AP English Literature and Composition Skills

BIG IDEAS
LAN  Literary
CHR  Character SET  Setting STR  Structure NAR  Narration FIG  Figurative Language Argumentation
ENDURING UNDERSTANDINGS
Characters in literature allow readers Setting and the details The arrangement of the parts A narrator’s or speaker’s Comparisons, representations, and associations shift meaning from Readers establish and communicate
to study and explore a range of associated with it not only and sections of a text, the perspective controls the details the literal to the figurative and invite readers to interpret a text. their interpretations of literature through
values, beliefs, assumptions, biases, depict a time and place, but also relationship of the parts to each and emphases that affect how arguments supported by textual evidence.
and cultural norms represented by convey values associated with other, and the sequence in which readers experience and interpret
those characters. that setting. the text reveals information are a text.
all structural choices made by
a writer that contribute to the
reader’s interpretation of a text.

Skill Category 1 Skill Category 2 Skill Category 3 Skill Category 4 Skill Category 5 Skill Category 6 Skill Category 7
Explain the function Explain the function Explain the function of Explain the function of Explain the function of Explain the function Develop textually substantiated
of character. of setting. plot and structure. the narrator or speaker. word choice, imagery, of comparison. arguments about interpretations
and symbols. of part or all of a text.

AP English Literature and Composition Course and Exam Description

SKILLS
1.A  Identify and describe 2.A  Identify and describe 3.A  Identify and describe 4.A  Identify and describe 5.A  Distinguish between 6.A  Identify and explain 7.A  Develop a paragraph that
what specific textual details specific textual details that how plot orders events in the narrator or speaker of the literal and figurative the function of a simile. includes 1) a claim that requires
reveal about a character, that convey or reveal a setting. a narrative. a text. meanings of words Units 2, 7 defense with evidence from the text
character’s perspective, and Units 1, 3 Units 1, 4, 6, 7 Units 1, 4 and phrases. 6.B  Identify and
and 2) the evidence itself.
that character’s motives. 3.B 4.B Unit 5 Units 1, 2, 3
2.B  Explain the function  Explain the function  Identify and explain explain the function of a
Units 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 5.B
of setting in a narrative. of a particular sequence of the function of point of  Explain the function metaphor. 7.B  Develop a thesis statement that
1.B  Explainthe function Units 4, 7 events in a plot. view in a narrative. of specific words and Units 2, 5, 8 conveys a defensible claim about an
of a character changing or
2.C  Describe the
Units 1, 6, 7 Units 1, 4 phrases in a text. 6.C  Identify and explain the
interpretation of literature and that
remaining unchanged. 3.C 4.C Units 2, 5, 8 may establish a line of reasoning.
relationship between a  Explain the function  Identify and describe function of personification.
Units 3, 7, 9 Units 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
character and a setting. of structure in a text. details, diction, or syntax 5.C  Identify and explain Units 5, 7
1.C Explain the function of Units 4, 7 Units 2, 5, 8 in a text that reveal a the function of a symbol. 7.C  Develop commentary
6.D  Identify and explain
contrasting characters. 3.D
narrator’s or speaker’s Units 6, 7, 8 that establishes and explains
 Explain the function the function of an allusion.
Units 4, 6 perspective. relationships among textual
of contrasts within a text. 5.D  Identify and explain Units 5, 8
1.D Units 4, 6, 9 evidence, the line of reasoning,
 Describe how textual Units 2, 4, 6, 8 the function of an image
and the thesis.
details reveal nuances and 4.D  Explain how a or imagery.
Units 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
3.E  Explain the function
complexities in characters’ narrator’s reliability affects Units 5, 7
of a significant event or
relationships with one another. a narrative. 7.D  Select and use relevant and
related set of significant
Units 4, 7 Units 6, 7 sufficient evidence to both develop
events in a plot.
and support a line of reasoning.
1.E  Explain how a character’s Units 3, 9
Units 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
3.F
own choices, actions, and
 Explain the function of
speech reveal complexities in 7.E  Demonstrate control over
conflict in a text.
that character, and explain the the elements of composition to
Units 3, 9
function of those complexities. communicate clearly.

© 2020 College Board

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Course Framework V.1 | 19
Units 6, 9 Units 3, 4, 5, 6, 8