AP English Language

What purpose(s) do strategies like oxymoron, paradox, antithesis, and juxtaposition serve?

• Compare

• Contrast

• Make the writing interesting

• There is no purpose--it's just for fun.

"Him and her were unhealthy lovers. They remind me of Romeo and Juliet." 
Why might the author use the allusion referencing Romeo and Juliet?

• To enable readers to know the characters are madly in love and headed to the altar. 
• To give us a better glimpse into the future of their relationship
• To make the reader laugh at their relationship and feel better about their own
• To give hints that their relationship may end miserably just like Romeo and Juliet's

How many sources must you use in the synthesis essay in order to score higher than a 4?

• At least 1

• At least 2

• At least 3

• None

True or False: The AP Language and Composition Exam is comprised of two sections: Multiple Choice and Free Response Questions.

• True

• False

True or False: For the synthesis essay (FRQ #1) , you must cite at least three sources.

• True

• False

The purpose of the rhetorical analysis essay (FRQ #2) is to___________.

• Identify AND evaluate the rhetorical techniques the writer uses.

• Find as many devices as possible. Bonus points for obscure Greek terms.

• Identify AND evaluate the author's purpose and audience

• Effectively explain the rhetorical appeals

The purpose of the argument essay (FRQ 3) is to__________.

• Develop a convincing argument with sound reasoning and support.

• Formulate one's argument based on past experiences, readings, or observations

• Provide a concession and rebuttal

• craft an argument using 3 or more sources to develop the claim

What are some ways writers can appeal to their audience?

• By connecting to their emotions

• By laying out logic, facts, and reason

• By referring to experts or people the audience trusts

• By degrading and alienating the audience

What is rhetoric?

• a compelling speech appealing to a specific audience

• an argument with your parent about why you got a bad grade

• a sales associate upselling products

• the art of persuasive language

• all of the above

When working on the multiple-choice questions, it's a good idea to...

• Eliminate answers you know are wrong

• Read the text and the questions carefully

• Make an educated guess and move on if you can't choose

• Take a lot of time to make sure you have the right answer

Answer explanation

1 hour to answer 45 minutes is not a lot of time! On the bright side, getting about 50% of the questions correct is a decent score, so don't stress over tricky questions.