2019 International Practice Exam Mcq Ap Lit

2019 International Practice Exam MCQ AP Lit: A Comprehensive Guide

The AP Literature and Composition exam is a significant hurdle for high school students aiming for college credit. The multiple-choice section, comprising 55% of the total score, demands a deep understanding of literary analysis, close reading skills, and a broad knowledge of literary devices and techniques. This article provides a comprehensive review of the 2019 International Practice Exam MCQs for AP Literature, focusing on strategies, common question types, and key concepts to help students prepare effectively.

Understanding the AP Literature MCQ Format

Before diving into specific examples, it's crucial to understand the structure and nature of the AP Literature multiple-choice questions. These questions test your ability to:

• Identify literary devices: This includes recognizing metaphors, similes, imagery, allusions, symbolism, tone, and other rhetorical strategies.
• Analyze textual evidence: You'll be asked to support your interpretations with evidence directly from the passage.
• Understand character development: Questions might focus on character motivations, relationships, and transformations.
• Interpret themes and meaning: You need to grasp the underlying message and significance of the text.
• Recognize the author's style and purpose: Identifying the author's voice, perspective, and intended effect is essential.

Key Strategies for Success

Mastering the AP Literature MCQ section requires more than just memorizing literary terms; it necessitates a strategic approach:

1. Pre-Reading Strategies:

• Skim the passage quickly: Get a general sense of the narrative, characters, and setting before diving into the questions. Note any striking imagery or unusual phrasing.
• Identify the genre and tone: Understanding whether the passage is a poem, excerpt from a novel, or a play drastically influences your interpretation. Note the prevailing tone – is it satirical, melancholic, romantic, etc.?
• Pay attention to the title (if provided): The title often provides clues to the passage's theme or purpose.

2. Tackling the Questions:

• Read each question carefully: Underlining key words like "EXCEPT," "MOST," and "primarily" is crucial to avoid misinterpretations.
• Locate relevant textual evidence: Before choosing an answer, go back to the passage and find specific lines or phrases that support your choice. Avoid relying solely on your initial impression.
• Eliminate incorrect answers: If you're unsure, eliminate choices that are clearly wrong or don't align with the textual evidence.
• Consider the context: Always interpret passages within their literary context. Don't bring in external knowledge unless it's explicitly relevant to the passage.
• Don't overthink: Sometimes the correct answer is the most straightforward and literal interpretation of the text.

3. Post-Reading Strategies:

• Review your answers: If time permits, briefly review your answers to check for consistency and accuracy.
• Manage your time effectively: Allocate your time wisely. Don't spend too long on any one question.

Common Question Types in the 2019 International Practice Exam (Hypothetical Examples)

While we cannot provide the exact questions from the 2019 International Practice Exam, we can illustrate the common question types using hypothetical examples based on the typical structure and themes found in AP Literature passages.

Example 1: Identifying Literary Devices

Passage: "The sun, a molten coin, slipped behind the horizon, leaving the world in a cloak of deepening indigo."

Question: The description of the sun as "a molten coin" is an example of which literary device?

(a) Metaphor (b) Simile (c) Personification (d) Hyperbole

Correct Answer: (a) Metaphor (The sun is directly compared to a molten coin without using "like" or "as.")

Example 2: Analyzing Textual Evidence

Passage: "...she felt a profound sadness, a weight settling upon her chest, a feeling that had haunted her since childhood."

Question: Which of the following best supports the idea that the character is experiencing persistent sadness?

(a) "she felt a profound sadness" (b) "a weight settling upon her chest" (c) "a feeling that had haunted her since childhood" (d) All of the above

Correct Answer: (d) All of the above (All three phrases contribute to the portrayal of persistent sadness.)

Example 3: Understanding Character Development

Passage: (An excerpt showing a character initially hesitant to speak but later becoming assertive and confident)

Question: How does the character's behavior change throughout the passage?

(a) The character becomes increasingly withdrawn and fearful. (b) The character shifts from timid to confident and self-assured. (c) The character's behavior remains consistent throughout. (d) The character experiences a complete personality change.

Correct Answer: (b) The character shifts from timid to confident and self-assured (This aligns with the hypothetical passage's description of character development.)

Example 4: Interpreting Themes and Meaning

Passage: (An excerpt exploring themes of isolation, alienation, and the search for belonging)

Question: What is the central theme explored in this passage?

(a) The importance of family relationships (b) The destructive nature of ambition (c) The struggle to find one's place in the world (d) The power of forgiveness

Correct Answer: (c) The struggle to find one's place in the world (This aligns with the hypothetical passage's description of themes.)

Expanding Your Literary Knowledge

To excel in the AP Literature exam, it's essential to develop a strong foundation in literary analysis. This involves:

• Reading widely: Exposure to diverse genres, authors, and literary periods is crucial. Read novels, short stories, poems, and plays.
• Studying literary theory: Familiarity with common literary terms and theories will help you analyze texts more effectively. Understand different critical perspectives (e.g., feminist criticism, Marxist criticism).
• Practicing close reading: Develop your skills in analyzing individual words, sentences, and paragraphs within a larger context.
• Analyzing authorial intent: Consider why an author might choose specific words, images, or structures.
• Understanding different narrative structures: Explore linear narratives, flashbacks, stream of consciousness, and other narrative techniques.

Beyond the 2019 International Practice Exam

While the 2019 International Practice Exam is a valuable resource, it's crucial to remember that it's just one example. The best preparation involves consistent practice with diverse materials. Utilize official AP practice exams, released questions, and other reputable resources to simulate the actual exam experience.

Remember, consistent effort, effective study strategies, and a deep engagement with literature are the keys to success on the AP Literature exam. By understanding the question types, developing strong analytical skills, and practicing consistently, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving a high score.