Analyzing and writing about artwork is an important part of AP Art History.  Free Response long and short essays are part of the AP Exam.  These essays involve identifying artwork and its intention, understanding the context of the work within the prompt theme, identifying another work that is a suitable comparison, and comparing the works.

• Read the prompt closely and be sure that you understand what you are being asked to do

  • Outline your response​

• Properly identify work and intention

• Explain your statements with specific visual evidence from the work or historical context

• Be explicit regarding your explanations. Don't assume the reader knows what you are referencing. 

• Write full and complete sentences.

• Write developed paragraphs with introductions, body sentences, and transitions.

• Do not write lists or bullet points

• Read your writing upon completion and check off the areas of the prompt as you go.

exam free response section

2 hours long - 6 questions

50% of score

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• Questions 1, 3, 4, 5, and 6 will include images of works of art.

• Question 1: Long Essay–Comparison will ask you to compare a required work of art and another of your choosing and explain the significance of those similarities and differences.

• Question 2: Long Essay–Visual/Contextual Analysis will ask you to select and identify a work of art and make assertions about it based on evidence.

• Question 3: Short Essay–Visual Analysis will ask you to describe a work of art beyond the image set and connect it to an artistic tradition, style, or practice.

• Question 4: Short Essay–Contextual Analysis will ask you to describe contextual influences of a work of art in the image set and explain how context can influence artistic decisions.

• Question 5: Short Essay–Attribution will ask you to attribute a work of art beyond the image set to a particular artist, culture, or style, and justify your assertions with evidence.

• Question 6: Short Essay–Continuity and Change will ask you to analyze the relationship between a provided work of art and a related artistic tradition, style, or practice.