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AP Exams
Help Students Prep for AP English Language and Composition [6 Free Templates]
Sun Paik, Head of Marketing @ Flint
Apr 26, 2025
AP English Language and Composition is one of the most dynamic and rewarding courses students can take in high school. Focused on analyzing nonfiction texts and crafting evidence-based arguments, AP Lang sharpens essential skills students will use far beyond the exam: critical reading, persuasive writing, and rhetorical thinking.
But while the rewards are great, the rigor is real. Students must navigate a dense variety of nonfiction genres, understand complex rhetorical strategies, and express sophisticated ideas under tight time constraints. Teachers, in turn, are tasked with making rhetorical analysis approachable, writing instruction meaningful, and exam prep efficient—all while fostering a genuine love for ideas and language.
That’s where Flint comes in. Flint is a K-12 AI tool that has helped hundreds of thousands of teachers and students with personalized learning. It’s why thousands of educators like Sherry Pielsticker at The York School say Flint “is like having a personal tutor for each student, and a creative teaching partner all rolled into one.”
You can try out Flint for free, try out our templates, or book a demo if you want to see Flint in action. If you’re interested in seeing our resources, you can check out our AI glossary, PD materials, AI policy library, case studies, and tools library to learn more. Finally, if you want to see Flint’s impact, you can see testimonials from fellow teachers.
Overview of AP English Language and Composition
Exam Format: AP English Language and Composition
In the exam, students demonstrate their ability to analyze and respond to rhetorical situations through multiple-choice questions and three distinct essay prompts.
A strong performance on this exam can earn students college credit and placement in advanced writing courses—making it a valuable investment for those pursuing higher education.
AP Lang Multiple Choice Questions
Students read several nonfiction passages and answer multiple-choice questions that assess reading comprehension, rhetorical analysis, and textual function. As of 2024, all multiple-choice questions feature four answer choices instead of five.
This part of the exam takes 1 hour and there are around 45 questions. It is 45% of the total exam score.
AP Lang Free Response Questions
The free response question has students write three essays in 2 hours and 15 minutes (which includes a 15 minute reading period). This is 45% of the total score.
Each essay has a specific structure:
Synthesis Essay – Students evaluate and incorporate evidence from multiple provided sources to craft an argument on a specific issue.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay – Students analyze how an author constructs an argument in a given nonfiction passage.
Argument Essay – Students develop their own argument in response to a prompt, using evidence from their knowledge, experience, or observations.
These are scored on a 6-point rubric based on thesis, evidence, sophistication of thought, and organization.
6 Activity Templates for AP English Language and Composition
Here are 6 activity templates from Flint you can use for AP English Language and Composition:
AP English Language MCQ Practice and Grader
The AP English Language MCQ Practice and Grader activity is designed to help students sharpen the reading comprehension and rhetorical analysis skills they need for success on the AP exam. Students work through a series of practice multiple-choice questions modeled after real AP English Language exams, building stamina, confidence, and critical reasoning along the way.
Students first complete Practice Exam 1, answering questions one at a time with access to an annotated reference document. Flint provides immediate feedback on missed questions, giving students a second chance to correct errors and reflect on their reading strategies. After completing Practice Exam 2, students can request even more customized practice questions based on their needs! This is perfect for differentiating instruction and targeting weak areas as well as for students who want more practice questions for AP Lang.
You can find the template here and use it for free.
AP English Lang FRQ Model Answer Analysis
The AP English Language Model Response Analysis activity helps students see what success looks like by closely studying a high-scoring essay from a past AP exam. Students first review an official AP prompt before analyzing a model student response.
Guided by AP scoring criteria, Flint highlights why the essay earned a high score, pointing out effective thesis development, evidence use, commentary, and sophistication. This activity builds students’ ability to recognize strong writing moves and apply them to their own work making it a valuable tool for essay workshops, FRQ bootcamps, or targeted skills practice.
You can find the template here and use it for free.
AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Feedback and Grader
In the AP Lang Rhetorical Analysis Essay Feedback activity created by Joe Williams, students submit their rhetorical analysis essays for detailed scoring and feedback based on the official College Board AP English Language and Composition rubric. Before submitting, students complete a self-assessment to reflect on their thesis clarity, evidence integration, and overall sophistication of analysis. This extra step encourages students to critically evaluate their own work before receiving external feedback.
