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AP English Literature and Composition
Study AP English Literature and Composition
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- Course & Exam Description
- Revision Sheet
- Syllabus Checklist
- Scheme of Work
- Exam Technique
- Command Words — A3 poster
- Lesson Plans — one page per topic
- Class Mark Book
1. Short Fiction I 18 files
Handouts
Presentation slides
Exercise walk-through slides
Vocabulary
Topic Quizzes
2. Poetry I 19 files
Handouts
Presentation slides
Exercise walk-through slides
Vocabulary
Topic Quizzes
Exercise sheets
Past Paper Questions
3. Longer Fiction or Drama I 24 files
Handouts
Presentation slides
Exercise walk-through slides
- 3.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 3.2 Characters who change or remain unchanged
- 3.3 Textual details that convey setting
- 3.4 Significant events in a plot
- 3.5 The function of conflict in a text
- 3.6 Developing a paragraph with claim and evidence
- 3.7 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 3.8 Developing commentary
- 3.9 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 3.10 Control over the elements of composition
Vocabulary
Topic Quizzes
Exercise sheets
- 3.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 3.2 Characters who change or remain unchanged
- 3.3 Textual details that convey setting
- 3.4 Significant events in a plot
- 3.5 The function of conflict in a text
- 3.6 Developing a paragraph with claim and evidence
- 3.7 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 3.8 Developing commentary
- 3.9 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 3.10 Control over the elements of composition
4. Short Fiction II 34 files
Handouts
Presentation slides
Exercise walk-through slides
- 4.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 4.2 The function of contrasting characters
- 4.3 Nuances in characters' relationships
- 4.4 The function of setting in a narrative
- 4.5 The relationship between character and setting
- 4.6 How plot orders events
- 4.7 The function of contrasts within a text
- 4.8 Identifying the narrator or speaker
- 4.9 The function of point of view
- 4.10 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 4.11 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 4.12 Developing commentary
- 4.13 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 4.14 Control over the elements of composition
Vocabulary
Topic Quizzes
Exercise sheets
- 4.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 4.2 The function of contrasting characters
- 4.3 Nuances in characters' relationships
- 4.4 The function of setting in a narrative
- 4.5 The relationship between character and setting
- 4.6 How plot orders events
- 4.7 The function of contrasts within a text
- 4.8 Identifying the narrator or speaker
- 4.9 The function of point of view
- 4.10 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 4.11 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 4.12 Developing commentary
- 4.13 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 4.14 Control over the elements of composition
Past Paper Questions
5. Poetry II 27 files
Handouts
Presentation slides
Exercise walk-through slides
- 5.1 The function of structure in a text
- 5.2 Literal and figurative meaning
- 5.3 The function of specific words and phrases
- 5.4 The function of an image or imagery
- 5.5 The function of a metaphor
- 5.6 The function of personification
- 5.7 The function of an allusion
- 5.8 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 5.9 Developing commentary
- 5.10 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 5.11 Control over the elements of composition
Vocabulary
Topic Quizzes
Exercise sheets
- 5.1 The function of structure in a text
- 5.2 Literal and figurative meaning
- 5.3 The function of specific words and phrases
- 5.4 The function of an image or imagery
- 5.5 The function of a metaphor
- 5.6 The function of personification
- 5.7 The function of an allusion
- 5.8 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 5.9 Developing commentary
- 5.10 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 5.11 Control over the elements of composition
Past Paper Questions
6. Longer Fiction or Drama II 33 files
Handouts
Presentation slides
Exercise walk-through slides
- 6.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 6.2 The function of contrasting characters
- 6.3 Choices, actions, and speech reveal complexity
- 6.4 How plot orders events
- 6.5 The function of a sequence of events
- 6.6 The function of contrasts within a text
- 6.7 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 6.8 How a narrator's reliability affects a narrative
- 6.9 The function of a symbol
- 6.10 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 6.11 Developing commentary
- 6.12 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 6.13 Control over the elements of composition
Vocabulary
Topic Quizzes
Exercise sheets
- 6.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 6.2 The function of contrasting characters
- 6.3 Choices, actions, and speech reveal complexity
- 6.4 How plot orders events
- 6.5 The function of a sequence of events
