How the AP Literature Exam is Scored
The AP English Literature and Composition exam is scored using a weighted composite system that combines your multiple choice and essay performances. Understanding this scoring system helps you strategize your exam preparation and performance.
Section I: Multiple Choice (45% of Score)
The multiple choice section contains 55 questions to be completed in 1 hour. Each question is worth 1 point, with no penalty for wrong answers (so always guess if unsure). The questions test your ability to:
- Analyze literary elements such as character, setting, and plot
- Identify and interpret figurative language and literary devices
- Understand narrative perspective and point of view
- Interpret tone, mood, and author's purpose
- Make inferences and draw conclusions from literary texts
Section II: Free Response Essays (55% of Score)
The free response section includes 3 essays to be written in 2 hours. Each essay is scored on a 0-6 scale by trained AP readers:
Poetry Analysis
Analyze a poem's literary elements and how they contribute to meaning. Focus on techniques like imagery, metaphor, structure, and tone.
Prose Fiction Analysis
Analyze a prose passage from fiction, examining narrative techniques, characterization, and thematic development.
Literary Argument
Develop an argument about a literary work of your choice in response to a given prompt. Draw on a full-length work you've studied.
Composite Score Calculation
Your composite score is calculated by weighting and combining your section scores:
MC Section = (Questions Correct / 55) × 45Essay Section = (Total Essay Points / 18) × 55Composite Score = MC Section + Essay SectionImportant Note: The exact cutoff scores for AP grades vary slightly each year based on exam difficulty and student performance. Our calculator uses historical averages to provide an estimate.
AP Literature Essay Rubric (0-6 Scale)
Understanding the essay rubric helps you write more effective responses. Each essay is evaluated on a 0-6 point scale based on three main criteria: thesis, evidence and commentary, and sophistication.
| Score | Thesis (0-1) | Evidence & Commentary (0-4) | Sophistication (0-1) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Defensible thesis that directly addresses the prompt with a clear interpretive claim | Specific, relevant evidence with insightful commentary that supports the argument | Sophisticated thinking and complex understanding |
| 5 | Strong thesis with clear interpretive claim | Strong evidence with analytical commentary, minor gaps | Demonstrates complexity but may not fully achieve sophistication |
| 4 | Adequate thesis that addresses the prompt | Adequate evidence with explanatory commentary | Limited complexity or sophistication |
| 3 | Basic thesis present but may be weak | Some evidence with basic commentary, may summarize | No sophistication demonstrated |
| 2 | Thesis is unclear or underdeveloped | Limited evidence, mostly summary with little analysis | No sophistication |
| 1 | No thesis or completely off-topic | Minimal or irrelevant evidence | No sophistication |
| 0 | Blank response, completely off-topic, or response in wrong language | ||
Key Elements for High Scores
- Thesis: Make a clear, defensible claim that interprets the text rather than just describing it
- Evidence: Use specific quotes and details from the text to support your argument
- Commentary: Explain how your evidence supports your thesis - don't just quote and move on
- Sophistication: Show complex understanding through nuanced analysis, alternative interpretations, or broader connections
- Organization: Structure your essay logically with clear transitions between ideas
AP Literature Score Conversion Chart
The following table shows approximate composite score ranges needed for each AP score. These cutoffs vary slightly each year based on exam difficulty.
| AP Score | Description | Composite Range | Typical % of Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Extremely Well Qualified | 73-100 | 5-8% |
| 4 | Well Qualified | 58-72 | 15-18% |
| 3 | Qualified | 42-57 | 25-30% |
| 2 | Possibly Qualified | 27-41 | 25-30% |
| 1 | No Recommendation | 0-26 | 15-20% |
Example Score Combinations
Target: Score of 5
Need composite of 73+
- 45/55 MC correct + essays averaging 5.5
- 40/55 MC correct + essays averaging 6
- 50/55 MC correct + essays averaging 5
Target: Score of 4
Need composite of 58-72
- 35/55 MC correct + essays averaging 5
- 40/55 MC correct + essays averaging 4
- 30/55 MC correct + essays averaging 5.5
Target: Score of 3
Need composite of 42-57
- 30/55 MC correct + essays averaging 4
- 25/55 MC correct + essays averaging 4.5
- 35/55 MC correct + essays averaging 3
Minimum Passing (Score of 3)
Composite of at least 42
- 28/55 MC correct + essays averaging 3.5
- 20/55 MC correct + essays averaging 5
- 35/55 MC correct + essays averaging 3
Study Tips for AP Literature
Success on the AP Literature exam requires consistent reading, analytical practice, and strategic test preparation. Here are proven strategies to improve your score.
Reading Preparation
- Read widely: Cover novels, plays, short stories, and poetry from different time periods and cultures
- Study classic works: Focus on frequently tested authors like Shakespeare, Austen, Fitzgerald, Morrison, and Dickens
- Annotate actively: Note literary devices, themes, character development, and significant passages
- Practice close reading: Analyze how authors use language to create meaning and effect
- Build your literary vocabulary: Master terms like motif, irony, juxtaposition, and symbolism
Multiple Choice Strategies
- Read passages carefully: Don't skim - every word matters in literary analysis
- Use process of elimination: Identify obviously wrong answers first
- Return to the text: Find specific evidence before choosing an answer
- Watch for qualifiers: Words like "primarily," "most likely," and "best" are key
- Answer every question: No penalty for guessing, so never leave blanks
Essay Writing Tips
- Plan before writing: Spend 5 minutes outlining your argument
- Write a strong thesis: Make a specific, arguable claim that addresses the prompt
- Use embedded quotes: Integrate evidence smoothly into your sentences
- Analyze, don't summarize: Explain HOW and WHY literary elements create meaning
- Connect to larger themes: Show how specific moments relate to the work's big ideas
- Aim for sophistication: Acknowledge complexity, ambiguity, and multiple interpretations
Recommended Reading List
- The Great Gatsby
- Beloved
- 1984
- Pride and Prejudice
- Hamlet
- Death of a Salesman
- A Raisin in the Sun
- Othello
- Wuthering Heights
- Invisible Man
- The Scarlet Letter
- Their Eyes Were Watching God
- Emily Dickinson
- Robert Frost
- Langston Hughes
- Sylvia Plath