AP Lit vs AP Lang: Which one is harder?

I need some advice for my course selection next year. Can anyone help me determine which AP English course is harder between AP Literature and AP Language? I want to make the best decision for my learning style and schedule.

Hey there! It's common for students to have questions about which AP English course to take – AP Literature or AP Language. Though the difficulty of each course may vary depending on your strengths and interests, I'll help break down the differences to make your decision a little bit easier.

AP Literature primarily focuses on analyzing poetry, fiction, and drama with an emphasis on critical thinking, while AP Language involves analyzing nonfiction texts like speeches, essays, and articles. In general, AP Lang is more about rhetoric, the art of persuasion, and effective writing, whereas AP Lit is more about examining themes, characters, and literary elements in various works.

In terms of workload and difficulty, this can vary between schools and instructors, but some students find AP Language's focus on essays and writing to be less of a challenge compared to AP Literature's intense workload on reading complex literary works.

Ultimately, the choice will depend on your interests, strengths, and schedule. If you enjoy diving into literature and analyzing creative works, AP Literature might be a better fit. On the other hand, if you prefer persuasive writing and analyzing nonfiction texts, AP Language could be the way to go. Good luck with your decision!