We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Amanda Sweeney

If there’s one thing you need to know to earn a high score on the AP English Literature Exam, it’s literary term analysis. This is because literary term analysis is part of all sections of the Exam—especially the Free Response Essays.

Read more

If there’s one thing you need to know to earn a high score on the AP English Literature Exam, it’s literary term analysis. This is because literary term analysis is part of all sections of the Exam—especially the Free Response Essays.

This course features the Four-Step Framework, a concrete, four-step process that—when used—gets students a 4 or 5 on the AP Exam. Taught by a former AP English teacher who attended Wesleyan University, the University of Chicago and Oxford University, this course features literary terms commonly seen on the AP Exam and shows how to stop writing plot summary and how to start writing high-quality analysis.

In addition to the short, high-impact lectures, this course includes:

  • Comprehensive supplemental resources for the literary time periods most used in the AP Exam (downloadable in the Lecture 1 "Resources" folder)

  • Strategies on how to read poems resourcefully so you can answer poetry-related questions and essay prompts easily

  • Two Reading Roadmaps for the top novels used on the Free Response Open-Ended Essay (downloadable in the Lecture 1 "Resources" folder)

  • A complete list of 100+ literary terms, along with their definitions (downloadable in the Lecture 1 "Resources" folder)

  • In-depth literary analysis examples for the most commonly used literary terms in the AP Exam

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • A four-step framework to help you write high-quality analysis to earn a top ap exam score
  • How literary term analysis is connected to all sections of the ap exam
  • What your ap graders want to see in the essay section
  • Concrete ways to make reading and writing about novels, plays and poems easier for both your ap exam and for your english classes

Syllabus

Students will be able to understand why literary term analysis is the foundation to achieving a high score on the AP exam

After this lecture, you will:

  • Know what literary term analysis is

  • Understand why literary term analysis is central to the AP English Literature exam

  • See how literary term analysis is connected to the multiple choice section of the exam

  • See how literary term analysis is connected to the free-response essay section of the exam

  • See how literary term analysis is connected to the rubric AP graders use to score your exam

  • NOTE: Supplemental materials, such as the two Reading Roadmaps and time period handouts, are downloadable in this lecture under the "Resources" folder

Read more
Introduction: How to Get a High AP Score Quiz
Students will have a concrete, four-step framework to write literary term analysis.

After this lecture, you will:

  • Have a clear framework to use when analyzing any work of fiction, drama or poetry to help you write high-scoring literary term analysis from the ground up

  • See a complete example of literary term analysis using the four-step framework

The Four-Step Framework Quiz
Students will know how to identify literary terms when reading any novel, play or poem.

After this lecture, you will:

  • Know the strategies to easily identify a literary term in the context of a novel, play or poem

  • Learn what literary term can be used for analysis on any of the AP essay prompts

  • Learn why writing notes, or a "gloss," about a literary term in the book itself is key for doing well on the AP exam

Step 1 Quiz

After this lecture, you will:

  • Understand how to prioritize the best literary term when you have multiple to choose from using a real-life Renaissance poetry example

Step 1 with an Example Quiz
Students will know how to define literary terms when writing analysis for any novel, play or poem.

After this lecture, you will:

  • Have a concrete way to go beyond providing dictionary definitions for literary terms and have what you need to write a successful first sentence of literary term analysis

Step 2 Quiz
Students will know how to use guiding questions when writing analysis for any novel, play or poem.

After this lecture, you will:

  • Have guiding questions to help you go beyond plot summary so you can write high-quality literary term analysis for any novel, play or poem

Step 3 for Any Novel, Play or Poem Quiz

After this lecture, you will:

  • Have guiding questions to help you go beyond plot summary so you can write high-quality literary term analysis especially for a play or poem

Step 3 for a Play or Poem Quiz

After this lecture, you will: 

  • Understand how to turn answers from the guiding questions into literary analysis using a real-life Renaissance poetry example

Step 3 with an Example Quiz
Students will know how to connect literary term analysis to the "text as a whole," a critical part of the AP prompts in the essay section.

After this lecture, you will:

  • Know how to take your analysis to the next level to fully answer AP free-response prompts by connecting your analysis to the text as a whole

Step 4 in Detail Quiz

After this lecture, you will:

  • Understand how to connect your literary term analysis to the text as a whole using a real-life Renaissance poetry example

Step 4 with an Example Quiz

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a four-step framework for literary term analysis, which is directly applicable to the AP English Literature Exam's free-response essays
Includes comprehensive supplemental resources for literary time periods, which can help students contextualize literary works and improve their analysis
Offers strategies for reading poems resourcefully, which is useful for answering poetry-related questions and essay prompts on the AP exam
Includes reading roadmaps for top novels used on the free-response open-ended essay, which can help students prepare for common essay topics
Features a complete list of 100+ literary terms with definitions, which provides a valuable reference for students studying for the AP exam
Requires students to understand literary term analysis, which may necessitate additional preparation for those unfamiliar with this approach