- 6.6 The function of contrasts within a text
- 6.7 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 6.8 How a narrator's reliability affects a narrative
- 6.9 The function of a symbol
- 6.10 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 6.11 Developing commentary
- 6.12 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 6.13 Control over the elements of composition
Past Paper Questions
Unit Tests
7. Short Fiction III 33 files
Handouts
Presentation slides
Exercise walk-through slides
- 7.1 Characters who change or remain unchanged
- 7.2 Nuances in characters' relationships
- 7.3 The function of setting in a narrative
- 7.4 The relationship between character and setting
- 7.5 How plot orders events
- 7.6 The function of a sequence of events
- 7.7 How a narrator's reliability affects a narrative
- 7.8 The function of a symbol
- 7.9 The function of an image or imagery
- 7.10 The function of a simile
- 7.11 The function of personification
- 7.12 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 7.13 Developing commentary
- 7.14 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
Vocabulary
Topic Quizzes
Exercise sheets
- 7.1 Characters who change or remain unchanged
- 7.2 Nuances in characters' relationships
- 7.3 The function of setting in a narrative
- 7.4 The relationship between character and setting
- 7.5 How plot orders events
- 7.6 The function of a sequence of events
- 7.7 How a narrator's reliability affects a narrative
- 7.8 The function of a symbol
- 7.9 The function of an image or imagery
- 7.10 The function of a simile
- 7.11 The function of personification
- 7.12 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 7.13 Developing commentary
- 7.14 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
Past Paper Questions
8. Poetry III 26 files
Handouts
Presentation slides
Exercise walk-through slides
- 8.1 The function of structure in a text
- 8.2 The function of contrasts within a text
- 8.3 The function of specific words and phrases
- 8.4 The function of a symbol
- 8.5 The function of a metaphor
- 8.6 The function of an allusion
- 8.7 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 8.8 Developing commentary
- 8.9 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 8.10 Control over the elements of composition
Vocabulary
Topic Quizzes
Exercise sheets
- 8.1 The function of structure in a text
- 8.2 The function of contrasts within a text
- 8.3 The function of specific words and phrases
- 8.4 The function of a symbol
- 8.5 The function of a metaphor
- 8.6 The function of an allusion
- 8.7 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 8.8 Developing commentary
- 8.9 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 8.10 Control over the elements of composition
Past Paper Questions
9. Longer Fiction or Drama III 23 files
Handouts
Presentation slides
Exercise walk-through slides
- 9.1 Characters who change or remain unchanged
- 9.2 Choices, actions, and speech reveal complexity
- 9.3 Significant events in a plot
- 9.4 The function of conflict in a text
- 9.5 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 9.6 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 9.7 Developing commentary
- 9.8 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
Vocabulary
Topic Quizzes
Exercise sheets
- 9.1 Characters who change or remain unchanged
- 9.2 Choices, actions, and speech reveal complexity
- 9.3 Significant events in a plot
- 9.4 The function of conflict in a text
- 9.5 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 9.6 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 9.7 Developing commentary
- 9.8 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
2026 1 files
- 2026 Questions
- AP English Literature and Composition — Question index
- 2.2 The function of structure in a text
- 4.10 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 4.12 Developing commentary
- 5.3 The function of specific words and phrases
- 6.7 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 6.10 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 7.5 How plot orders events
- 8.1 The function of structure in a text
- 8.8 Developing commentary
- 9.6 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 9.7 Developing commentary
- 9.8 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
Topic quizzes
- 1. Short Fiction I
- 2. Poetry I
- 3. Longer Fiction or Drama I
- 4. Short Fiction II
- 5. Poetry II
- 6. Longer Fiction or Drama II
- 7. Short Fiction III
- 8. Poetry III
- 9. Longer Fiction or Drama III
Unit tests
Mock papers
Course companion
Glossary
Topic handouts
- 1.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 1.2 Textual details that convey setting
- 1.3 How plot orders events
- 1.4 The function of a sequence of events
- 1.5 Identifying the narrator or speaker
- 1.6 The function of point of view
- 1.7 Developing a paragraph with claim and evidence
- 2.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 2.2 The function of structure in a text
- 2.3 The function of contrasts within a text
- 2.4 The function of specific words and phrases
- 2.5 The function of a simile
- 2.6 The function of a metaphor
