It Is Suggested That You Spend 15 Minutes Reading the Question Analyzing the Sources

Are you lot considering taking an AP English class at some betoken during high school? You might have noticed that AP offers two English language courses—AP English Literature and Limerick and AP English language Linguistic communication and Composition. (Those titles are a mouthful, so we'll just refer to them as AP Literature and AP Linguistic communication in this post.)

And so what are some of the differences betwixt the two classes? Is one class harder than the other? Should yous take both or just choose one? In this guide, nosotros'll explicate the similarities and differences between the ii courses to assist you lot make up one's mind which choice is all-time for y'all.

AP Literature vs. AP Language Overview

Some schools offering AP Literature and AP English Language as a sequence, with AP Language and Composition as a sophomore or inferior course, and AP Literature as a inferior or senior course.

In contrast, some schools only offer the AP Lit and AP Lang during senior year, so students accept to cull betwixt them. Or your school might not have strict requirements at all, and you might be wondering if you should take both, one, or none.

First, nosotros'll reveal which course is more than difficult, AP Lit or AP Lang. Then we'll discuss the similarities between the two courses likewise as the differences. Finally, we will ask you some guiding questions to assist you determine between the two classes.

Which Is Harder: AP Literature or AP Language?

You're probably wondering...out of the two AP English courses, which one is harder?

Well, it turns out neither AP Literature or AP Linguistic communication is super easy to pass, and both are quite difficult to get a 5 (the highest score) on. (For more than on AP test scoring, see our post.) Both exams have low pass rates and very low v rates.

AP Literature has a pass rate of almost 44%, while AP Linguistic communication's pass rate is about 58%. This makes them the 2nd and 16th lowest-passed AP exams in 2021 (out of the 38 total exams).

Their 5 rates are also low. AP Language has a 9% 5 rate. AP Literature has just a 5% 5 rate. That's well below the average rate for scoring a 5 beyond all AP tests (which is roughly 20%).

There are a few factors that could explain why both AP English exams have low pass rates and low 5 rates.

The commencement is the fact that they are both very pop exams. AP Language is the number one most pop AP exam—about 518,000 students took the test in 2020 alone! AP Literature is also a popular exam, with nigh 321,000 students sitting for the test in 2021.

This ways that both tests accept a very wide pool of exam-takers, which suggests there might be more students who take the test who are unprepared.

However, the fact that their 5 rates are and then low suggests that both exams are more than difficult than average to practise well on.

Given that the difference in laissez passer rates is then pocket-sized between the ii tests, it's unlikely one AP English class is dramatically harder than the other. Which exam is harder for y'all will depend on your strengths and weaknesses, equally both AP English language classes have different readings and goals.

To figure out which exam is all-time for yous, we'll compare the two classes and the content they cover. First, we will notation how the classes are similar, and then nosotros volition explain what makes each AP English language course unique.

What's the Same for AP Language and AP Literature?

And then what are the similarities between AP Literature and AP Language? Nosotros will compare both the AP tests and the classes.

The Examination

The exam format is very similar for both AP English classes.

The start function of AP Literature has 55 multiple-choice questions, and the first office of AP Language has 45 multiple pick questions. On both tests department I is worth 45% of your total score.

These questions mainly take you read passages and clarify them. The AP English Literature questions focus on literary devices, character, and theme while the AP English Language questions focus on rhetorical strategies and tone. Yet, both tests include comprehension questions and require yous to exist able to read circuitous passages quickly and empathize them.

The second office of both exams is worth 55% and has three essay questions. This means that both exams as well require very fast writing skills. You need to programme, outline, write, and edit iii essays in two hours, or in most 40 minutes per essay.

Both exams likewise require you to exist able to very quickly read and analyze a text past writing an essay, since the essay questions often ask you to analyze a slice of writing.

The only major departure in examination format is that the AP Language examination has a 15-minute reading period before the complimentary-response section, while AP Literature does non. This is to give you time to prepare for the synthesis question, which is unique to the AP Language test. The synthesis question has you incorporate several unlike sources into a coherent argument.

To sum up, the format of the two AP English exams is very similar. Y'all can expect the AP exam for either class to exist quite challenging.

The Class

Both AP English classes are English courses and thus will mainly consist of reading and writing assignments.

In particular, both emphasize writing clear, analytical essays. This is very different from simply summarizing a book or writing your ain stories like y'all might accept done in previous English language classes. Since both classes are meant to teach the aforementioned skills as an introductory higher English grade, the emphasis is on analyzing and writing virtually texts, rather than simply reading, summarizing, and creating your own work.

Withal, even though the examination and grade formats are quite similar, the subject area affair they tackle is very different. Next we will explore which makes each AP English grade unique.

What Sets the 2 Classes Apart?

There are some key differences between AP Linguistic communication and AP Literature. This means that 1 AP English class might be more useful for you lot than the other. In this section we'll explain v of the main differences between the two classes.

