AP English Language & Composition

Subject Area
Credits 1
Prerequisites

B+ in previous English course

Home Learning
Moderate
Course Description

English Language cultivates the reading and writing skills that students need for college success and for intellectually responsible engagement. The course guides students in becoming curious, critical, and responsive readers of diverse texts, and reflective writers. The reading and writing students do in the course will deepen their understanding of how written language functions rhetorically: to communicate writers’ intentions and elicit readers’ responses in particular situations. The course cultivates the rhetorical understanding and use of written language by directing students’ attention to writer/ reader interactions in their reading and writing.

Learning Outcomes

Students will:

  • Develop formal and informal writing in the forms of narrative, expository, analytical, and argumentative pieces.
  • Demonstrate independent response and critical thinking about various concepts.
  • Develop an understanding of nonfiction writing and how an author can use various rhetorical techniques to crafts an argument.
  • Work toward establishing a personal voice and writing style by practicing the writing process (prewriting, drafting, editing, revising, and publishing).
  • Develop research skills and the ability to evaluate, use, and cite primary and secondary sources.
Assessment

Student assessment will include:

  • Short Answer responses
  • Timed essays
  • Formal essays
  • Presentations (individual)
  • Projects
  • Participation in class and small group discussions
Grades
11,
12
Grading Scheme
Standards-based Course
The Student Experience

“AP English Language & Composition is definitely for those who want to challenge themselves in the humanities. In this course, you will learn critical thinking and creative thinking skills that help you think outside the box—fast. Remaining within the confines of the AP course is something that can be especially challenging. However, if you hope to really unearth your innate writing potential, this is the class for you.”
- Angelina Wang (Class of 2024)

“AP English Language & Composition is a useful and interesting course for those interested in the Humanities and English, as well as those wanting to improve their language skills in general. While reading isn't heavy, there is a good amount of both in-class and out-of-class writing, and the assignments definitely push you out of your comfort zone. Make sure to go in for feedback as it will definitely be useful as you'll most likely be writing similar essays throughout the course.”
- Jaslyne Tam (Class of 2024) 

“I'm currently taking AP English Language & Composition, and I've already learned so much. The writing assignments, timed essays, and speeches have really helped me improve my communication skills as a whole. This has helped me in other humanities classes that I'm taking, so I would definitely recommend this course.”
- Yonsu Park (Class of 2024)