The AP English Literature scoring rubrics, FRQ by FRQ
AP English Literature and Composition is a year-long College Board course taken primarily by high school juniors and seniors. The AP Exam includes a multiple-choice section and three free-response essay tasks (FRQs) focused on analysis of literary texts.
All three FRQs are scored on the same 6-point analytic rubric structure: Row A: Thesis (0 to 1 point), Row B: Evidence and Commentary (0 to 4 points), and Row C: Sophistication (0 to 1 point). The rubric criteria for each row are tailored to the specific task, analyzing a poem, a prose passage, or applying a general claim to a chosen literary work, but the structure stays consistent.
These rubrics took effect Fall 2019. Total AP English Literature exam score is calculated from the multiple-choice section plus the three FRQ rubric scores, weighted and scaled to the 1 to 5 AP score.
The three AP English Literature FRQ rubrics
Each free-response question on the AP English Literature exam uses the same 6-point analytic rubric structure (Thesis, Evidence and Commentary, Sophistication), but with criteria tailored to the specific literary task. All three are scored on a 0 to 6 scale.
Students read a poem (often unfamiliar) and analyze how the writer uses literary elements and techniques to create meaning. 40 minutes of suggested writing time.
Students read a passage of prose fiction and analyze how the writer uses literary elements and techniques to convey meaning. 40 minutes suggested.
Students apply a general critical claim to a work of literary merit they choose from a provided list (or another work of comparable merit). 40 minutes suggested.
How AP English Literature scores writing
All three AP English Literature FRQs use the same 6-point analytic rubric structure with three rows. Each row is scored independently, then summed for the FRQ total. Row A (Thesis) is binary at 0 or 1 point. Row B (Evidence and Commentary) uses a 0 to 4 scale and carries the most weight. Row C (Sophistication) is binary at 0 or 1.
0 or 1 point. Awards a defensible interpretation of the poem, passage, or selected work that responds to the prompt. Restating the prompt, describing the text without interpreting it, or making a generalized comment does not earn the point.
0 to 4 points. Combines specific textual evidence with commentary that explains how literary elements or techniques contribute to meaning. Row B 3 requires explaining at least one literary element; Row B 4 requires multiple literary elements explained as part of a line of reasoning.
0 or 1 point. Rewards sophistication of thought or development of a complex literary argument. Includes exploring complexities or tensions in the text, situating the interpretation in a broader context, accounting for alternative interpretations, or employing a consistently vivid and persuasive style.
Common questions about AP English Literature writing
What is the AP English Literature scoring rubric?
How is AP Lit scored differently from AP Lang?
How many literary elements do I need to analyze for Row B 4?
What literary works can I write about for FRQ 3?
Can I earn 6 on an AP Lit FRQ with grammar errors?
Where can I find the source document?
Can teachers use the AP Lit rubric outside of testing?
Does EnlightenAI auto-score with this rubric?
Score AP English Literature essays in EnlightenAI
Train EnlightenAI on the official AP English Literature scoring rubrics and start scoring student FRQs, with consistent per-row feedback, in a single class period.