Using Modern Novels for the AP English Lit Exam

Test Preparation AP Test Preparation
1

<p>What the topic says. On Question 3 of the free response for AP English Literature, you’ll have to write an essay in which you choose a book, from your own readings, to respond to the prompt. A list of books is given, but apparently any reputable work of literature works.</p>

<p>The problem here is: what defines literature? In other words, can we use well-respected modern works like Cormac McCarthy’s The Road, Barbara Kingsolver’s The Poisonwood Bible, etc.? (i.e. award-winning, read by a literate adult audience, contains deeper meaning) Or is it best to stick to the tried-and-true examples most AP Lit graders see, such as Lord of the Flies, Wuthering Heights, or The Scarlet Letter? Does anyone know if graders prefer one over the other?</p>

2

<p>It’s always best to stick to the tried-and-true, but if you can write a KILLER, OUT OF THIS WORLD essay on a critically-acclaimed modern novel, go for it. Certain ones are guaranteed to be accepted already, like The Kite Runner.</p>

3

<p>This is a list of books that the AP Lit exam has referenced for the past forty years, including what year they were referenced. You will see that both of the contemporary novels that you’ve mentioned are on there. So yes, those would be fine. </p>

<p>[AP</a> Literature: Titles from Free Response Questions since 1973](<a href=“http://homepage.mac.com/mseffie/AP/APtitles.html]AP”>http://homepage.mac.com/mseffie/AP/APtitles.html)</p>