AP English Literature and Composition

AP English Literature and Composition focuses on the analysis of literary texts and the development of critical reading and writing skills.

Close Reading and AnnotationLiterary Elements and DevicesPoetry Analysis
Prose Fiction AnalysisDrama and Play AnalysisLiterary Argumentation and Essay Writing
Applying Critical Reading SkillsCreative Writing Inspired by LiteratureDiscussion and Debate
Time Management for the AP ExamThesis and Evidence StrategyActive Reading Strategies
Close Reading and An...Literary Elements an...Poetry AnalysisProse Fiction Analys...Drama and Play Analy...Literary Argumentati...Applying Critical Re...Creative Writing Ins...Discussion and Debat...Time Management for ...Thesis and Evidence ...Active Reading Strat...
Advanced Topics

Literary Argumentation and Essay Writing

Building Strong Literary Arguments

Writing about literature means making a claim about a text and supporting it with evidence and analysis.

Steps to a Great Literary Essay

  1. Create a clear, arguable thesis statement.
  2. Use textual evidence—quotes and references—to support your ideas.
  3. Explain how your evidence proves your point.
  4. Organize your essay logically, with clear topic sentences.
  5. Revise for clarity, coherence, and style.

Why It Matters

These skills are vital for the AP exam and for any field where critical thinking and communication are valued.

Beyond the Classroom

Crafting arguments and supporting them with evidence is key in debates, research projects, and persuasive writing in many careers.

Examples

  • Writing an essay arguing that Hamlet’s indecision is his tragic flaw.

  • Using quotes to support an interpretation of symbolism in 'Lord of the Flies.'

In a Nutshell

Literary argumentation is making and supporting claims about texts using evidence and analysis.

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Applying Critical Reading Skills