The structured feedback students receive focuses on key rubric areas: thesis development, selection and commentary on evidence, and the sophistication of argument. Flint provides clear, targeted suggestions for improvement, helping students build the rhetorical precision and confidence needed for the exam. Teachers can use this activity as part of regular essay practice, formative assessment, or targeted FRQ (Free Response Question) workshops.
You can find the template here and use it for free.
AP Lang Synthesis Essay Feedback and Grader
In the AP Lang Synthesis Essay grader activity created by Joe Williams, students submit their synthesis essays for detailed scoring and feedback based on the official College Board AP English Language and Composition rubric. Students first input both the essay prompt they responded to and their written essay for evaluation. To encourage deeper reflection, teachers can choose to temporarily pause access to feedback, prompting students to complete a self-assessment before submitting.
The feedback focuses on critical areas such as thesis development, source integration, line of reasoning, and sophistication of argument. Teachers can use this activity for targeted writing practice, peer review workshops, or timed exam simulations.
You can find the template here and use it for free.
AP Lang Argument Essay Feedback and Grader
The third template by Joe Williams is focused on AP English Language and Composition Argument Essay grading. Students submit their argument essays for detailed scoring and feedback based on the official College Board AP English Language and Composition rubric. Flint evaluates each essay across three core categories: Thesis (0–1 point), Evidence and Commentary (0–4 points), and Sophistication (0–1 point), for a total possible score of six points.
Flint provides a clear, structured assessment of the essay’s strengths and areas for improvement in each rubric category. This approach helps students build awareness of their argumentative writing skills, understand where they are meeting expectations, and focus their revisions on specific, high-impact areas.
You can find the template here and use it for free.
AP English Language FRQ Practice and Grader
If you are looking for an activity where students can prepare for all three writing essay styles, this template created by a Flint user may be your best bet. The AP English Language FRQ Practice and Grader is perfect for students who want to get additional practice based on provided prompts similar to those from the CollegeBoard. After submission, they receive line-by-line feedback and an overall score.
You can try the template here and use it for free.
Why Use Flint for AP English Language and Composition
With dense nonfiction texts, complex writing tasks, and tight timelines, it can be a challenge to give every student the personalized support they need.
For AP Lang teachers, Flint offers unique features that specifically attend to English and writing support:
Personalized feedback
Source-based activities with citation support
Targeted MCQ and FRQ practice
Time-saving activity generation
Class and student progress analytics
Personalized Essay Feedback
Students can submit synthesis, rhetorical analysis, or argument essays directly through Flint. The platform provides AI-generated feedback aligned with FRQ rubrics. Teachers can even upload their own rubrics for more tailored responses.
Source-Based Activities with Citation Support
Students can annotate, answer guiding questions, and cite evidence directly. Flint includes automatic in-line citation generation, helping students build proper habits for citing sources early.
Targeted MCQ and FRQ Practice
Flint can generate AP-style multiple-choice and free-response questions based on past exam questions and College Board AP English Language and Composition course overviews. This means that students can have additional practice before the exam for free.
Time-saving Activity Generation
Flint drastically reduces prep time. Want a synthesis practice using current events? A rhetorical analysis exercise on a historical speech? An argument prompt tied to student interests? Just tell Flint over chat what you need and Flint will create it for you.
Class and Student Progress Analytics
Teachers can track how each student is doing, whether they’re nailing their rhetorical analysis or need more help connecting evidence to claims. Flint also lets you look at overall class progress. This insight allows for truly data-driven instruction without the headache of manual grading or spreadsheets.
FAQs about AP English Language and Composition
What are the main differences between AP English Language and Composition and AP English Literature and Composition?
AP English Language and Composition focuses on nonfiction and rhetorical analysis. Students read essays, speeches, op-eds, memoirs, and historical documents to understand how authors use language to inform, persuade, or argue.
AP English Literature and Composition, on the other hand, centers on fictional texts—novels, plays, poetry—and emphasizes literary analysis, character development, and thematic interpretation.
In short:
AP Lang = rhetoric + argumentation
AP Lit = literary interpretation + poetic devices
How can I prepare for the multiple-choice section of the AP English and Composition exam?
