AP English Literature Exam: Multiple Choice Section
AP English Literature Multiple Choice Section Overview
Importance of the Multiple Choice Section
- The multiple choice section accounts for nearly half of the total score on the AP English Literature exam, making it crucial to have a solid strategy before test day.
- There are 55 questions to complete in 60 minutes, averaging just over one minute per question, emphasizing the need for effective pacing.
Types of Passages and Their Significance
- The most common passages are from short fiction, comprising 42% to 49% of the multiple choice section; familiarity with short stories is beneficial.
- Poetry constitutes 36% to 45% of this section and tends to intimidate many students. Understanding poetry is essential for success.
- Longer fiction excerpts (novels or plays) represent a smaller portion, typically just one passage in the multiple choice section. It's important to note that recent exams focus more on 20th and 21st-century literature.
Key Question Categories
- The most significant question type involves explaining the function of the narrator or speaker, accounting for approximately 21% to 26% of total questions; understanding narrative reliability is key here.
- Conversely, questions about setting are less critical, representing only about 3% to 6%, suggesting that students should prioritize their study efforts accordingly.
Effective Test Strategies
- Managing timing effectively is paramount; improving reading comprehension skills takes time and may not be feasible right before the test. Focus on efficient pacing during practice sessions leading up to exam day.