AP Literature Practice Quiz 1
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- 1.
Passage from a nineteenth-century essay.
- 2.
Which of the following best describes the rhetorical function of the second sentence in the passage?
- A.
It makes an appeal to authority .
- B.
It restates the thesis of the passage .
- C.
It expresses the causal relationship between morality and writing style .
- D.
It provides a specific example for the preceding generalization
- E.
It presents a misconception that the author will correct .
Correct Answer
E. It presents a misconception that the author will correct .Explanation
The second sentence in the passage presents a misconception that the author will correct. This means that the sentence initially provides incorrect information or a false belief, which the author will then address and correct in the rest of the passage.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following phrases does the author use to illustrate the notion of an unnatural and pretentious writing style?
- A.
“unconnected, slipshod allusions’’ (line 4)
- B.
“throw words together’’ (lines 5)
- C.
“gabble on at a venture’’ (line 15)
- D.
“get upon stilts’’ (line 20)
- E.
“pitch upon the very word’’ (line 22)
Correct Answer
D. “get upon stilts’’ (line 20)Explanation
The author uses the phrase "get upon stilts" to illustrate the notion of an unnatural and pretentious writing style. This phrase suggests that the writing style is forced and artificial, as if the writer is trying to elevate their language and ideas to a higher level, but it comes across as awkward and affected. The use of stilts implies a lack of authenticity and a deliberate attempt to appear more sophisticated or important than is necessary.Rate this question:
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- 4.
In lines 6–22 of the passage, the author uses an extended analogy between
- A.
Language and morality
- B.
Preaching and acting
- C.
Writing and speaking
- D.
Vulgar English and incorrect pronunciation
- E.
Ordinary life and the theater
Correct Answer
C. Writing and speakingExplanation
In lines 6-22 of the passage, the author compares writing and speaking to illustrate a point. The analogy suggests that just as writing and speaking are two different forms of communication, language and morality are also distinct but interconnected concepts. The author implies that just as one's ability to write and speak effectively can impact their overall communication skills, one's understanding and practice of morality can influence their behavior and actions in everyday life. By using this analogy, the author highlights the importance of both writing and speaking, as well as language and morality, in effectively conveying ideas and living a virtuous life.Rate this question:
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- 5.
In line 10, “common speech’’ refers to
- A.
Metaphorical language
- B.
Current slang
- C.
Unaffected expression
- D.
Regional dialect
- E.
Impolite speech
Correct Answer
C. Unaffected expressionExplanation
The term "common speech" refers to unaffected expression. This means that it refers to language that is natural, genuine, and not influenced by any particular style or formality. It suggests that the language used is simple, straightforward, and easily understood by the general public.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Which of the following words is grammatically and thematically parallel to “tone’’ (line 21)?
- A.
“solemnity’’ (line 13)
- B.
“pulpit’’ (line 13)
- C.
“stage-declamation’’ (line 13)
- D.
“liberty’’ (line 14)
- E.
“venture’’ (line 15)
Correct Answer
A. “solemnity’’ (line 13)Explanation
The word "solemnity" is grammatically and thematically parallel to the word "tone" because both words refer to the overall mood or atmosphere of a piece of writing or speech. They both convey a sense of seriousness and gravity.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In context, the expression “to pitch upon’’ (line 22) is best interpreted as having which of the following meanings?
- A.
To suggest in a casual way
- B.
To set a value on
- C.
To put aside as if by throwing
- D.
To utter glibly and insincerely
- E.
To succeed in finding
Correct Answer
E. To succeed in findingExplanation
The expression "to pitch upon" is best interpreted as meaning "to succeed in finding." This means that when someone "pitches upon" something, they are able to find or select it successfully.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The ability discussed in lines 35–38 is referred to elsewhere as which of the following?
- A.
“theatrical cadence’’ (line 20)
- B.
“foreign circumlocutions’’ (line 29)
- C.
“fine tact’’ (line 32)
- D.
“professional allusions’’ (line 35)
- E.
“universal force’’ (line 36)
Correct Answer
C. “fine tact’’ (line 32)Explanation
The ability discussed in lines 35-38 is referred to as "fine tact" in line 32.Rate this question:
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- 9.
