Free-response practice
English Language free-response questions
Free-response questions (FRQs) are the part of the AP® English Language and Composition exam where you write your own answers. Here they're grouped the way the exam uses them. Write your answer, then score it yourself with the rubric and a model answer, or sign in for free AI scoring.
18 questions · 3 types
Synthesis essay
You read six sources on one issue, including two visuals with at least one chart or table, and write an argument that takes your own position and uses evidence from at least three of the sources. On this site a data table stands in for a visual source.
On the exam: Question 1 of 3, required. Section II has 3 essays in 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 15-minute reading period, and is 55% of the score; each essay is worth 6 points on the same analytic rubric (thesis 1, evidence and commentary 4, sophistication 1). The exam is fully digital in Bluebook. Recommended: the 15-minute reading period for the sources, then about 40 minutes to write. Plan on about 55 minutes for one.
Units 2, 3 and 6
Later start times for high schools
6 points · about 55 minutes
Units 6 and 9
Fine-free public libraries
6 points · about 55 minutes
Units 6 and 7
Limiting visitors at crowded national parks
6 points · about 55 minutes
Units 6 and 9
Car-free downtown streets
6 points · about 55 minutes
Units 3, 6 and 9
Required community service for graduation
6 points · about 55 minutes
Units 6 and 7
Required personal finance course
6 points · about 55 minutes
Rhetorical analysis essay
You read a nonfiction passage of about 600 to 800 words, such as a speech, letter or essay, and analyze how the writer's choices help achieve their purpose for their audience.
On the exam: Question 2 of 3, required. Section II has 3 essays in 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 15-minute reading period, and is 55% of the score; each essay is worth 6 points on the same analytic rubric (thesis 1, evidence and commentary 4, sophistication 1). The exam is fully digital in Bluebook. About 40 minutes recommended. Plan on about 40 minutes for one.
Units 1, 3 and 8
Roosevelt's “The Strenuous Life”
6 points · about 40 minutes
Units 2, 6 and 8
Douglass on the Fourth of July
6 points · about 40 minutes
Units 1, 2 and 8
Washington's Atlanta Exposition address
6 points · about 40 minutes
Units 3, 6 and 8
Twain's “Corn-Pone Opinions”
6 points · about 40 minutes
Units 5, 6 and 8
Swift's “A Modest Proposal”
6 points · about 40 minutes
Units 1, 2, 3 and 5
Anthony on the right to vote
6 points · about 40 minutes
Argument essay
You get a short introduction to an issue or idea, often with a quotation, and write an argument for your own position, backed by evidence such as examples from history, current events, reading, observation or your own experience.
On the exam: Question 3 of 3, required. Section II has 3 essays in 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 15-minute reading period, and is 55% of the score; each essay is worth 6 points on the same analytic rubric (thesis 1, evidence and commentary 4, sophistication 1). The exam is fully digital in Bluebook. About 40 minutes recommended. Plan on about 40 minutes for one.
Units 1, 2 and 4
The value of boredom
6 points · about 40 minutes
Units 7 and 9
Changing your mind
6 points · about 40 minutes
Units 4 and 5
Thoreau on inventions and convenience
6 points · about 40 minutes
Units 3, 4, 7 and 9
Does competition bring out the best in people?
6 points · about 40 minutes
Units 1, 3 and 4
Intentions or results?
6 points · about 40 minutes
Units 1, 5 and 7
Focus deeply or explore widely?
6 points · about 40 minutes