- 2.7 Developing a paragraph with claim and evidence
- 3.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 3.2 Characters who change or remain unchanged
- 3.3 Textual details that convey setting
- 3.4 Significant events in a plot
- 3.5 The function of conflict in a text
- 3.6 Developing a paragraph with claim and evidence
- 3.7 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 3.8 Developing commentary
- 3.9 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 3.10 Control over the elements of composition
- 4.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 4.2 The function of contrasting characters
- 4.3 Nuances in characters' relationships
- 4.4 The function of setting in a narrative
- 4.5 The relationship between character and setting
- 4.6 How plot orders events
- 4.7 The function of contrasts within a text
- 4.8 Identifying the narrator or speaker
- 4.9 The function of point of view
- 4.10 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 4.11 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 4.12 Developing commentary
- 4.13 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 4.14 Control over the elements of composition
- 5.1 The function of structure in a text
- 5.2 Literal and figurative meaning
- 5.3 The function of specific words and phrases
- 5.4 The function of an image or imagery
- 5.5 The function of a metaphor
- 5.6 The function of personification
- 5.7 The function of an allusion
- 5.8 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 5.9 Developing commentary
- 5.10 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 5.11 Control over the elements of composition
- 6.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 6.2 The function of contrasting characters
- 6.3 Choices, actions, and speech reveal complexity
- 6.4 How plot orders events
- 6.5 The function of a sequence of events
- 6.6 The function of contrasts within a text
- 6.7 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 6.8 How a narrator's reliability affects a narrative
- 6.9 The function of a symbol
- 6.10 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 6.11 Developing commentary
- 6.12 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 6.13 Control over the elements of composition
- 7.1 Characters who change or remain unchanged
- 7.2 Nuances in characters' relationships
- 7.3 The function of setting in a narrative
- 7.4 The relationship between character and setting
- 7.5 How plot orders events
- 7.6 The function of a sequence of events
- 7.7 How a narrator's reliability affects a narrative
- 7.8 The function of a symbol
- 7.9 The function of an image or imagery
- 7.10 The function of a simile
- 7.11 The function of personification
- 7.12 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 7.13 Developing commentary
- 7.14 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 8.1 The function of structure in a text
- 8.2 The function of contrasts within a text
- 8.3 The function of specific words and phrases
- 8.4 The function of a symbol
- 8.5 The function of a metaphor
- 8.6 The function of an allusion
- 8.7 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 8.8 Developing commentary
- 8.9 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 8.10 Control over the elements of composition
- 9.1 Characters who change or remain unchanged
- 9.2 Choices, actions, and speech reveal complexity
- 9.3 Significant events in a plot
- 9.4 The function of conflict in a text
- 9.5 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 9.6 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 9.7 Developing commentary
- 9.8 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
Lesson slides
- 1. Short Fiction I
- 2. Poetry I
- 3. Longer Fiction or Drama I
- 4. Short Fiction II
- 5. Poetry II
- 6. Longer Fiction or Drama II
- 7. Short Fiction III
- 8. Poetry III
- 9. Longer Fiction or Drama III
Lesson slides
- 1.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 1.2 Textual details that convey setting
- 1.3 How plot orders events
- 1.4 The function of a sequence of events
- 1.5 Identifying the narrator or speaker
- 1.6 The function of point of view
- 1.7 Developing a paragraph with claim and evidence
- 2.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 2.2 The function of structure in a text
- 2.3 The function of contrasts within a text
- 2.4 The function of specific words and phrases
- 2.5 The function of a simile
- 2.6 The function of a metaphor
- 2.7 Developing a paragraph with claim and evidence
- 3.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 3.2 Characters who change or remain unchanged
- 3.3 Textual details that convey setting
- 3.4 Significant events in a plot
- 3.5 The function of conflict in a text
- 3.6 Developing a paragraph with claim and evidence
- 3.7 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 3.8 Developing commentary
- 3.9 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 3.10 Control over the elements of composition
- 4.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 4.2 The function of contrasting characters
- 4.3 Nuances in characters' relationships
- 4.4 The function of setting in a narrative
