Last Updated: January 6, 2025
The AP English Language and Composition exam consists of two sections. Section 1 includes multiple choice questions, while Section 2 contains three free-response questions. The exam is scored on a scale of 1 - 5, with a 5 being the highest possible score.
The scores in this calculator are estimates based on previous scoring curves. The actual scoring curve may vary year to year.
Instructions
Enter your scores for each section using the sliders below to calculate your estimated AP score.
Section 1: Multiple Choice
Section 2: Free Response Question 1
Section 2: Free Response Question 2
Section 2: Free Response Question 3
PREDICTED AP® SCORE
0 | Score range: 1 - 5
SECTION SCORES
Multiple Choice Score
0 / 45
Free Response Score
0 / 55
Combined Composite Score
0 / 100
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The AP English Language and Composition exam consists of two main sections with the following structure:
| Section | Question Type | Time | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section 1 | Multiple Choice | 1 hour | 45 questions |
| Section 2 | Free Response | 2 hours and 15 minutes | 3 questions |
Total exam time: 3 hours and 15 minutes
Section 1 (Multiple Choice)
45 questions testing your ability to analyze and interpret various texts
Questions focus on rhetorical analysis, argumentation, and synthesis
Includes both single passages and sets of passages
Section 2 (Free Response)
Question 1: Synthesis Essay (6 points)
Question 2: Rhetorical Analysis Essay (6 points)
Question 3: Argument Essay (6 points)
15 minutes of suggested reading and planning time for each essay
40 minutes of suggested writing time for each essay
The AP English Language and Composition exam uses a weighted scoring system that combines your performance on both the multiple-choice and free-response sections. The multiple-choice section accounts for 45% of your score, while the free-response section makes up 55%.
Your raw scores from each section are converted into a composite score, which is then converted to the final AP score of 1-5. The distribution of scores from the most recent exam was:
| AP English Language Score | Percentage of Students |
|---|---|
| 5 | 9.8% |
| 4 | 21.4% |
| 3 | 23.5% |
| 2 | 28.8% |
| 1 | 16.6% |
A score of 3 or higher is generally considered passing, though many top colleges only award credit for scores of 4 or 5. For college admissions purposes, a 4 or 5 is considered a strong score for most colleges.
To earn a high score (4 or 5), students typically need to demonstrate strong analytical and writing skills, including the ability to analyze rhetorical strategies, develop well-reasoned arguments, and write clear, sophisticated prose under time constraints.
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