Practice is key. Students should:
Read a variety of nonfiction texts (editorials, speeches, essays)
Practice identifying main ideas, rhetorical devices, and tone
Use MCQ drills to get familiar with question types and time constraints
Flint offers AP Lang MCQ drills that simulate the format and focus on key skills like inference, diction analysis, and function of a passage. Teachers can track which questions students miss and assign follow-ups accordingly.
What are some strategies for writing strong free-response essay in AP English and Composition?
Here are a few essential tips:
Start with a clear thesis that answers the prompt directly.
Use specific evidence—from provided sources (synthesis), the text (rhetorical analysis), or your own reasoning (argument).
Include commentary that explains how your evidence supports your claim.
Organize your essay with clear transitions and purposeful structure.
Leave time for editing and proofreading—even if just a quick polish.
How does the new format of MCQs with four answer choices affect the exam strategy?
The shift from five to four choices per multiple-choice question is designed to reduce ambiguity and guessing. While the format may feel slightly easier, students still need to:
Eliminate incorrect answers using textual evidence
Focus on subtle distinctions in tone, function, and purpose
Practice under timed conditions to build endurance and confidence
What types of texts are typically used in the AP English Language and Composition exam?
The exam draws from a diverse range of nonfiction texts, including:
Political speeches (e.g., Lincoln, Obama)
Personal essays and memoir excerpts
Historical documents and letters
Editorials and journalistic opinion pieces
Visual texts like infographics or political cartoons (in synthesis)
These texts vary in style, tone, and time period, so students should practice reading a wide range of voices.
Tips to Supporting Students in AP English Language and Composition
Like any AP course, AP English Language and Composition requires intense rigor from students. When combined with other classes, extracurriculars, and simply being high school students, students can feel overwhelmed and intimidated as test day looms. Here are some ways to support students so they feel their best on exam day:
Build confidence early
Encourage reading for curiosity
Scaffold essay writing
Build Confidence Early
Many students come into AP Lang doubting their writing abilities. Provide low-stakes opportunities early on—short journal entries, informal rhetorical breakdowns, or peer-led mini-lessons. Celebrate growth and effort, not just correctness. When students see early wins, they’re more likely to take risks and revise with purpose.
Encourage Reading for Curiosity, Not Just Curriculum
Supplement official readings with texts that reflect student interests—sports articles, social media think-pieces, or speeches from figures they admire. When students engage with ideas that feel personally relevant, they’re more willing to explore rhetorical strategies and ask big questions.
Scaffold Essay Writing
Don’t expect students to tackle a full synthesis essay from day one. Break it down: analyzing a single source, grouping texts, writing an intro paragraph, practicing commentary. Use scaffolds, sentence frames, and student exemplars to show what success looks like at each stage.
How to Use Flint Beyond AP English and Composition
If you are not looking specifically for exam preparation activities and want more general use cases for students in ELA, you’re in luck!
Therapy Session with AI Winston from 1984
In this activity, students have a therapy session with AI Winston from 1984 to make reading an engaging and interactive activity. When creating the activity, the teacher told Flint students should understand Winston’s key motivations and why he betrayed Julia. Flint then plays the role of Winston, while students ask Flint socio-emotional questions to understand Winston’s psychology. This inevitably causes students to read the material intently, ask Winston questions from close-reading, and understand the overarching themes of the novel.
To Kill a Mockingbird AI Book Club
Have students participate through a book club discussion with AI! In this activity, students are a part of a To Kill a Mockingbird AI Book Club. They’ll be able to discuss important themes like racial injustice and coming-of-age through rich use of symbolism.
With Flint, teachers can have students engage in a 1-1 conversation with the AI about any book, almost as if they are in a book club that is perfectly tailored to their pace of understanding.
Try Flint for AP English Language and Composition
Whether it’s day one of class or D-1 before exam day, Flint is here to provide personalized, interactive AI learning to your AP English Language and Composition classroom.
You can try out Flint for free, try out our templates, or book a demo if you want to see Flint in action. If you’re interested in seeing our resources, you can check out our AI Glossary, PD materials, AI policy library, case studies, and tools library to learn more. Finally, if you want to see Flint’s impact, you can see testimonials from fellow teachers.
See our other AP resource bundles here:
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