- 4.5 The relationship between character and setting
- 4.6 How plot orders events
- 4.7 The function of contrasts within a text
- 4.8 Identifying the narrator or speaker
- 4.9 The function of point of view
- 4.10 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 4.11 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 4.12 Developing commentary
- 4.13 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 4.14 Control over the elements of composition
- 5.1 The function of structure in a text
- 5.2 Literal and figurative meaning
- 5.3 The function of specific words and phrases
- 5.4 The function of an image or imagery
- 5.5 The function of a metaphor
- 5.6 The function of personification
- 5.7 The function of an allusion
- 5.8 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 5.9 Developing commentary
- 5.10 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 5.11 Control over the elements of composition
- 6.1 What textual details reveal about a character
- 6.2 The function of contrasting characters
- 6.3 Choices, actions, and speech reveal complexity
- 6.4 How plot orders events
- 6.5 The function of a sequence of events
- 6.6 The function of contrasts within a text
- 6.7 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 6.8 How a narrator's reliability affects a narrative
- 6.9 The function of a symbol
- 6.10 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 6.11 Developing commentary
- 6.12 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 6.13 Control over the elements of composition
- 7.1 Characters who change or remain unchanged
- 7.2 Nuances in characters' relationships
- 7.3 The function of setting in a narrative
- 7.4 The relationship between character and setting
- 7.5 How plot orders events
- 7.6 The function of a sequence of events
- 7.7 How a narrator's reliability affects a narrative
- 7.8 The function of a symbol
- 7.9 The function of an image or imagery
- 7.10 The function of a simile
- 7.11 The function of personification
- 7.12 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 7.13 Developing commentary
- 7.14 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 8.1 The function of structure in a text
- 8.2 The function of contrasts within a text
- 8.3 The function of specific words and phrases
- 8.4 The function of a symbol
- 8.5 The function of a metaphor
- 8.6 The function of an allusion
- 8.7 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 8.8 Developing commentary
- 8.9 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
- 8.10 Control over the elements of composition
- 9.1 Characters who change or remain unchanged
- 9.2 Choices, actions, and speech reveal complexity
- 9.3 Significant events in a plot
- 9.4 The function of conflict in a text
- 9.5 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 9.6 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 9.7 Developing commentary
- 9.8 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
Vocabulary lists
- 1. Short Fiction I
- 2. Poetry I
- 3. Longer Fiction or Drama I
- 4. Short Fiction II
- 5. Poetry II
- 6. Longer Fiction or Drama II
- 7. Short Fiction III
- 8. Poetry III
- 9. Longer Fiction or Drama III
Flashcards
Weekly vocab tests
- Week 1 · Topics 1–2 · Short Fiction I, Poetry I
- Week 2 · Topics 2–4 · Poetry I, Longer Fiction or Drama I, Short Fiction II
- Week 3 · Topics 4–6 · Short Fiction II, Poetry II, Longer Fiction or Drama II
- Week 4 · Topics 6–9 · Longer Fiction or Drama II, Short Fiction III, Poetry III, Longer Fiction or Drama III
Weekly homework
Exercise sheets
- Complete pack — exercise sheets + past papers
- 1 Short Fiction I — Part 1
- 1 Short Fiction I — Part 2
- 2 Poetry I — Part 1
- 2 Poetry I — Part 2
- 3 Longer Fiction or Drama I — Part 1
- 3 Longer Fiction or Drama I — Part 2
- 4 Short Fiction II — Part 1
- 4 Short Fiction II — Part 2
- 5 Poetry II — Part 1
- 5 Poetry II — Part 2
- 6 Longer Fiction or Drama II — Part 1
- 6 Longer Fiction or Drama II — Part 2
- 7 Short Fiction III — Part 1
- 7 Short Fiction III — Part 2
- 8 Poetry III — Part 1
- 8 Poetry III — Part 2
- 9 Longer Fiction or Drama III — Part 1
- 9 Longer Fiction or Drama III — Part 2
Past papers
- 2.2 The function of structure in a text
- 4.10 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 4.12 Developing commentary
- 5.3 The function of specific words and phrases
- 6.7 Details, diction, and syntax reveal perspective
- 6.10 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 7.5 How plot orders events
- 8.1 The function of structure in a text
- 8.8 Developing commentary
- 9.6 Developing a literary thesis statement
- 9.7 Developing commentary
- 9.8 Selecting relevant and sufficient evidence
Tips
Quote briefly and explain at length. Long quotations crowd out the commentary that earns credit; a short, well-chosen phrase leaves room to show what it is doing.
Answer the whole prompt. Poetry and prose prompts usually name both a feature to analyse and an effect to account for, and answers that handle only the feature stop short.
For the open question, choose a work you know in detail. The argument depends on specific textual evidence, so a well-remembered text beats an impressive but hazy one.