Exam: Wednesday, May 12, 2027 (morning)

AP English Language and Composition

Everything for the AP English Language and Composition exam on Wednesday, May 12, 2027 (morning): the official units and how much each is worth, the exam format, how long the exam is, how to study, and a free week-by-week study plan.

Days you can study

We suggest about 8–12 weeks before the exam, alongside your class. Your settings are saved in this browser.

Your AP Lang study plan

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Set up your AP Lang plan in the free StudyCoach Study Planner with every section and topic ready. It schedules daily tasks to your test date, tracks your progress and streak, and adds reminders to your calendar.

What's on the AP English Language and Composition exam

AP Lang sections, questions and timing
SectionQuestionsTime
Section I: Multiple choice45 questions1 hour (45%)
Section II: Free response3 essays2 hours 15 minutes incl. 15-minute reading period (55%)

Multiple choice has 23–25 reading and 20–22 writing questions. The essays are synthesis, rhetorical analysis and argument.

Estimate your AP Lang scoreEnter your practice test points and see your estimated AP score from 1 to 5.

AP Lang units

  1. Unit 1: Claims, reasoning and evidence
  2. Unit 2: Organizing information for a purpose and audience
  3. Unit 3: Perspectives and how arguments relate
  4. Unit 4: Developing introductions, arguments and conclusions
  5. Unit 5: Choices that bring an argument together
  6. Unit 6: Position, perspective and bias
  7. Unit 7: Complexity in arguments
  8. Unit 8: Style and its effect on argument
  9. Unit 9: Building a complex argument

College Board numbers the units 1–9 without titles; these short names describe each unit's focus. Units aren't weighted on the exam.

How to study for the AP English Language and Composition exam

  1. Analyse, don't summariseThe rhetorical analysis rewards explaining how and why choices work, not listing devices.
  2. Practise all three essaysEach has its own approach; rotate them in your weekly practice.
  3. Collect evidence for argumentsKeep notes on current events, history and your own experience to use as evidence.
  4. Use the reading period wellIn the 15-minute reading period, read the synthesis sources and plan your argument.

How long should you study for the AP English Language and Composition exam?

The AP English Language and Composition exam takes 3 hours 15 minutes. For studying, we suggest steady review alongside your class through the year, then about 8–12 weeks of focused exam preparation at 3–5 hours a week before Wednesday, May 12, 2027.

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AP Lang study plan FAQs

When is the AP Lang exam in 2027?

The AP English Language and Composition exam is on Wednesday, May 12, 2027 (morning), according to College Board's 2027 AP Exam schedule. Your AP coordinator confirms the time and room.

How long is the AP Lang exam?

The exam takes 3 hours 15 minutes: multiple choice (45 questions, 1 hour (45%)); free response (3 essays, 2 hours 15 minutes incl. 15-minute reading period (55%)).

Is AP Lang hard?

AP Lang focuses on reading and writing arguments rather than literature. Regular timed writing and feedback are the fastest way to improve.

What units are on the AP Lang exam?

The course has 9 units: 1. Claims, reasoning and evidence; 2. Organizing information for a purpose and audience; 3. Perspectives and how arguments relate; 4. Developing introductions, arguments and conclusions; 5. Choices that bring an argument together; 6. Position, perspective and bias; 7. Complexity in arguments; 8. Style and its effect on argument; 9. Building a complex argument.

How do I study for AP Lang?

Analyse, don't summarise. Practise all three essays. Collect evidence for arguments. Use the reading period well. Use the free study plan above to spread your review across every unit before the exam.

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Free practice tests for every unit:

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StudyCoach isn't affiliated with or endorsed by the organizations that make the AP English Language and Composition exam (AP® is a trademark of College Board). Check the official website for test dates, registration and the latest format.

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