Yo, anyone else struggling to understand how the AP Lang exam is graded? Just how much do the essays weigh in comparison to the multiple-choice section? I want to be sure I'm focusing on the right parts while prepping. Help!
Hey there! Absolutely, it can be a bit tricky to grasp the scoring system at first, but I'm happy to break it down for you. The AP Language and Composition exam includes a multiple-choice section and a free-response section (the essays). Each section is worth 50% of your final score.
The multiple-choice section has questions on reading comprehension, rhetorical analysis, and English conventions. It's important as it sets the baseline for your score. Meanwhile, the essays give you a chance to really shine with your analysis, argumentative skills, and synthesis of information. These are graded on a rubric from 0 to 9, which are then converted into a score that counts towards the other 50% of your exam score.
Fun fact, the essays are read by actual educators during the AP Reading each June! So make sure to practice writing clear, coherent, and well-argued essays. Focus on both sections, but if you're stronger in one area, it might pay off to put extra effort into improving in the other section too. Good luck with your prep!
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