AP Literature Practice Quiz 1

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  • 1/13 Questions

    In lines 6–22 of the passage, the author uses an extended analogy between

    • Language and morality
    • Preaching and acting
    • Writing and speaking
    • Vulgar English and incorrect pronunciation
    • Ordinary life and the theater
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About This Quiz

This AP Literature Practice Quiz 1 focuses on analyzing rhetorical strategies and language use in a nineteenth-century essay. It assesses understanding of literary techniques and critical reading skills essential for AP Literature.

AP Literature Practice Quiz 1 - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    Which of the following words is grammatically  and thematically  parallel to “tone’’ (line 21)?

    • “solemnity’’ (line 13)

    • “pulpit’’ (line 13)

    • “stage-declamation’’ (line 13)

    • “liberty’’ (line 14)

    • “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.

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  • 3. 

    The author’s tone in the passage as a whole is best described as

    • Harsh and strident

    • Informal and analytical

    • Contemplative and conciliatory

    • Superficial and capricious

    • Enthusiastic and optimistic

    Correct Answer
    A. Informal and analytical
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 4. 

    Which of the following best describes the rhetorical function of the second sentence in the passage?

    • It makes an appeal to authority .

    • It restates the thesis of the passage .

    • It expresses the causal relationship between morality and writing style .

    • It provides a specific example for the preceding generalization

    • It presents a misconception that the author will correct .

    Correct Answer
    A. 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.

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  • 5. 

    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?

    • Mocking tone

    • Linguistic paradox

    • Popularity of the familiar style

    • The author’s defense of Johnson’s style

    • The author’s advice to the reader

    Correct Answer
    A. Mocking tone
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 6. 

    The ability discussed in lines 35–38 is referred to elsewhere as which of the following?

    • “theatrical cadence’’ (line 20)

    • “foreign circumlocutions’’ (line 29)

    • “fine tact’’ (line 32)

    • “professional allusions’’ (line 35)

    • “universal force’’ (line 36)

    Correct Answer
    A. “fine tact’’ (line 32)
    Explanation
    The ability discussed in lines 35-38 is referred to as "fine tact" in line 32.

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  • 7. 

    In context, the expression  “to pitch upon’’ (line 22) is best interpreted as having which of the following meanings?

    • To suggest in a casual way

    • To set a value on

    • To put aside as if by throwing

    • To utter glibly and insincerely

    • To succeed in finding

    Correct Answer
    A. To succeed in finding
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 8. 

    In line 33, “those’’ refers to which of the following? I .    “words’’ (line 29) II .    “circumlocutions’’ (line 29) III .    “associations’’ (line 29)

    • I only

    • II only

    • I and III only

    • II and III only

    • I, II, and III

    Correct Answer
    A. I only
    Explanation
    In line 33, "those" refers to "words" (line 29).

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  • 9. 

    Which of the following phrases does the author use to illustrate  the notion of an unnatural  and pretentious writing style?  

    • “unconnected, slipshod allusions’’ (line 4)

    • “throw words together’’ (lines 5)

    • “gabble on at a venture’’ (line 15)

    • “get upon stilts’’ (line 20)

    • “pitch upon the very word’’ (line 22)

    Correct Answer
    A. “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.

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  • 10. 

    In line 10, “common speech’’ refers to

    • Metaphorical language

    • Current slang

    • Unaffected expression

    • Regional dialect

    • Impolite speech

    Correct Answer
    A. Unaffected expression
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 11. 

    The speaker in the passage can best be described  as a person who

    • Is committed to developing his skills as a writer

    • Is actually more interested in being a musician than in being a writer

    • Is motivated very dif ferently from the jazz musicians that he describes

    • Has talent as both a musician and a writer

    • Aspires to greatness but knows that he will never achieve it

    Correct Answer
    A. Is committed to developing his skills as a writer
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 12. 

    That the speaker “sympathized with’’ the drunk’s  “obsession’’ (lines 16–17) is ironic chiefly  because the drunk

    • Agitated the speaker purposely and distracted him from his writing

    • Was not “poetic" (line 3) and had no basis for his obsession

    • Actually disturbed the speaker less than did the singer

    • Had little “sensitivity" (line 5) and was undeserving of sympathy

    • Was a major source of the noise from which the speaker wished to escape

    Correct Answer
    A. Was a major source of the noise from which the speaker wished to escape
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 13. 

    It can be inferred that the speaker and the drunk were “fellow victims’’ (line 22) in that

    • Both had lost control of their passions

    • Neither received support from friends or relatives

    • Each had in a dif ferent way proven to be a failure

    • Neither was any longer able to feel guilt or responsibility

    • Both were tormented by distracting disturbances

    Correct Answer
    A. Neither was any longer able to feel guilt or responsibility
    Explanation
    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.

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  • 14. 

    Passage from a nineteenth-century essay.

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Oct 06, 2011
    Quiz Created by
    Okuwah
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