English Language and Composition Exam Essay Structure and Organization

Question 1

In the AP Lang argument essay, the primary purpose of the introduction is to:

Accepted Answer

Establish context and present a clear, defensible thesis

Answer

Summarize all evidence to be used

Answer

Introduce three body paragraph topics in order

Answer

Demonstrate vocabulary knowledge

Question 2

Which sentence type is most effective as the first sentence of a body paragraph in an AP Lang essay?

Accepted Answer

A topic sentence that makes a specific claim supporting the thesis

Answer

A quote from the source text

Answer

A transitional phrase only

Answer

A rhetorical question

Question 3

What does 'commentary' refer to in the context of AP Lang body paragraph structure?

Accepted Answer

The writer's analysis explaining how evidence supports the claim

Answer

The evidence itself (quotes or paraphrases)

Answer

The transitional sentence ending the paragraph

Answer

The background information before the claim

Question 4

The AP Lang rhetorical analysis essay is scored on which three skill areas?

Accepted Answer

Thesis, evidence/commentary, and sophistication

Answer

Grammar, vocabulary, and length

Answer

Introduction, body, and conclusion

Answer

Ethos, pathos, and logos identification

Question 5

A 'line of reasoning' in an AP Lang essay refers to:

Accepted Answer

A logically sequenced set of claims that builds toward the thesis

Answer

A series of direct quotes from the text

Answer

A paragraph that uses all three rhetorical appeals

Answer

The conclusion that restates the introduction

Question 6

Which organizational strategy arranges body paragraphs by moving from the least to most persuasive evidence?

Accepted Answer

Emphatic order

Answer

Chronological order

Answer

Compare-contrast order

Answer

Spatial order