-Study Guide from YOUR concerns
Types of questions:
Questions about specific rhetorical/literary devices
Questions that ask about consistent use of a particular rhetorical device
Relating multiple quotes to find the similarities
Questions that ask for position of thesis or purpose
Questions with “except”, “least”, “not”
Questions with roman numerals
Questions about the essay as a whole
Questions that analyze style
The BEST questions. How do you know what is best?
Questions that use words I am unfamiliar with.
When all the answers choices are in the passage
Questions that ask for the author’s intention in a specific phrase
Questions about tone or mood
Questions about organization
Questions about Citations and footnotes
*It is your job to look back at these questions and find a system for answering them.
Although the choices may look similar, there is only one answer. Do not boldly assert
that these are matters of opinion and refuse to look for the correct answer. Even with
inferences, the clues are in the text and you must make a system for finding these clues.
Words
bureaucratic
undaunted
enunciates
succumbs
staccato
Sardonic
Digression
Allegations
Heedless
Anecdote
Idiosyncratic
Euphemism
Apostrophe
Eloquence
Decry
Analogy
dismissal
aphorism
contrived
enumerate
innovative
compunctions
ineluctable
Aloof
Paradox
Piecemeal
Deferential
Introspection
Introspection
Digression
Aberration
Antithesis
Elicit
Pecuniary
juxtaposition
depose
facetiously
fervent
forbearance
lubberly
Ingratiating
Parody
Cynical
Moralistic
Genial
Meritocracy
Disillusioned
Ferment
Dispassionate
Restitution
Declamatory
alliteration
degradation
antithesis
prudent
contrived
Underscore
Contrarians
Condescending
Scepter
Qualify
Gainsay
Zealous
Contemptuous
Ascribe
Authorial
Subsequently
Subordinate
interpolations
emitting
undercut
crinoline
nomenclature
Ambivalent
Confrontational
Impressionistic
Disdain
negations
Callous
Self-effacing
Anticlimax
Deplore
Disparage
Profuse
Empirical
Prejudice
Unorthodox
Discord
Aesthetic
Linguistic
Colloquialism
Exposition
Trivial
Inherent
Undermines
Petulant
Diatribe
Treatise
Paucity
Longevity
Contemptuous
Maxims
Problems with the exam:
1. Time!!!
2. Overall tone and purpose
3. Understanding what the question is asking
4. Staying focused during the later passages 5. Narrowing to the best answer.
6. Comprehending while reading quickly
Solutions
1. Underline and mark the passage 2. Reading the questions first
3. Work on understanding the
“bigger picture” 4. Work on vocabulary
5. More practice tests
6. Read more AP style passages
7. Work on skimming
8. Re-phrase the questions in your own words 9. Summarize and paraphrase as
you read
10. Practice in a timed setting
11. Ask and answer questions while I read
12. Answer the questions I know first
13. Underline any important word, phrase or device while
reading
14. Pay attention to shifts in tone and content within the passage
15. Recognize the
purpose of individual footnotes.
AP Language Multiple Choice Game Plan
Reminder about form
60 Minutes for the multiple choice
4-6 passages with 48-56 questions
Covers 18th-21st Century Works of nonfictions
1pt for correct, 0pt for no answer or incorrect answer.
Lists nation’s raw score to determine 0-5. You want as many points as possible
Week and Night Before
1. Review terms and tone from the sheet I gave you in the first week.
2. Review this study guide and work on the problems you still recognize.
3. Go over previous practice exams you have already taken or any passages I have
already given you.
-Review incorrect questions; identify how to find the correct answer; look up the
skill involved and review similar questions for this skill.
4. Take one or more practice tests in a timed setting.
-Follow steps for number 3.
5. Identify the type of passages and questions you find most difficult.
6. Find a method that works for you!!!!!!!!!
My Tip (based on years of experience and feedback)
-Skim questions for what will be asked
-Read actively and mark spots that pertain to specific questions (read everything
including foot notes)
-Paraphrase as you read using key words and phrases.
-Re-read questions and all answer choices.
7. Once you find a method, practice several times with it so that it becomes second
nature during the test.
Day of Test
1. Bring a watch, 2 pencils, 2 black or blue pens.
2. Briefly flip through the test to identify how many sections and how long you should
take on each section.
3. PRIORITIZE. Go in the order that works best for you—some like to warm up with
easy ones to get ready for the hard. Some think best at the beginning and get tired.
4. Answer the questions you know in each section.
5. Leave exceptionally difficult for last.
You are not penalized more for a wrong answer than a blank answer.
6. RELAX!!!! This test can only help you. Even a 1 will have no effect on how colleges
evaluate you. Just taking the class and the test looks good on your transcript.
****If you have a plan, time will not be an issue. The test assesses a skill, not content. If
you practice the assessments for that skill, you will have a better chance for success.