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AP English Literature and Composition: Sample FRQs

1. Question:

Literary Analysis:
Read the following passage carefully. Then, in a well-organized essay, analyze how the author uses literary devices such as characterization, imagery, and symbolism to develop a central theme of the work.

Passage:
(A passage from a work of literature such as "Frankenstein," "The Great Gatsby," or "Hamlet" will be provided here.)

Response Guidelines:

  • Identify and analyze literary devices such as characterization, imagery, and symbolism.
  • Explain how these devices contribute to the development of the central theme of the work.
  • Support your analysis with specific examples from the passage.

2. Question:

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

"The pursuit of personal happiness is more important than the pursuit of societal progress."

In your essay, provide a clear argument, drawing from your knowledge of literature, philosophy, or personal experience to support your stance.

Response Guidelines:

  • Develop a clear, focused thesis statement that directly addresses the prompt.
  • Provide well-reasoned arguments and evidence, drawing from literary works, philosophical ideas, or personal experiences.
  • Address opposing viewpoints and explain why your position is more compelling.
  • Organize your essay logically and maintain a formal, academic tone.

3. Question:

Thematic Synthesis Essay:
The following sources discuss the role of fate and free will in human life. Read the sources carefully, then construct an essay that synthesizes the perspectives presented in at least three of the sources. In your essay, discuss how the themes of fate and free will are explored in literature.

Sources:
(A set of 3-4 literary or philosophical sources discussing the theme of fate versus free will, such as quotes from “Oedipus Rex,” “Macbeth,” or relevant philosophical works.)

Response Guidelines:

  • Synthesize the information from the provided sources, using quotes or ideas to support your argument.
  • Develop a clear thesis and organize your essay effectively, providing sufficient evidence to support your claims.
  • Discuss how fate and free will are explored in literary works and how different authors approach the theme.
  • Acknowledge different perspectives and engage with the complexity of the issue.

Grading Rubric for AP English Literature and Composition FRQs

The AP English Literature 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 literary analysis and evidence.

Literary Analysis (0-6 points)

  • 0-1 points: The essay provides little to no analysis of the literary devices in the passage. The response may be vague or incomplete.
  • 2 points: The essay demonstrates a basic understanding of literary devices, but the analysis is underdeveloped or lacks clear examples.
  • 3 points: The essay identifies some literary devices and attempts to explain their impact, but the analysis may be superficial or lack depth.
  • 4 points: The essay provides a clear and adequate analysis of literary devices, supported by examples, but may miss some nuances or key aspects of the passage.
  • 5 points: The essay effectively analyzes literary devices in the passage, providing clear examples that demonstrate a strong understanding of the text.
  • 6 points: The essay provides a sophisticated and comprehensive analysis of literary devices, offering nuanced and insightful connections to the central theme. The analysis is 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)

  • Literary 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 Literature and Composition exam. The questions assess students' abilities to analyze literature, 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!