AP Language Multiple Choice Practice
Thoreau: “Where I Lived, and What I Lived For”
1. The first paragraph contains which of the following?
I. a periodic sentence
II. a compound sentence
III. a cumulative sentence
a. I only
b. II only
c. III only
d. I and III only
e. II and III only
2. In context, “dear” (paragraph 1) means
a. fond
b. precious
c. cheap
d. salutary
e. safe
3. Thoreau develops an antithesis in each of the following pairs from paragraph 1 EXCEPT
a. “front only the essential facts of life” and “practice resignation”
b. “mean” and “sublime”
c. “devil” and “God”
d. “suck out” and “rout”
e. “genuine meanness” and “strange uncertainty”
4. Paragraphs 1 and 2 contain each of the following EXCEPT
a. a simile
b. an oxymoron
c. an allusion
d. a paradox
e. an extended metaphor
5. By “my next excursion” Thoreau suggests his
a. movement to a spiritual afterlife
b. next hike in the Concord woods
c. writing his next book
d. taking up a new profession
e. upcoming trip into town
6. In the second paragraph, Thoreau employs a play on words with which of the following?
a. frittered
b. quicksand
c. sleepers
d. dishes
e. gang
7. Paragraph 3 contains each of the following EXCEPT
a. paradox
b. rhetorical question
c. hyperbole
d. analogy
e. simile
8. The speaker of the passage would most likely agree with which of the following
statements?
a. Clarity of purpose and a determined approach will bring success in life.
b. The full meaning of life is only to be discovered in the afterlife.
c. To understand life, it is essential for one to keep up with current events.
d. Success in life is predicated by active measurement and calculation.
e. The nation improves with the increased complexity of its interrelationships.
9. What is the antecedent of “it” in “It lives too fast” (middle of paragraph 2)?
a. “our life”
b. “German Confederacy”
c. “rigid economy”
d. “heedless expense”
e. “nation itself”
10. Thoreau’s poetic voice uses animals as a symbol within his piece. He says,
“My head is hands and feet. I feel all my best faculties concentrated in it. My instinct
tells me that my head is an organ for burrowing, as some creatures use their snout and
fore-paws, and with it I would mine and burrow my way through these hills. I think that
the richest vein is somewhere hereabouts; so by the divining rod and thin rising vapors I
judge; and here I will begin to mine”.
What is Thoreau saying within this small passage?
a. To simplify and work as an animal does
b. Thoreau believes his head is most valuable; understanding of the environment
gives him an epiphany
c. Thoreau refers to the ability of the hands and feet to do work of value.
d. To open oneself up to nature and let it in.
If you need more hints on what to look for, look to the following questions as guidance:
RHETORIC AND STYLE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Through the first paragraph, what does Thoreau declare as his higher purpose?
Explain the distinctions he makes in paragraph 1.
Cite and explain the antitheses in the first paragraph.
Explain the meanings of “dear” and “mean.”
What is the effect of the similes in paragraph 2?
Explain the nature and effect of the extended metaphor in the second paragraph.
What effect does Thoreau create with his repetitions? Cite several examples.
Explain the paradox Thoreau develops concerning the railroad in paragraph 2.
Paragraph 3 begins with a rhetorical question. How effectively does the rest of the
paragraph imply an answer?
10. Discuss the meaning of the phrase “starved before we are hungry,” near the beginning of
paragraph 3.
11. Paragraph 4 delivers a strong statement both now, and in Thoreau’s time. Compare its
probable rhetorical effect then and now.
12. Sometimes even the slightest stylistic feature can work as a rhetorical strategy. Discuss
the effect of the alliterative phrase “freshet and frost and fire” in paragraph 7.
13. In his concluding paragraph, Thoreau develops two metaphors regarding time and the
intellect. Cite them and discuss their effect.
ANSWERS FOR ABOVE PRACTICE:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
C
B
E
B
A
C
E
A
E
B
PRACTICE TEST A
MULTIPLE CHOICE
PASSAGE 1
1.
B
2.
A
3.
D
4.
D
5.
D
6.
C
7.
A
8.
E
9.
C
10.
A
11.
A
12.
B
13.
E
PASSAGE 2
14.
D
15.
E
16.
E
17.
B
18.
C
19.
C
20.
E
21.
C
22.
B
PASSAGE 3
23.
E
24.
D
25.
A
26.
A
27.
C
28.
B
29.
A
30.
D
31.
C
32.
D
33.
C
34.
A
35.
B