AP Lit Question 2 Review

Question 2 is the prose, or short fiction, analysis question. Which of the following is NOT a question to be addressed in your FRQ?

• What is the purpose or meaning of the text?

• How does the author use literary techniques to craft his piece?

• Who is the speaker in the text and what role does the speaker play?

• How many paragraphs does this piece have and does each paragraph have a certain amount of sentences?

What is this:

The following excerpt is from [text and author, date of publication]. In this passage, [comment on what is being addressed in the passage]. Read the passage carefully. Then, in a well-written essay, analyze how [author] uses literary elements and techniques to [convey/portray/develop a thematic, topical, or structural aspect of the passage that is complex and specific to the passage provided]

• a sample prompt for question 2

• some strange communication from outer space

• it's Greek to me

• a very clear, concise response

Which of the following is NOT important to know from the prompt?

• Dates the piece was written or takes place in

• Comment on what is being addressed in the passage

• What aspect of complexity (relationships, social propriety, comment on maturity, etc) is being discussed

• How many words are actually in the prompt. If there are more than 45 you know it's going to be difficult.

Take A-I-M is an acronym for which of the following?

• Accentuate, Initiate, Mimic

• Annotate, Infer, Main idea

• Answer, Inference, Metaphor

• Annotate, Inquire, Meme

The writer will write about an abstract idea. Which of the following are the BEST examples of abstract ideas?

• freedom, growth, money

• independence, civilization, parties

• civility, individuality, compassion

• acceptance, conformity, inheritances

Most prompts in Question 2 ask about "Complexity." Which of the following is the BEST definition of complexity?

• Blending or arrangement of different yet connected emotions

• Taking the piece apart to see how it functions independently

• Bringing in your own evidence for support and connecting that evidence to all of humanity

• Knowing how the author is able to use the literary devices

One great way to improve your writing in the FRQs is to add transitional words. Which of the following are transitional words?

• According, consequently, later, additionally, although

• is, am, are, was, were

• desperate, resigned, helpful, hopeful, angry, despondent

• revenge is a destructive force, what lies beneath the surface doesn't reflect the outward appearance

The prose question may ask about "characterizing" a character. What are some strategies to accomplish this? (more than one will be correct)

• Examine what a character says

• Examine what a character does.

• Examine how the character is described by the narrator or others

• Examine the symbols the character holds in his/her hands

The prompt may also ask for an author's message or purpose for writing the piece. Which of these (more than one is possible) would be a "message"?

• Revenge is a destructive force for those who seemingly "deserve" it as well as those who seek it.

• Reuniting and forgiveness are difficult tasks to embrace. Humility and understanding must accompany those who seek forgiveness.

• Status has always embraced the good fortune of those who are the most talented.

• Social propriety and expectations interferes with authentic communication and emotion

• I love it when a plan comes together.

Question 2 asks you to show how the author uses _______ to craft a message.

• poetry and prose

• bananas and monkeys

• literary elements and techniques

• words and diction and stuff