AP Language and Composition Terms Multiple-Choice Exam

Insipid

• Lacking flavor, vigor, or interest; dull or bland, often used to describe literature or art that fails to engage.

• Highly exciting and engaging; full of flavor and interest.

• A term used to describe something that is very colorful and vibrant.

• A word that means to be very complex and intricate.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Candor

• The quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness; often valued in communication and discourse.

• A state of being secretive and reserved in communication.

• The ability to persuade others through eloquent speech.

• A form of deception used in negotiations.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Proliferate

• To decrease in numbers; to vanish slowly.

• To increase rapidly in numbers; to spread or multiply quickly, often used in the context of ideas or information.

• To remain constant without any change.

• To confuse or mislead intentionally.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Fastidious

• Very attentive to detail; hard to please; often used to describe a person who is meticulous or demanding.

• Casual and relaxed; not strict about details.

• Easily distracted and unfocused; lacking attention to detail.

• Quick to judge and criticize; often negative in outlook.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Querulous

• Complaining in a petulant or whining manner; often used to describe a tone or attitude that is irritable.

• Expressing joy and happiness in a cheerful manner.

• Demonstrating a calm and composed demeanor.

• Showing indifference or lack of interest.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Pernicious

• Beneficial and helpful

• Having a harmful effect, especially in a gradual or subtle way

• Easily understood and clear

• Promoting health and well-being

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Listless

• Lacking energy or enthusiasm; indifferent or apathetic, often used to describe a person's demeanor.

• Full of energy and enthusiasm; eager and excited.

• Showing great interest and passion; highly motivated.

• Being very active and lively; full of life.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Malfeasance

• The act of committing a wrongful or unlawful act, especially by a public official, involving misuse of public funds for personal gain.

• A legal term referring to the proper use of public funds by officials.

• A type of misconduct that involves only private individuals, not public officials.

• An act of kindness performed by a public official.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Propitious

• A. Unfavorable; likely to lead to failure

• B. Giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable

• C. Uncertain; lacking clarity

• D. Detrimental; causing harm

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

Quandary

• A state of confusion and chaos.

• A state of perplexity or uncertainty, especially as to what to do in a difficult situation; a dilemma.

• A feeling of joy and happiness.

• A situation that is easy to resolve.

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4