AP Literature Test Format Information

The AP Literature Test is comprised of two sections. Please read the descriptions below for more
information.
Section 1: Multiple-Choice Questions
Section I contains approximately 55 multiple-choice questions that test reading comprehension
and literary analysis. You will have 60 minutes to complete Section 1. The multiple-choice
questions will come from a mix of poems and brief prose passages. The 5 specific textssome
years, two poems and three passages; some years, three poems and two passageswill have
between 10-12 questions each. The questions will primarily test your understanding of literary
terms and reading comprehension. You will be asked to deal with answers in context and to
illustrate broader understandings of the pieces. Questions that reflect an appreciation for
denotative and connotative significance and your ability to understand tone and meaning are
common to the test. Remember, you want to answer every question in this portion as no points
are deducted for wrong answers. Performance on the multiple-choice section counts for 45
percent of the total score.
Section II: Free Response
The second part of the examination consists of three essays. You will have 120 minutes for free-
response questions; the suggested time for each response is 40 minutes. Performances on the
free-response section of the exam counts for 55 percent of the total score.
Question 1: Poetry
Most years, the poetry prompt asks you to analyze the methods and meaning of a poem.
Discussion of how meaning is conveyed through literary devices (techniques and
elements) unique to poetry is expected. Some years, you will be asked to compare and
contrast two poems in your essay. A strong answer will utilize specific evidence
(quotations) in the analysis.
Question 2: Prose
Like the poetry prompt, this prompt asks you to analyze the methods and meaning of a
prose excerpt or brief piece of fiction. Discussion of how meaning is conveyed through
literary devices (techniques and elements) unique to fiction is expected. A strong answer
utilizes specific evidence (quotations) in the analysis.
Question 3: The Open Prompt
The final prompt asks you to apply your understand of a novels (or full length dramas)
methods and themes to a specific question. It will generally ask you to consider
character development, impact of setting, or literary technique. While the question is
followed by a list of suggested works of literary merit, you can certainly write on a
novel of literary merit, not on that list.