Save this course

Save Crush the AP English Literature Exam with Lit Term Analysis to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Crush the AP English Literature Exam with Lit Term Analysis with these activities:
Review Key Literary Terms
Strengthen your understanding of fundamental literary terms before starting the course. This will make it easier to grasp the analysis framework.
Browse courses on Literary Analysis
Show steps
  • Download the course's list of 100+ literary terms.
  • Define each term in your own words.
  • Find examples of each term in works you've previously read.
Read *How to Read Literature Like a Professor*
Gain a broader understanding of literary analysis techniques. This will help you apply the course's framework more effectively.
Show steps
  • Read the book, focusing on chapters related to literary devices.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
  • Consider how these concepts relate to works you've studied.
Discuss Literary Term Applications
Reinforce your understanding of literary terms through collaborative discussion. This will help you identify and analyze them more effectively.
Browse courses on Literary Analysis
Show steps
  • Form a study group with classmates.
  • Choose a short passage from a novel, play, or poem.
  • Individually identify and analyze literary terms in the passage.
  • Share your findings and discuss different interpretations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Literary Term Cheat Sheet
Consolidate your knowledge of literary terms by creating a reference guide. This will aid in quick recall during analysis.
Browse courses on Literary Analysis
Show steps
  • Compile a list of the most important literary terms from the course.
  • Write concise definitions and examples for each term.
  • Organize the cheat sheet for easy reference.
Read *The Norton Anthology of Poetry*
Practice applying the four-step framework to a variety of poems. This will improve your ability to analyze poetry on the AP exam.
Show steps
  • Select poems from different periods and styles.
  • Apply the four-step framework to analyze each poem.
  • Focus on identifying and interpreting literary terms.
Analyze AP Literature Free Response Questions
Deepen your understanding of AP exam expectations by analyzing past free-response questions. This will help you tailor your analysis to meet the graders' criteria.
Browse courses on Literary Analysis
Show steps
  • Obtain past AP Literature free-response questions.
  • Identify the literary terms that would be most relevant to each question.
  • Outline a potential essay response using the four-step framework.
Tutor Other Students
Solidify your understanding by teaching the concepts to others. Explaining the material will reveal any gaps in your knowledge.
Browse courses on Literary Analysis
Show steps
  • Offer tutoring sessions to classmates or younger students.
  • Explain the four-step framework and key literary terms.
  • Provide feedback on their literary analysis essays.

