AP Lang MCQ Final

What do you look for in identifying the author's thesis?

A broad claim that covers the entire passage, usually at the end of the intro or final paragraph.

What are common wrong answers when identifying the author's thesis?

Too specific, focus only on one paragraph, misrepresent tone.

What does the author include a reference in order to do?

Show authority or credibility (ethos), provide a familiar example, reinforce the main claim, or offer a contrast.

What should you avoid when answering why an example is used?

Assuming the author is mocking or that the audience disagrees unless clearly stated.

What is the purpose of analogy/metaphor questions?

To simplify a complex idea, illustrate personal growth, show divergent outcomes, or support the overall argument.

How do you solve meaning-in-context vocabulary questions?

Ignore dictionary definitions, substitute answer choices into the sentence, and use surrounding context for clues.

What should you focus on when answering meaning-in-context questions?

Tone: positive, negative, neutral.

What do you look for in the author's purpose questions?

Transitions, supporting evidence, counterarguments, examples, or tone shifts.

What is the formula for identifying the author's purpose?

Why did the author write THIS part right HERE?

What steps do you take for tone/attitude questions?

Identify emotion, check diction, pick tone words that match the passage's mood.

What are common AP Lang tone options?

Analytical, critical, reflective, skeptical, optimistic, cautious, celebratory, satirical.

What should you avoid in tone/attitude questions?

Extreme words and tones not supported by the text.

What do inference questions ask?

What the passage suggests or what the author implies.

What must correct inferences be supported by?

The passage, even if not directly stated.

What should you avoid in inference questions?

Broad generalizations, assumptions about the author's personal life, claims not hinted at in the passage.

What do function of a sentence/line questions ask?

What role a specific line plays in the paragraph.

What are possible functions of a sentence?

Introduce a key idea, provide an example, offer contrast, serve as a transition, illustrate the thesis, or set the tone.

What rhetorical strategy identification questions ask?

Which rhetorical strategy the author uses.

What are common rhetorical strategies to know?

Analogy, comparison/contrast, cause/effect, definition, anecdote, rhetorical questions, appeals to ethos/pathos/logos.

What are common wrong answer traps in AP Lang MCQs?

Overly strong claims, irrelevant details, choices that sound smart but don't match the text.

What should you avoid in misidentified tone words?

Calling something 'angry' when it's actually critical.