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AP English Language and Composition: Sample FRQs

1. Question:

Rhetorical Analysis:
Read the following passage carefully. Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze how the author uses rhetorical strategies to achieve their purpose. Focus on elements such as tone, style, structure, and the use of rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, logos).

Passage:
(A passage from a famous speech or written work will be provided here.)

Response Guidelines:

  • Identify the rhetorical strategies used by the author (e.g., appeals to ethos, pathos, logos, diction, sentence structure).
  • Explain how these strategies contribute to the author’s purpose and how they affect the audience.
  • Support your analysis with specific examples from the passage.

2. Question:

Argumentative Essay:
Write an argumentative essay in which you take a position on the following issue:

"Social media does more harm than good to society."

In your essay, support your position with evidence from your own knowledge or experiences, as well as from external sources.

Response Guidelines:

  • Develop a clear, focused thesis statement that responds to the prompt.
  • Provide well-reasoned arguments and evidence to support your thesis, including logical reasoning and examples.
  • Address opposing viewpoints and explain why your argument is more convincing.
  • Maintain a formal, academic tone and organize your ideas clearly.

3. Question:

Synthesis Essay:
The following sources discuss various aspects of modern education. Read the sources carefully, then use them to construct an essay that synthesizes the information from at least three of the sources. In your essay, develop a clear and logical argument about the role of standardized testing in education.

Sources:
(A set of 3-4 diverse sources on the topic of standardized testing will be provided here, including articles, graphs, or data.)

Response Guidelines:

  • Synthesize the information from the provided sources, integrating quotes, ideas, and data into your argument.
  • Analyze and interpret the sources, explaining their relevance to your position.
  • Develop a clear thesis and organize your essay effectively, providing sufficient evidence to support your argument.
  • Address the complexity of the issue and acknowledge multiple perspectives.

Grading Rubric for AP English Language and Composition FRQs

The AP English Language and Composition FRQs are graded on a scale from 0-9, based on the student's ability to respond to the prompt effectively, using appropriate evidence and writing strategies.

Rhetorical Analysis (0-6 points)

  • 0-1 points: The essay provides little to no analysis of the rhetorical strategies in the passage. The response may be vague or incomplete.
  • 2 points: The essay demonstrates a basic understanding of rhetorical strategies, but the analysis is underdeveloped or lacks clear examples.
  • 3 points: The essay identifies some rhetorical strategies and attempts to explain their impact, though the analysis may be superficial or lack depth.
  • 4 points: The essay provides a clear and adequate analysis of rhetorical strategies, supported by examples, but may miss some nuances or key aspects of the passage.
  • 5 points: The essay effectively analyzes the rhetorical strategies used in the passage, with clear and relevant examples that demonstrate a thorough understanding of the author’s intent.
  • 6 points: The essay provides a sophisticated and comprehensive analysis of rhetorical strategies, with insightful connections to the author’s purpose and audience. The analysis is nuanced and well-supported by specific evidence.

Argumentative Essay (0-6 points)

  • 0-1 points: The essay lacks a clear argument or thesis, and the reasoning is inadequate or irrelevant. The response does not address the prompt in a meaningful way.
  • 2 points: The essay presents a weak or unclear thesis, with limited reasoning and support. The argument may be underdeveloped or lack depth.
  • 3 points: The essay presents a clear argument with some reasoning and evidence, but the support may be uneven or lacking in clarity. The argument may not fully address the prompt.
  • 4 points: The essay provides a well-reasoned argument with adequate support, addressing the prompt clearly and developing the thesis effectively. The reasoning may lack sophistication or depth in places.
  • 5 points: The essay presents a strong, well-supported argument with clear, convincing evidence. The reasoning is logical and addresses the prompt fully, though it may lack complexity or nuance.
  • 6 points: The essay presents a compelling, well-organized argument with strong, persuasive reasoning. The argument is fully developed and nuanced, with clear and relevant evidence that supports the thesis effectively.

Synthesis Essay (0-6 points)

  • 0-1 points: The essay lacks a clear thesis or fails to synthesize information from the sources. The response may be off-topic or poorly organized.
  • 2 points: The essay presents a weak or vague thesis, and the synthesis of sources is limited. The argument may lack clarity or structure.
  • 3 points: The essay presents a clear thesis and attempts to synthesize information from the sources, but the synthesis may be superficial or lacking in depth.
  • 4 points: The essay effectively synthesizes information from multiple sources, supporting the thesis with relevant examples. The argument is clear but may lack complexity or depth.
  • 5 points: The essay presents a strong synthesis of information from sources, integrating them effectively to support the thesis. The argument is well-organized and addresses the complexity of the issue.
  • 6 points: The essay presents a sophisticated synthesis of sources, demonstrating a deep understanding of the issue. The argument is fully developed, and the essay integrates sources seamlessly to support the thesis with insightful analysis.

Sample Grading Breakdown (for one FRQ)

  • Rhetorical Analysis: 5 points
  • Argumentative Essay: 4 points
  • Synthesis Essay: 6 points
  • Total: 15 points (for all three FRQs combined)

These sample FRQs reflect the types of questions that students will encounter on the AP English Language and Composition exam. The questions assess students' abilities to analyze rhetoric, craft arguments, and synthesize information from various sources. The rubric ensures that responses are evaluated based on the strength of the argument, the quality of analysis, and the use of evidence. Let me know if you'd like additional examples or further explanation!