AP English Literature and Composition

Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition studying literary analysis and interpretation.

Practical Applications

Writing Literary Analysis Essays

Crafting a Strong Literary Analysis Essay

Literary analysis essays require you to present an argument about a text, supported by evidence and analysis.

Key Steps

  1. Thesis Statement: Make a clear, arguable claim.
  2. Textual Evidence: Use quotes and examples from the text.
  3. Analysis: Explain how your evidence supports the thesis.
  4. Organization: Structure your essay with clear paragraphs and transitions.

Tips for Success

  • Stay focused on your thesis.
  • Avoid plot summary—analyze, don’t retell.
  • Revise for clarity and coherence.

Everyday Connections

These writing skills help with persuasive emails, reports, and social media posts.

Examples

  • Building an essay around the theme of ambition in 'Macbeth'.

  • Using textual evidence to analyze tone in a poem.