What is AP English?

There are two AP English courses offered to high school students, AP English Language and Composition and AP English Literature and Composition.

AP English Language and Composition

In AP English Language and Composition, you’ll develop critical reading and writing skills through analyzing nonfiction works and crafting evidence-based arguments. You’ll also learn to write essays with different aims: for example, to explain an idea, argue a point, or persuade your reader of something.

In this course you can expect to:

• Read closely, analyze, and interpret a piece of writing
• Evaluate a source of information
• Gather and consolidate information from different sources
• Write an evidence-based argument
• Draft and revise a piece of writing

To learn more about this course, visit the AP English Language and Composition Course page.

AP English Literature and Composition

In AP English Literature and Composition, you’ll evaluate fiction and other works from various periods and cultures. You will also engage with fictional texts like short stories, poetry, plays, and novels while focusing on the interpretation of literary works and the ability to articulate your thoughts in writing.

In this course you will:

• Read a text closely and draw conclusions from details
• Identify the techniques used by an author and their effects
• Develop an interpretation of a text
• Present your interpretation and make an argument for it in writing

To learn more about this course, visit the AP Literature and Composition Course page.

For more information about the similarities and differences between these two courses, check out The Difference Between AP English Language and Composition and AP English Literature and Composition.

Visit the AP courses page to learn more about other AP courses and talk to your school counselor about what courses are available at your school and which courses may be right for you.