Career center

Learners who complete Crush the AP English Literature Exam with Lit Term Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
English Teacher
An English teacher guides students in the analysis of literature, which this course directly supports. Analyzing literary terms is a key component of any English curriculum, and this course's focus on a four-step framework for literary analysis helps build a strong foundation for teachers to share with their students. By learning how to move beyond plot summary and engage in high-quality analysis, an English teacher will be better equipped to teach students how to succeed in their own literary studies. The course's resources on literary time periods, poetry, and novels are directly applicable to teaching, and the instructor's experience as an AP English teacher offers a model for this career.
Tutor
A tutor provides individualized instruction, and this course provides a framework for teaching literary analysis, a key skill for any English student. The four-step method for literary term analysis, along with the course's focus on moving beyond plot summary, equips a tutor with the tools to guide students to higher-level reading and writing. A tutor will be able to use the course's resources, such as the literary term list and analysis examples, to provide focused support and instruction. Additionally, the tutor can apply the course's guidelines for reading poetry and novels to strengthen their own teaching.
Academic Coach
An academic coach works with students to improve their study habits and academic performance. An academic coach must understand how literary term analysis is critical to succeeding in English classes, and this course provides a clear four-step framework that can be used. The course helps students move beyond plot summary to engage in high-quality analysis. An academic coach can directly use material from this course to guide any student, especially those preparing for the AP English Literature Exam. The course's reading roadmaps and literary term list may be particularly helpful for students.
Curriculum Developer
A curriculum developer creates educational materials, and this course's emphasis on literary term analysis provides a basis for designing engaging and effective English curricula. One who designs curricula must understand how to teach literary analysis, and the four-step framework taught in this course offers a concrete process for students to follow. The course provides a list of literary terms and analysis examples, making it a useful resource for crafting lesson plans. This course, with its focus on AP exam preparation, may be particularly helpful for those designing curriculum for high schoolers.
Instructional Designer
An instructional designer develops learning experiences. This course provides a model for teaching literary term analysis, which may be invaluable when designing coursework or modules for students of English. The four-step framework taught in this course provides a clear learning path that can be adapted to different contexts and audiences. The materials in this course, such as the literary term list and reading roadmaps, can be used to create effective and engaging educational content for a variety of learners. An instructional designer will also be able to use the course's strategies for analyzing plays, poems, and novels.
Textbook Author
A textbook author creates educational texts, and this course provides a solid framework to guide instruction in analyzing literature. The course's focus on literary terms is fundamental to any English text, and the four-step framework is a method that can be included in a textbook. A textbook author can use material from this course to provide clear and concise explanations of literary concepts. Concepts such as reading poems and novels will likely prove useful to an author. The course's list of literary terms and analysis examples could also serve as a starting point for writing a textbook chapter.
Educational Consultant
An educational consultant advises schools and educational organizations on best practices. This course may be useful for an educational consultant who must have expertise in effective pedagogy. The course directly addresses literary term analysis, offering a structured framework for teaching students how to excel in English, particularly on the AP exam. An educational consultant can apply the course's insights about the AP exam to help schools improve their English curriculum and teaching strategies. The course's resources, like the reading roadmaps and literary term list, can help consultants advise schools.
Freelance Writer
A freelance writer composes articles, blog posts, or website content as their job. This course, with its focus on literary analysis, can be useful for a freelance writer who may be required to write about literature. The writer can use the course's four-step framework for writing high-quality analysis to create engaging and persuasive pieces. Additionally, the writer can use the course's resources, such as the literary term list and analysis examples, to ensure the accuracy and quality of their work. Knowledge about literary analysis can also improve a writer's ability to tell stories
Editor
An editor reviews written material for errors and clarity. This course, with its focus on literary analysis, can be helpful for editors who work with content related to literature. Applying a four-step framework, as taught in the course, an editor can more effectively assess analysis. An editor can use the course's material about literary terms to ensure accuracy and consistency in their editing work. The course’s discussions about analyzing novels, poems, and plays may be helpful for an editor who works with these materials.
Grant Writer
A grant writer composes proposals for funding, and the course's emphasis on making an argument may be helpful for a grant writer. One who writes a grant must be able to analyze source material effectively and then present their analysis in a clear and persuasive manner. This course, with its four-step framework, helps to establish the analytical foundations that are integral to grant writing. The course's focus on connecting the analysis to a larger concept is also directly applicable to the work of a grant writer who is trying to connect a specific project to a larger mission.
Content Creator
A content creator develops digital content, and this course, with its emphasis on analysis, may be useful for a content creator who is working with literary or educational material. The four-step framework that is taught in this course can be applied when creating analyses or explanations for the web. The course also provides a foundation for creating content that engages with texts in a critical way. This may be particularly useful if a content creator works on projects that require in-depth literary analysis as well as a clear and concise method to engage with a text.
Librarian
A librarian manages and organizes information resources. This course, while not directly related to library science, may be useful for a librarian who needs to be familiar with academic literary analysis. The course's focus on literary terms and analysis may help a librarian with collection development and with assisting patrons in finding relevant information. Additionally, this course can provide a broader understanding of the literary landscape, which may prove helpful for a librarian. The course's focus on novels, poems, and plays can be useful for acquisitions.
Communications Specialist
A communications specialist focuses on delivering messages effectively to a specific audience. This course, while not directly applicable to the field of communications, may help a communications specialist who works with educational or literary material. The course's focus on literary term analysis can help improve a communications specialist's ability to analyze written communication, which is an important part of the job. A communications specialist can use the course's strategies for analysis to evaluate communications and offer suggestions for improvement. The course's emphasis on analysis may improve critical thinking more generally.
Public Relations Specialist
A public relations specialist manages a company's or organization’s public image. While not directly related to the field of public relations, this course may be helpful for public relations specialists who work with clients or content that may involve literature, education, or the humanities. The course's four-step framework provides a model for analyzing the various arguments that may find their way into public discourse. In addition, the course's emphasis on analysis may improve critical thinking, which can be useful for creating reports. A public relations specialist may make use of this course's teaching on how to analyze texts.
Social Media Manager
A social media manager develops and executes strategies for social platforms. A social media manager may occasionally work with clients or content that involves education or analysis, in which case this course may be helpful. Social media managers must understand how arguments are constructed and how to appeal to a given audience. This course teaches a framework for high-quality analysis that can be used to construct more persuasive messages. This will be useful for someone who works in digital communications. While this course is not a requirement for social media managers, it may provide some ancillary benefits.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Crush the AP English Literature Exam with Lit Term Analysis.
Provides a broad overview of common literary devices and their significance. It helps students move beyond plot summary and delve into deeper analysis. It is valuable as additional reading to provide context for literary analysis.
This anthology provides a wide range of poetry examples across different time periods. It is helpful for practicing literary analysis on diverse texts. It is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser