AP English Literature and Composition 3

Question 1

The recurring central idea or insight in a literary work is its:

Accepted Answer

Theme

Answer

Theme is the underlying message or central idea of a work.

Question 2

An extended metaphor that represents abstract ideas through characters and events is a(n):

Accepted Answer

Allegory

Answer

An allegory uses characters and events to symbolize abstract concepts.

Question 3

In iambic pentameter, each line contains how many metrical feet?

Accepted Answer

Five

Answer

Pentameter means five feet per line.

Question 4

A reference to another work, person, or event outside the text is called a(n):

Accepted Answer

Allusion

Answer

An allusion is an indirect reference to something outside the text.

Question 5

The use of a part to represent the whole, as 'wheels' for a car, is:

Accepted Answer

Synecdoche

Answer

Synecdoche substitutes a part for the whole or vice versa.

AP Practice Test