2019 International Practice Exam Mcq Ap Literature Answers

2019 International Practice Exam MCQ AP Literature: A Comprehensive Guide to the Answers and Beyond

The 2019 AP Literature International Practice Exam offered a rigorous assessment of students' analytical and critical reading skills. While the specific exam questions are not publicly released, we can explore the key concepts and strategies that would have been essential for success. This comprehensive guide will delve into the likely question types, effective approaches to answering multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and valuable insights into analyzing literature for the AP exam.

Understanding the 2019 AP Literature Exam Format (International)

The AP Literature exam, whether international or domestic, generally follows a consistent structure. It consists of two main sections:

• Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs): This section typically includes 55 questions based on four-five prose and poetry passages. These passages represent a variety of literary periods, styles, and authors.
• Section II: Free-Response Questions (FRQs): This section comprises three essay questions: one analyzing a poem, one analyzing a prose passage, and one addressing a literary argument of your choice.

Key Concepts for Mastering AP Literature MCQs

Success on the MCQ section hinges on several key skills:

1. Deep Reading Comprehension:

• Active Reading: Don't passively read; actively engage with the text. Underline key words, phrases, and literary devices. Annotate the margins with your observations about the author's tone, style, and purpose.
• Identifying Central Ideas: Pinpoint the main idea or theme of each passage. Many MCQs will test your understanding of the overall message or argument.
• Understanding Context: Pay close attention to the setting, characters' motivations, and the historical or cultural context of the passage. This information is often crucial for interpreting subtle nuances in the language.
• Recognizing Literary Devices: Mastering literary devices (metaphor, simile, imagery, symbolism, tone, etc.) is vital. Many MCQs will test your ability to identify and interpret these devices within the context of the passage.

2. Strategic Approach to Answering MCQs:

• Process of Elimination: Eliminate obviously incorrect answers first. This significantly improves your chances of choosing the correct option.
• Focus on Evidence: Each correct answer should be directly supported by textual evidence. If you can't find explicit evidence in the passage, the answer is likely wrong.
• Watch for Distractors: AP Literature MCQs frequently include distractors—incorrect answer choices designed to lure in unprepared students. These often misinterpret the text or focus on minor details rather than the main idea.
• Analyze Diction and Syntax: Pay close attention to word choice (diction) and sentence structure (syntax). These elements often contribute significantly to the author's tone and meaning.
• Consider Multiple Interpretations: While there's usually a single best answer, be prepared to consider multiple interpretations of the passage before selecting your final answer.

Likely Question Types in the 2019 International Practice Exam

The 2019 exam, like other AP Literature exams, likely included questions focusing on several key areas:

1. Identifying Literary Devices and their Effects:

Expect questions directly asking you to identify and explain the function of literary devices such as metaphors, similes, imagery, symbolism, irony, tone, and allusions within the context of the passage. For example:

• "What is the primary effect of the extended metaphor in lines 15-20?"
• "The author's use of irony in paragraph 3 primarily serves to..."

2. Analyzing Character Development and Relationships:

Questions could assess your understanding of character motivations, relationships between characters, and character arcs. Example:

• "Based on the passage, what can be inferred about the protagonist's relationship with his father?"
• "How does the character's conflict with [another character] contribute to the overall theme of the passage?"

3. Interpreting Themes and Central Ideas:

Many MCQs will test your ability to identify the central theme or message of the passage. Examples:

• "Which of the following best expresses the central theme of the poem?"
• "The passage primarily explores the author's perspective on..."

4. Analyzing Tone and Style:

Questions might ask about the author's tone (e.g., sarcastic, melancholic, optimistic) and writing style (e.g., formal, informal, descriptive). Example:

• "The overall tone of the passage can best be described as..."
• "The author's use of [literary device] contributes to a sense of..."

5. Understanding Context and Allusions:

While less frequent, some questions might require knowledge of historical context or literary allusions to fully understand the meaning. For example:

• "The allusion to [literary work/historical event] in line 30 primarily serves to..."

Beyond the Answers: Mastering AP Literature for Long-Term Success

While knowing the answers to the 2019 International Practice Exam MCQ is helpful, true mastery of AP Literature requires a more holistic approach:

1. Extensive Reading:

Read widely and deeply throughout the year. Explore various literary genres, time periods, and authors. This will expand your literary vocabulary and improve your ability to analyze different writing styles.

2. Active Annotation:

Develop the habit of actively annotating texts as you read. This will help you to identify key themes, literary devices, and the author's purpose.

3. Practice, Practice, Practice:

Practice answering multiple-choice and free-response questions regularly. This will improve your speed, accuracy, and confidence on the exam. Use practice exams from previous years and other reputable resources.

4. Seek Feedback:

Ask your teacher or a tutor to review your practice responses and offer constructive criticism. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve.

5. Understand Literary Theory:

Familiarize yourself with common literary theories and critical approaches. This will enhance your analytical skills and allow you to approach texts from multiple perspectives.

6. Develop Strong Essay-Writing Skills:

The free-response section is crucial for achieving a high score. Practice writing well-structured, evidence-based essays that effectively analyze literary works.

In Conclusion:

The 2019 AP Literature International Practice Exam, although its specific questions are unavailable, offered a valuable assessment of students' literary analysis skills. By understanding the key concepts, question types, and strategies discussed here, students can significantly improve their performance on the AP Literature exam. Remember, consistent practice, deep engagement with literature, and a strong grasp of literary devices are essential for achieving success. Don't simply aim to know the answers to a past exam; aim to become a confident and insightful reader and literary analyst.