Types of Passages on the AP Lit Exam

On the AP English Literature exam, you will be asked to analyze prose, drama, and poetry passages. But what exactly are these different passages?

Interested in lit, make sure to read all of the explanations below and check out the AP English Literature course now offered by Fiveable for a full and online class to take!

Prose

✨ Prose is written or spoken language in its ordinary form, without metrical structure. ✨ It is comprised of sentences and paragraphs, and is written to sound similar to  spoken language.

✨ One example of prose is a novel.

• You will be presented with at least two prose fiction passages on the multiple choice section of the exam.

• You will also be asked to write an analysis essay on a given work of prose, and write an essay on an idea using a self chosen work of prose.

Watch this review video about Prose Analysis on settings and characters to prepare for your exam!

Drama

✨ Drama is a mode of fictional representation which includes dialogue and performance. ✨ One example of drama is a play, in which various speakers are given lines.

• The two prose fiction passages on the multiple choice section of the exam may include drama works.

• For the third and final essay on the exam, you may choose a work of drama to respond to the prompt, or a work of prose.

Poetry

✨ Poetry is an expression of feelings and ideas using distinctive style and rhythm. ✨ It is comprised of lines and stanzas, and uses metrical structure. By employing figurative language, these passages sound more artistic than prose. 

✨ On the AP Lit exam, the only form of poetry you will encounter is the poem.

• There will be at least two poetry passages on the multiple choice section.

• There will also be an essay requiring analysis of poetry.

Check out this review guide on poetry in AP Lit for more info!