AP

AP English Literature and Composition Scoring Rubrics (Effective Fall 2019)

September 2019

Scoring Rubric for Question 3: Literary Argument (6 points)

Reporting Category

Scoring Criteria

Row A

Thesis

(0-1 points)

0 points

For any of the following:

• There is no defensible thesis. • The intended thesis only restates the prompt. • The intended thesis provides a summary of the issue with no apparent or coherent claim. • There is a thesis, but it does not respond to the prompt.

1 point

Responds to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible interpretation of the selected work.

Row B

Evidence

AND

Commentary

(0-4 points)

0 points

Simply restates thesis (if present), repeats provided information, or offers information irrelevant to the prompt.

1 point

EVIDENCE: Provides evidence that is mostly general. AND COMMENTARY: Summarizes the evidence but does not explain how the evidence supports the argument.

2 points

EVIDENCE: Provides some specific relevant evidence. AND COMMENTARY: Explains how some of the evidence relates to the student’s argument, but no line of reasoning is established, or the line of reasoning is faulty.

3 points

EVIDENCE: Provides specific evidence to support all claims in a line of reasoning. AND COMMENTARY: Explains how some of the evidence supports a line of reasoning.

4 points

EVIDENCE: Provides specific evidence to support all claims in a line of reasoning. AND COMMENTARY: Consistently explains how the evidence supports a line of reasoning.

Row C

Sophistication

(0-1 points)

0 points

Does not meet the criteria for one point.

1 point

Demonstrates sophistication of thought and/or develops a complex literary argument.

Responses that earn this point may demonstrate a sophistication of thought or develop a complex literary argument by doing any of the following:

1. Identifying and exploring complexities or tensions within the selected work.

2. Illuminating the student’s interpretation by situating it within a broader context.

3. Accounting for alternative interpretations of the text.

4. Employing a style that is consistently vivid and persuasive.

This point should be awarded only if the sophistication of thought or complex understanding is part of the student’s argument, not merely a phrase or reference.