AP English Language and Composition
Master the Art of Rhetoric and Argumentation
AP English Language and Composition focuses on the development and revision of evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing, the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts, and the decisions writers make as they compose and revise.
Academic Level
College-Level
Subject Area
English
Course Rigor
Advanced
Governed By
College Board
Course Overview
What You Will Learn in This Course
Students learn to evaluate, synthesize, and cite research to support their arguments. The course prepares students for college-level writing and critical reading by focusing on the rhetorical analysis of nonfiction texts. Participants analyze the specific choices writers make to communicate effectively with their intended audience. Throughout the year, students develop their own voices by practicing evidence-based analytic and argumentative writing. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of understanding a writer’s purpose, audience, and the historical context of their work. Students gain proficiency in identifying logical fallacies and strengthening their own lines of reasoning through iterative revision. By mastering the art of synthesis, they learn to combine multiple perspectives into a cohesive and persuasive argument. This high-level communication training is indispensable for academic success across all disciplines and professional fields.
Course Overview
Why Choose This AP Course
This course builds essential communication skills and prepares students for academic writing across all disciplines and diverse career paths. Mastery of the written word is perhaps the most transferable skill a student can acquire, essential for success from science to law. This course goes beyond basic grammar to teach the sophisticated art of rhetoric and persuasive argumentation. Students learn to dissect complex texts and understand how language can be used to influence and lead. This training is crucial for anyone aspiring to roles in executive leadership, marketing, or public advocacy. Participants develop the ability to articulate their ideas with precision, clarity, and authority. The course fosters a disciplined approach to research and revision that serves as a hallmark of academic excellence. It is a transformative experience for students who want their voices to be heard in a crowded world.
Critical Thinking
Technical Skills
Problem Solving
Academic Growth
Colaboration
Career Readiness
Prerequisites
Analytical Thinking
Ability to evaluate arguments and identify rhetorical strategies
Recommended
Writing Proficiency
Basic mastery of standard written English and essay structure
Required
Prior English Experience
Previous advanced English coursework is helpful but not mandatory
Optional
Reading Comprehension
Ability to read and understand complex, college-level texts
Required
Key Learning Outcomes
Build vocabulary and grammar skills
Analyze nonfiction texts and arguments
Create synthesis and argumentative essays
Prepare for advanced humanities coursework
Develop proficiency in writing essays
Master rhetorical analysis strategies
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Course Framework
Structure & Assessment
Unit 1–9 covering rhetorical situations and arguments
1
Multiple-choice questions testing reading and writing skills
2
Free-response questions requiring synthesis, rhetorical analysis, and argument
3
Emphasis on analyzing nonfiction texts and writing evidence-based essays
4
Duration
Full academic year (150+ hours)
Scoring
Scale of 1–5 (3+ generally considered passing)
Grading Basis
Combination of multiple-choice and free-response sections
Strategies for Success
Syllabus
You'll learn to identify and analyze the claims in a text and determine whether the writer backs up their assertions with reasoning and evidence.
Unit 1
Rhetorical Situation
You'll learn about how writers organize information and evidence to support a specific argument and appeal to a particular audience.
Unit 2
Claims and Evidence
You'll explore the range of perspectives around a topic and how various arguments can relate and respond to one another.
Unit 3
Reasoning and Organization
You'll examine how a writer makes choices about methods of developing arguments, introductions, and conclusions.
Unit 4
Style
You'll focus on the very specific and minute choices a writer makes to bring all the parts of an argument together.
Unit 5
Rhetorical Situation and Claims
You'll work to understand the difference between position and perspective, how to consider bias, and how to integrate and address multiple perspectives in an argument.
Unit 6
Reasoning and Organization
You'll consider the breadth and complexity of arguments around a topic and what makes each successful or unsuccessful.
Unit 7
Developing a Complex Argument
You'll explore the stylistic choices a writer can make and how those choices affect an argument.
Unit 8
Style
You'll consider a wide range of perspectives as you develop a complex argument.
Unit 9
Developing a Complex Argument
Strategies for Success
Study & Success Tips
Build vocabulary and grammar skills
Tip 4
Analyze nonfiction texts and arguments
Tip 3
Master rhetorical analysis strategies
Tip 2
Develop proficiency in writing essays
Tip 1
Prepare for advanced humanities coursework
Tip 6
Create synthesis and argumentative essays
Tip 5
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