Test Preparation

 55 Questions; counts for 45% of total score  4-5 passages; can be prose, poetry, or drama  Suggested time = 1 hr; approx. 1 min per question (including reading time)  Scoring: Gain 1 point for each correct answer; Lose ¼ point for each incorrect answer

 Factual questions will ask about the content of a passage. For example: In context, the word “sensibility’’ (line 6) is best interpreted to mean: A. self-esteem B. forthright and honest nature C. capacity to observe accurately D. ability to ignore the unimportant E. awareness and responsiveness

 Technical questions will ask about aspects of an author’s technique. For example: The style of the third paragraph differs from that of the first and second paragraphs in that it is  (a) instructive rather than descriptive  (b) argumentative rather than expository  (c) interpretative rather than metaphorical  (d) objective rather than representational  (e) conversational rather than analytical

 Analysis questions will ask about the effect of an author’s choices. For example: The speaker’s allusion to Hercules and Adonis (lines 15–16) serves primarily to  (a) imply an undercurrent of aggressiveness in Mr. Jones’s personality  (b) suggest the extremes of physical attractiveness represented in Mr. Jones’s  appearance  (c) assert the enduring significance of mythical beauty  (d) symbolize the indescribable nature of Mr. Jones’s countenance  (e) emphasize how clearly Mr. Jones’s features reflected his personality

 Inferential questions will ask you to make educated guesses about an author’s purpose. For example: The first two paragraphs indicate that the speaker assumes that  (a) accurate observers of human nature are rare  (b) spirited and sensible people are by nature rather effeminate  (c) a person’s character can be accurately discerned from his or her outward appearance  (d) a correlation exists between an individual’s “personal accomplishments’’ (line 1) and his or her physical prowess  (e) good-naturedness in a person is usually not readily apparent

 Before beginning, skim the section quickly to see how many passages there are.  Answer all the questions for a passage at one time; don’t skip around.  Write on the test booklet! Underline! Make margin notes!  If you can eliminate at least two possible answers, guess.

 Answer the shortest questions.  Answer the questions that direct you to a specific line of the passage.  Answer specific detail/ definition questions.  Answer self-contained questions (questions that do not require you to return to the passage.)

 Take an interactive practice AP multiple choice test: literature/practice-quiz.htmlhttp:// literature/practice-quiz.html  Look at old AP multiple choice questions on your practice packet and starting on page 62 of the AP English course description: ers/exam/exam_questions/2002.html ers/exam/exam_questions/2002.html