The author’s obser vation in the sentence beginning “It is clear’’ (lines 31–32) is best described as an example of which of the following?
- A.
Mocking tone
- B.
Linguistic paradox
- C.
Popularity of the familiar style
- D.
The author’s defense of Johnson’s style
- E.
The author’s advice to the reader
Correct Answer
A. Mocking toneExplanation
The author's observation in the sentence beginning "It is clear" can be inferred as a mocking tone because the author is making a sarcastic remark about the clarity of the situation. The use of the phrase "It is clear" suggests that the author is being ironic and implying that the situation is actually not clear at all. This mocking tone is evident in the sentence and indicates the author's attitude towards the subject matter.Rate this question:
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- 10.
In line 33, “those’’ refers to which of the following? I . “words’’ (line 29) II . “circumlocutions’’ (line 29) III . “associations’’ (line 29)
- A.
I only
- B.
II only
- C.
I and III only
- D.
II and III only
- E.
I, II, and III
Correct Answer
A. I onlyExplanation
In line 33, "those" refers to "words" (line 29).Rate this question:
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- 11.
The author’s tone in the passage as a whole is best described as
- A.
Harsh and strident
- B.
Informal and analytical
- C.
Contemplative and conciliatory
- D.
Superficial and capricious
- E.
Enthusiastic and optimistic
Correct Answer
B. Informal and analyticalExplanation
The passage uses a casual and conversational tone, which suggests informality. The author also presents a logical analysis of the topic, examining different perspectives and providing evidence to support their arguments. This analytical approach further supports the description of the tone as analytical.Rate this question:
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- 12.
The speaker in the passage can best be described as a person who
- A.
Is committed to developing his skills as a writer
- B.
Is actually more interested in being a musician than in being a writer
- C.
Is motivated very dif ferently from the jazz musicians that he describes
- D.
Has talent as both a musician and a writer
- E.
Aspires to greatness but knows that he will never achieve it
Correct Answer
A. Is committed to developing his skills as a writerExplanation
The passage describes the speaker as someone who is committed to developing his skills as a writer. This can be inferred from the speaker's discussion about his writing process, his dedication to honing his craft, and his desire to improve his writing skills. The passage does not mention anything about the speaker's interest in being a musician or his motivation being different from jazz musicians. While the passage does not explicitly state that the speaker has talent as both a musician and a writer, it does suggest that the speaker is focused on developing his skills as a writer. There is no indication in the passage that the speaker aspires to greatness but knows that he will never achieve it.Rate this question:
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- 13.
That the speaker “sympathized with’’ the drunk’s “obsession’’ (lines 16–17) is ironic chiefly because the drunk
- A.
Agitated the speaker purposely and distracted him from his writing
- B.
Was not “poetic" (line 3) and had no basis for his obsession
- C.
Actually disturbed the speaker less than did the singer
- D.
Had little “sensitivity" (line 5) and was undeserving of sympathy
- E.
Was a major source of the noise from which the speaker wished to escape
Correct Answer
E. Was a major source of the noise from which the speaker wished to escapeExplanation
The correct answer is that the drunk was a major source of the noise from which the speaker wished to escape. This is ironic because typically, one would sympathize with someone who is causing a disturbance, but in this case, the speaker does not sympathize with the drunk despite the noise he is making. Instead, the speaker is agitated and wants to escape from the noise.Rate this question:
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- 14.
It can be inferred that the speaker and the drunk were “fellow victims’’ (line 22) in that
- A.
Both had lost control of their passions
- B.
Neither received support from friends or relatives
- C.
Each had in a dif ferent way proven to be a failure
- D.
Neither was any longer able to feel guilt or responsibility
- E.
Both were tormented by distracting disturbances
Correct Answer
D. Neither was any longer able to feel guilt or responsibilityExplanation
The correct answer suggests that both the speaker and the drunk were no longer able to feel guilt or responsibility. This can be inferred from the phrase "fellow victims" which implies that they both share a similar experience or situation. The fact that they are unable to feel guilt or responsibility indicates that they have lost control over their actions and emotions, which aligns with the idea of being "victims" of their circumstances.Rate this question:
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