Looking at examples of actual prompts for both classes can as well help you get a sense of how they differ. For AP Language, you can read all of the contempo past complimentary-response topics here, and you lot can read all the recent past AP Literature gratuitous response questions hither.

Difference 1: AP Language Is Broader Than AP Literature

The main difference between the two courses is that AP Literature focuses generally on analyzing literature and poetry, while AP Language has a much broader scope.

AP English Language and Composition teaches you to deconstruct arguments and rhetorical strategies in mostly non-fiction works. Non-fiction is a wide term, and can include journalism, memoirs, essays, satire, comics, and even photography. In other words, you will read (and examine!) material that is likely much more than far-reaching than your by English language classes.

For AP Linguistic communication, y'all will besides practice lots of writing, learning to maximize your argument and/or effectiveness across different forms, from persuasive essays to memoir writing. Every bit an example, in my AP Linguistic communication grade, our writing assignments included persuasive essays, reports on current events, memoir writing, and keeping a nature journal, a la Henry David Thoreau in Walden. (If you lot don't know who that is, you probably will after taking AP Language!)

For AP Literature, the works you read will be much less broad. They will be primarily literature, although the class will too include some verse. Y'all'll primarily be reading novels and plays, and the texts you read will be less broad compared to what you read in AP Language.

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Departure 2: AP Literature Is More than In-Depth Than AP Language

AP English Literature teaches you to read and clarify works of literature and poetry with unlike lenses—for example, characterization, tone, or indicate of view. In that sense, it has less breadth but more depth than AP Language. Yous will work to discover a piece of work's theme or intent via use of literary devices, equally opposed to analyzing its argument or effectiveness.

Your essays for AP Literature will be mainly belittling. For instance, yous will explain how a novel achieves a sure tone by closely analyzing quotations. In about cases, you won't exist arguing for a betoken or saying how adept or bad something is. You will simply read literature closely and try to figure out what makes it tick.

For AP Language, you typically won't be diving so deep into 1 source; you'll instead exist making broader comparisons and arguments for a variety of texts. You won't be referring to specific quotes as often equally you lot would in AP Lit because you lot're taking more of a loftier-level await at the texts.

Difference 3: AP Language Is More than Applicative for Other Subjects Than AP Literature

The skills you learn in AP Language are broadly applicable to non only the humanities, but to the social sciences equally well. If you're interested in political science, sociology, or economics, the skills you learn in AP Language volition exist direct applicable to your college coursework.

AP Language is also a skilful choice if you are interested in natural science or engineering, since learning to suspension down arguments and read not-fiction texts will likely exist more helpful in your chosen field than analyzing poetry and literature. In whatsoever field, having strong writing skills is very helpful.

The essays on the AP Linguistic communication exam are designed to "test your skill in composition and require close reading, thoughtful rhetorical analysis, and purposeful argumentation." As we mentioned higher up, AP Linguistic communication has a synthesis prompt that requires you to pull together several unlike sources and write a cohesive argumentative essay. The synthesis prompt is like to the Document-Based Question yous'll find on AP History exams.

For AP Literature, you'll gain writing skills useful in any field, but this class has a very specific humanities/fine arts focus. You lot'll be studying primarily fiction texts, including poetry and literature. You'll spend more time studying how literary pieces are equanimous and how literary devices are used.

Fifty-fifty if you rarely read newspapers anymore, you lot might encounter them in AP Language!

Difference 4: You'll Likely Do More than Reading in AP Literature

You'll take to do a fair amount of reading for both classes, but AP Literature is by and large a more reading-intensive course. For AP Literature, y'all demand to read several books just to ready for the AP exam, so expect regular reading assignments. For example, my course read several novels, including The Corking Gatsby, besides as plays, brusque stories, and poetry. Nosotros also had to read half dozen full-length books the summertime before the class even started.

You'll also be doing reading for AP Language, simply the readings will oft exist shorter, and many won't be full-length novels or plays. If you're worried about having enough time to complete the required reading, it's an important factor to consider when deciding between the 2 classes.

Difference five: The Terminal AP Literature Prompt Is Especially Difficult

Many students find the concluding prompt on the AP Literature test to be peculiarly challenging. For the last prompt, the AP Literature test does not give you relevant quotes or summaries of the works you lot tin write about. This means you accept to be familiar with at least a few books and be able to write about them without having the books with you when you lot take the test.

As an example, here is the 2021 open response prompt:

The prompt gives you lot a broad variety of books and plays that you could write about, but too allows yous to clarify any piece of work of "comparable literary merit." (Twilight isn't going to cut it—pitiful!) But the prompt doesn't give you any more info than the work's championship — you need to be able to supply the show from that item work based on memory.

Some students memorize important quotes and page numbers to be prepared for this question, just this isn't essential if you have a strong grasp of the plot, characters, tone, themes, motifs, and and then on. Furthermore, to write these essays well, you need to know literary devices, similar allegory and hyperbole, to name a couple, and be able to utilise them as prove.

