AP English Language & Composition Exam - Exam Overview - What to Bring - Fees

Sep 20, 2026

AP English Language and Composition Exam overview detailing testing goals, structure, and timing. Section 1 includes multiple-choice reading and writing questions with 45 minutes and 45% of the total score. Section 2 provides free-response tasks—synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argument—with a 2 hours 15 minutes limit and 55% of the score, plus a 15-minute reading period. Guidance covers arrival rules, prohibited items, approved materials, health and safety protocols, meal and break logistics, and step-by-step exam fee payment instructions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Exam Overview

Exam Duration

What to Bring on AP Exam Day

Exam Components

Exam Fees

AP English Language & Composition About the Exam Exam Overview The AP English Language and Composition Exam will test your understanding of the literary concepts covered in the course units, as well as your ability to analyze texts and develop written arguments based on your interpretations. Exam Duration 3hrs--This does not include proctor instruction, which adds about an extra hour to the day. Tuesday, May 14, 2024 @ 7:45 AM (Door opens at 7:30 AM) Location: Auditorium Students will be excused from all classes on test day. Students that arrive late will not be allowed to take the exam and will have to pay the restock fee. What to Bring on AP Exam Day What to Bring: ● An acceptable calculator if your AP Exam allows the use of a calculator. ● A watch that does not have internet access, does not beep or make noise, and does not have an alarm. ● Chromebook with charger for AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam. ● Although the following will be provided for you. You are welcome to bring your own. ● No. 2 pencils (No mechanical pencils) ● Pens with black or dark blue ink What NOT to Bring: ● Electronic equipment including phones, smartwatches, ﬁtness trackers, wearable technology, cameras, recording or listening devices, or any other type of electronic or communication device. ● Chromebooks are allowed only for the AP Spanish Language and Culture Exam. ● Books, reference guides, notes, compasses, protractors, mechanical pencils, pencils that are not No. 2, correction ﬂuid, dictionaries, highlighters, or colored pencils. ● Scratch paper: Students are prohibited from bringing scratch paper to the AP Exam. For AP Chinese and AP Japanese Exams, scratch paper will be provided. ● Watches that beep, make a noise, or have an alarm. ● Computers or calculators that are not approved. ● Reference guides, keyboard maps, or other typing instructions. ● Ear plugs. ● Clothing or shoes with subject-related information. ● Food or drink. ● You are not permitted to eat while testing. Students will not be released during the 1st lunch and might be late for 2nd lunch. You are able to eat in the designated area during the 10-minute break between Sections 1 and 2 of the exam. You can have a water bottle with you while testing, just do not drink over the booklets. ● Clipboards. A student observed with any of these prohibited items during testing or breaks may be dismissed from the exam, the device may be conﬁscated, the student’s score may be canceled, and no retest may be permitted. Follow any speciﬁc health and safety protocols for the exam room that your school may have in place. AP policies allow you to bring hand sanitizer to the room, but it must be placed under the desk, not on the desk. You may use any other PPE (such as masks) following your school’s current requirements. Exam Components Section 1 : Multiple Choice 45 questions | 1hr | 45% of Exam Score Excerpts from nonﬁction texts are accompanied by several multiple-choice questions: ● 23–25 Reading questions: You’ ll be asked to read and analyze nonﬁction texts. ● 20–22 Writing questions: You’ ll be asked to read like a writer and consider revisions to the text. Section 2: Free Response 3 questions | 2hrs 15min | 55% of Exam Score The 2 hour and 15 minute time limit for this section includes a 15-minute reading period. In the free-response section, you’ ll respond to three questions with written answers. This section tests your skill in composition in three areas: ● Synthesis: After reading 6–7 texts about a topic (including visual and quantitative sources), you will compose an argument that combines and cites at least 3 of the sources to support your thesis. ● Rhetorical analysis: You will read a nonﬁction text and analyze how the writer’s language choices contribute to the intended meaning and purpose of the text. ● Argument: You will create an evidence-based argument that responds to a given topic. The

FAQs

How long is the AP English Language and Composition Exam, and how is it divided?

The exam consists of two sections. Section 1 lasts 1 hour for 45 multiple-choice questions, and Section 2 lasts 2 hours 15 minutes for 3 free-response questions, including a 15-minute reading period.

What items are students allowed to bring to the exam room?

Students may bring an acceptable calculator (when allowed), a quiet non-internet, non-alarming watch, and required writing tools such as No. 2 pencils and pens with black or dark blue ink. Hand sanitizer is allowed if placed under the desk, and other PPE may be used based on current school requirements.

What is the exam fee and what payment options are accepted?

The exam fee is $97 per exam. Payment can be made starting Monday, May 20, through the bookkeeping office using cash or card, or a check payable to Eastmont High School-EHS. Discover and American Express are not accepted, and no online or over-the-phone payments are permitted.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Aria Callaghan