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-esteemB. forthright and honest natureC. capacity to observe accuratelyD. ability to ignore the unimportantE. 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: http://www.shmoop.com/ap-english-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: http://apcentral.collegeboard.com/apc/members/exam/exam_questions/2002.html