Ap Lang 2020 Practice Exam 1 Mcq

AP Lang 2020 Practice Exam 1 MCQ: A Comprehensive Guide

The 2020 AP Language and Composition exam, like its predecessors, presented a significant challenge to students navigating the intricacies of rhetoric, argumentation, and effective communication. The multiple-choice section, in particular, demanded a keen eye for detail, a robust understanding of rhetorical devices, and the ability to quickly and accurately analyze complex passages. This comprehensive guide delves into the nuances of the 2020 AP Lang Practice Exam 1 MCQ, offering insights and strategies to help you master this crucial section of the exam.

Understanding the AP Lang MCQ Format

Before we dive into specific questions, let's establish a foundational understanding of the AP Language and Composition multiple-choice section. This section typically consists of multiple passages, each followed by a series of questions designed to assess your comprehension and analytical skills. The passages themselves can vary widely in style, tone, and purpose, representing a diverse range of authors and writing styles. You will encounter passages from various genres including:

• Literary Essays: These passages often explore themes, character development, and literary devices within works of fiction or non-fiction.
• Speeches: These demand an understanding of persuasive techniques, appeals to ethos, pathos, and logos, and the overall purpose of the speech.
• Informational Texts: These passages frequently present facts, statistics, and arguments to support a specific claim or perspective, requiring you to analyze the author's evidence and reasoning.
• Letters: These passages provide insights into personal perspectives, societal attitudes, and historical contexts.

The questions themselves can range from straightforward comprehension checks ("What is the main idea of this passage?") to more nuanced inquiries concerning tone, diction, rhetorical strategies, and the author's overall purpose.

Key Strategies for Success

Mastering the AP Lang MCQ section requires a multifaceted approach. Here are several key strategies to enhance your performance:

1. Active Reading & Annotation:

Don't passively read the passages. Engage with the text actively. Annotate as you read, noting:

• Main Idea: Underline or circle the central argument or theme.
• Key Terms: Identify significant words or phrases that contribute to the passage's meaning.
• Rhetorical Devices: Highlight examples of metaphors, similes, allusions, rhetorical questions, etc. Understanding how these devices contribute to the author's purpose is crucial.
• Tone and Diction: Pay close attention to the author's word choice and overall tone. Is it formal or informal? Serious or playful? Sarcastic or sincere?
• Structure: Observe the organizational structure of the passage. Does it follow a chronological order, compare and contrast different ideas, or utilize a problem-solution approach?

2. Understanding Rhetorical Appeals:

A deep understanding of ethos, pathos, and logos is paramount. Be prepared to identify how authors use these appeals to persuade their audience.

• Ethos (Credibility): Does the author establish credibility through expertise, experience, or moral character?
• Pathos (Emotion): Does the author evoke emotions such as fear, joy, anger, or empathy to connect with the reader?
• Logos (Logic): Does the author use reason, evidence, and logical arguments to support their claims?

3. Identifying Rhetorical Devices:

Familiarize yourself with a wide range of rhetorical devices and be able to identify them in the passages. Some common devices include:

• Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unlike things.
• Simile: A comparison using "like" or "as."
• Analogy: A comparison between two things to explain or clarify a complex concept.
• Allusion: A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work.
• Irony: A contrast between expectation and reality.
• Paradox: A statement that seems self-contradictory but contains a deeper truth.
• Antithesis: Juxtaposition of contrasting ideas.
• Anaphora: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.
• Epistrophe: Repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses.

4. Process of Elimination:

When you encounter challenging questions, utilize the process of elimination. Carefully consider each answer choice, identifying those that are clearly incorrect before narrowing down your options.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice:

The key to mastering the AP Lang MCQ section is consistent practice. Work through numerous practice passages and questions, analyzing your mistakes and learning from them. Focus on understanding the reasoning behind both correct and incorrect answers.

Analyzing Specific Question Types from the 2020 Practice Exam 1

While I don't have access to the specific questions from the 2020 AP Lang Practice Exam 1 MCQ, I can provide examples of common question types and strategies for tackling them:

Example Question Type 1: Main Idea/Central Argument:

• Question: What is the central argument presented in the passage?
• Strategy: Carefully reread the introduction and conclusion. Look for recurring themes or ideas that are consistently emphasized throughout the passage.

Example Question Type 2: Tone/Diction:

• Question: What is the author's tone in the final paragraph?
• Strategy: Focus on the word choice and sentence structure in the final paragraph. Is the language formal or informal? Positive or negative? Consider the overall effect the language creates on the reader.

Example Question Type 3: Rhetorical Device Identification:

• Question: The author's use of "X" in lines Y-Z is an example of which rhetorical device?
• Strategy: Carefully examine the quoted passage. Consider the context in which the device is used and its intended effect.

Example Question Type 4: Author's Purpose:

• Question: What is the author's primary purpose in writing this passage?
• Strategy: Consider the overall message, the evidence presented, and the intended audience. Is the author trying to inform, persuade, entertain, or something else?

Example Question Type 5: Inference Questions:

• Question: Based on the passage, what can be inferred about the author's viewpoint on…?
• Strategy: Look for clues in the text that suggest the author's beliefs or attitudes. Avoid making assumptions or drawing conclusions that are not directly supported by the evidence.

Beyond the Multiple Choice: Preparing for the Entire Exam

While the multiple-choice section is critical, remember that the AP Lang exam also includes a free-response section. This section requires you to write essays analyzing provided passages and demonstrating your ability to construct well-supported arguments. Preparing for this section involves:

• Essay Practice: Practice writing argumentative, rhetorical analysis, and synthesis essays using various prompts and passages.
• Developing Argumentative Skills: Learn to craft compelling thesis statements, develop strong supporting arguments, and utilize evidence effectively.
• Improving Writing Mechanics: Focus on grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and clarity.

By diligently employing these strategies and dedicating yourself to consistent practice, you can significantly improve your performance on the AP Language and Composition exam, specifically the 2020 Practice Exam 1 MCQ and beyond. Remember that success in this exam requires not only knowledge but also skillful application of that knowledge through strategic reading, analysis, and writing. Good luck!