AP Lang Rubric (AP English Language and Composition FRQ Scoring)

The AP English Language and Composition exam uses one scoring structure for all three Free-Response Question (FRQ) essays. This page gives teachers a classroom-ready reference to score consistently and move faster through batch grading.

Key components of the AP Lang rubric

All three AP Lang FRQ essays use the same 6-point structure:

• Thesis (0-1): a defensible claim that responds to the prompt
• Evidence and Commentary (0-4): relevant evidence paired with reasoning that sustains a clear line of reasoning
• Sophistication (0-1): nuance, complexity, or purposeful style that strengthens the response

Rubric at a glance

AP Lang FRQ rubrics

Jump to the essay type you’re scoring:

• FRQ 1: Synthesis
• FRQ 2: Rhetorical Analysis
• FRQ 3: Argument

FRQ 1: Synthesis rubric

What this essay demands: Students build an argument using the provided sources, with commentary that connects evidence to a clear line of reasoning.

Thesis (0-1)

• 1 point: Thesis takes a defensible position and responds to the prompt.
• 0 points: Thesis is missing, unclear, or does not address the prompt.

Evidence and Commentary (0-4)

Look for:

• Evidence: Sources support specific claims, not just summary
• Commentary: Reasoning shows how evidence supports the thesis
• Line of reasoning: Claims build toward a coherent argument

Sophistication (0-1)

Common signals:

• Nuanced position or complexity in how the argument is developed
• Purposeful control of style that strengthens clarity and persuasion

FRQ 2: Rhetorical Analysis rubric

What this essay demands: Students analyze the writer’s rhetorical choices and connect those choices to purpose, audience, or message using specific evidence.

Thesis (0-1)

• 1 point: Thesis establishes a defensible analytic claim that responds to the prompt.
• 0 points: Thesis is missing, unclear, or does not address the task.

Evidence and Commentary (0-4)

Look for:

• Evidence: Specific references to the text (quote or precise paraphrase)
• Analysis: Explains how rhetorical choices support purpose or shape audience response
• Avoid: Device spotting without impact, purpose, or context

Sophistication (0-1)

Common signals:

• Complexity in the rhetorical situation (audience, context, constraints)
• Insightful connections and strong control of analytical style

FRQ 3: Argument rubric

What this essay demands: Students take a defensible position and support it with specific evidence and reasoning that sustains a clear line of reasoning.

Thesis (0-1)

• 1 point: Thesis takes a defensible position and responds to the prompt.
• 0 points: Thesis is missing, unclear, or does not address the prompt.

Evidence and Commentary (0-4)

Look for:

• Evidence: Examples are relevant and specific, not generic
• Commentary: Reasoning explains why the evidence supports the claim
• Line of reasoning: Claims connect logically and build toward the central position

Sophistication (0-1)

Common signals:

• Strategic concession, qualification, or nuanced reasoning
• Purposeful style that strengthens the argument’s clarity and impact

Quick “sophistication point” checklist

You can award the sophistication point when the essay clearly shows at least one of these moves:

• Nuance: qualifies a claim or addresses complexity without losing focus
• Strategic concession: acknowledges a counterpoint and responds effectively
• Insight: draws a meaningful implication or connection beyond the obvious
• Purposeful style: control of language strengthens clarity and persuasion

Copy-paste feedback bank (teacher-ready)

Thesis

• Your thesis is defensible and stays focused on the prompt.
• Your thesis needs a clearer position that directly answers the prompt.
• Your thesis is present, but it does not guide the reasoning in the body paragraphs.

Evidence and Commentary

• Your evidence is relevant. Strengthen the commentary so the reasoning is explicit.
• You included evidence, but the commentary repeats it. Add reasoning that shows why it supports your claim.
• The line of reasoning is hard to follow. Tighten topic sentences so each paragraph advances the argument.
• Your reasoning is clear. Add one stronger piece of evidence to increase support for your main claim.

Rhetorical Analysis

• You identified rhetorical choices. Connect each choice to purpose or audience impact.
• Your evidence is strong. Push the analysis further by stating what the writer achieves with that choice.
• Move beyond naming devices and focus on the effect of the choices in context.

How teachers use this rubric effectively

• Calibrate first: score 2-3 samples, align on what earns each point range
• Score in two passes: pass one for points, pass two for concise feedback
• Use the same look-for list: thesis, evidence quality, reasoning, and sophistication moves

FAQ

How is the AP Lang FRQ scored?

Each FRQ essay earns points across Thesis (0-1), Evidence and Commentary (0-4), and Sophistication (0-1), for a total of 0-6.

What earns the sophistication point on AP Lang?

Look for nuance, complexity, strategic qualification, or purposeful style that strengthens the response beyond a basic argument or analysis.

What counts as evidence for rhetorical analysis?

Specific references to the passage (quotes or precise paraphrase) that support analysis of rhetorical choices and their effect in context.

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Jump links: Synthesis · Rhetorical Analysis · Argument