English Language and Composition Exam AP English Language and Composition Close Reading 3

Question 1

A writer uses short, fragmented sentences in the climax of a narrative essay. The most likely purpose is to:

Accepted Answer

Create urgency, tension, or immediacy

Answer

Sentence fragments and short sentences speed the reader's pace, mimicking the breathless quality of a high-stakes moment.

Question 2

Which of the following is the best definition of 'ethos' in a persuasive text?

Accepted Answer

An appeal based on the author's credibility, character, and trustworthiness

Answer

Ethos establishes why an audience should trust the speaker or writer, often through credentials, fairness, or demonstrated expertise.

Question 3

When a close reader identifies 'juxtaposition' in a text, they are noting that the author:

Accepted Answer

Places two contrasting ideas, images, or characters side by side for effect

Answer

Juxtaposition highlights differences or ironies by placing contrasting elements directly adjacent to each other.

Question 4

An author cites a peer-reviewed study to support a claim about climate change. This primarily strengthens which rhetorical appeal?

Accepted Answer

Logos, because it provides empirical evidence for the argument

Answer

Citing a peer-reviewed study introduces verifiable, logical evidence, which is the foundation of logos.

Question 5

In a passage, the author repeatedly uses the word 'merely' when describing the opposition's arguments. This word choice most likely serves to:

Accepted Answer

Diminish and trivialize the opposing viewpoint

Answer

'Merely' is a minimizing adverb that subtly belittles opposing claims without engaging them directly.

English Language and Composition Exam Practice Test