In contrast, the AP Language exam provides most of the sources for yous to analyze. (Yous should definitely know your mode effectually a rhetorical device, though!) Just ane essay asks you to consider outside sources, but it doesn't require specific books, and in fact allows you to depict from your own experience.

Over again, this shows that y'all'll have to do a lot more reading for AP Literature then that you lot have a wide puddle of books you lot can potentially use for the final essay prompt.

How Exercise You lot Decide Which AP English language Class to Accept?

Both AP English classes have fundamental similarities—like exam structure—and differences, like the blazon of reading yous'll do. So how volition you pick which 1 to take? Consider each of the following factors before making your decision.

What Are Yous Planning on Majoring In?

As a general rule, AP Language has a broader focus and will be more direct applicable to your work in various higher majors, while AP Literature is a great choice if you are interested in the arts or humanities.

For instance, if you lot know for sure you lot desire to pursue engineering in college, and then AP Language is probably the best option. You'll choice upwards some writing skills merely not be overloaded with tons of reading—saving you time for other challenging courses in math and science.

Merely if you know you lot want to study the humanities—including philosophy, history, English language or World Literature—the depth of reading you'll practice in AP Literature will give yous a solid base of knowledge to build on in college.

But what if you accept no clue what yous desire to study in college? Keep reading!

What Do You Like To Read?

AP Literature and AP Linguistic communication have very different focuses and reading lists. So remember about what you tend to enjoy reading! If y'all like the reading for a class, you are much more likely to complete it all and be interested in the assignments—meaning you'll get a better grade.

For example, if y'all follow the news, read lots of blogs or magazines, and enjoy non-fiction books, you'll probably enjoy the AP Linguistic communication reading. If you read fiction books for fun and savor writing your own stories, you might prefer AP Literature. Sure, y'all won't exist doing lots of creative writing, simply studying what makes literature great will assistance you be a ameliorate writer.

Who Teaches These Classes at Your School?

Preferences and future major aside, your experience in the class will really depend on how it's taught at your school and how skilful the instructor is.

If you can, get a syllabus from both of this yr's classes. At that place isn't required reading for either course, although AP Literature has many suggested authors, so teachers accept a lot of freedom in designing their reading lists. You might exist much more than interested in ane class'due south reading than another, and that volition help you decide.

You lot can also ask upperclassmen and your guidance counselor almost the reputation and pass charge per unit of the different classes at your schoolhouse.

Chances are, both AP English language teachers volition exist pretty proficient, if not excellent. Only if, for instance, everyone raves virtually the AP Literature class and says that they learned a ton and loved the teacher, consider taking it even if y'all're leaning towards AP Language. Never underestimate the effect of an astonishing teacher!

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Is Information technology Possible to Take Both AP Language and AP Literature?

If yous really can't make up one's mind, run across if it'southward possible to take both classes.

Colleges want to come across that you are taking a challenging course load based on what'south available at your school. That could mean fitting in both AP English courses, only if that causes you to have to sacrifice other AP classes or an extracurricular, taking one is plenty.

Again, this volition also depend on your intended major. For example, if you're a future engineer, taking both AP English classes won't vastly strengthen your college applications, while fitting in both AP Calculus and AP Physics will. But if yous are interested in the humanities, it would make sense to take both.

Personally, I took both AP English language classes: AP Language in tenth course, and AP Literature in 11th grade. They were both challenging, but I liked taking them in that order, since Language was broader and gave me an introduction to writing AP essays. I was able to use the skills I developed in Linguistic communication to do well in Literature.

For me, Literature was more challenging, mainly because I had to know a few books and plays within and out to be set for the free-response section of the AP examination. I found both tests' multiple-choice sections equally challenging.

I found the skills I built in both classes to be incredibly useful to me across a range of college classes—from economics to political science to English.

Don't choose just i path!

Bottom Line: AP Lang vs AP Lit

Both AP English classes volition improve your writing skills. Both AP English classes have challenging exams. The chief difference between the two is what types of reading they focus on.

Hopefully reading well-nigh the two classes gave you an idea near which 1 you are leaning toward. If not, make an date to talk to your guidance counselor to discuss which class is best for you.

What'due south Side by side?

Whether you decide to take AP Literature, AP Language, or both, you might besides be wondering how many AP classes total you should accept in loftier schoolhouse. See our guide to choosing the right number of AP classes.

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Notwithstanding deciding betwixt the Sabbatum or Deed? Find out for sure which you lot volition do the best on. As well read a detailed comparison between the two tests.

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Almost the Author

Halle Edwards graduated from Stanford University with honors. In high school, she earned 99th percentile Human activity scores likewise as 99th percentile scores on Sat field of study tests. She too took nine AP classes, earning a perfect score of 5 on vii AP tests. As a graduate of a large public loftier school who tackled the college admission procedure largely on her own, she is passionate about helping high schoolhouse students from different backgrounds go the cognition they need to exist successful in the higher admissions process.

It Is Suggested That You Spend 15 Minutes Reading the Question Analyzing the Sources

Source: https://blog.prepscholar.com/whats-the-difference-between-ap-literature-and-ap-language

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