’re often argumentative or analytical. If you’re good at breaking down arguments and writing clearly, AP Lang might feel easier.
In general, students who enjoy creative writing and literature often prefer AP Lit, while those who like logic, debate, or real-world topics might find AP Lang more straightforward. Both are tough, but in different ways. Think about what you enjoy and where your strengths lie—that’ll help you decide which feels harder for you!

Structure of the Test

Section 1: Multiple Choice Questions
      Total Time 1 hour
      •Number of Questions 55
      •Percent of Total Grade 45%
      •Questions per passage around 11
      •5 passages
           •3 short stories
           •2 poems

Section II: Compositions
     Total Time: 2 hours
     Number of Questions: 3
     Percent of Total Grade 55%
        Question 1: Short Extract from Literature. Essay responds to it (40 minutes) 1/3 of Section 3
        Question 2: Poem. Essay Responds to it (40 minutes) 
        Question 3: Thematic essay based on a work of literature (40 minutes)

Home & Online Tutoring

We have tutors available for AP Lit classes. You can contact us at [email protected] or by phoning at 613 447 1622 Refer to our AP tutor page, the courses page and the programs page

Textbooks

The best textbook to get for this test is the Princeton Review AP Book. That will give you 4 practice tests to work your way through. There are a few exemplars (ie model writings) but admittedly not many. The advice is somewhat useful but rather basic. It has a good writeup about the various literature schools and a good glossary at the back.

There are also some good free resources on the official website including videos and practice questions

Test Taking

The AP test is generally administered in schools that offer the course. Check our site for the schedule of exams or use the official site

Tips and Practice

I have created a page for advice on all 4 sub-skills on the AP tips page and a link to practice that you might find useful on the free practice for AP Literature and Composition or our AP Blog, which is an archive of tips