Free AP English Language and Composition Argumentation Practice Test

Question 1

The passage's primary goal for the author is to

Accepted Answer

criticize the male-dominated society

Answer

The passage consistently critiques societal structures and norms that are presented as being shaped by male perspectives and priorities. The author highlights how these 'man-made' systems, particularly in politics and warfare, lead to detrimental outcomes, thereby aiming to expose and challenge the inherent biases of a male-dominated society.

Question 2

Which of the following tactics does the author claim men use to promote their stance on women's equality in paragraph 2?

Accepted Answer

a syllogism using a faulty premise

Answer

In paragraph 2, the author describes how men argue against women's equality by stating that women are 'different' and then concluding they are 'inferior.' This structure represents a syllogism (a form of logical reasoning), but it relies on the unproven and biased premise that 'different' inherently means 'inferior,' making it a faulty premise.

Question 3

One can infer from literary hints that "androcentric" most likely denotes

Accepted Answer

male-centered

Answer

The term 'androcentric' is used in the context of discussing societal structures and viewpoints created and dominated by men. The prefix 'andro-' means male, as seen in words like 'androgen.' Therefore, inferring from the context and the prefix, 'androcentric' most logically means male-centered.

Question 4

The author utilizes quotation marks to indicate a direct quotation as well as

Accepted Answer

the jargon of politics and warfare

Answer

Beyond direct quotations, the author uses quotation marks around terms like 'conquered,' 'annexed,' 'spoils system,' and 'preferential tariffs.' These terms are often associated with political and military discourse, and the quotation marks suggest the author is either using them ironically, critically, or to highlight them as specific jargon of the systems she is critiquing.

Question 5

The phrase "increasingly injurious as society advances" is supported by all of the following, with the exception of:

Accepted Answer

Women do not understand politics [paragraph 8]

Answer

The phrase 'increasingly injurious as society advances' refers to the negative consequences of male-dominated systems. Options A, B, D, and E all describe specific harms or negative aspects (war, 'conquest,' 'ill effects,' 'illegitimate expenses') that worsen with societal progress. Option C, 'Women do not understand politics,' is presented in the passage as a male assertion, not a consequence or support for the author's claim about society's injurious advancement.

English Language and Composition Exam Practice Test

English Language and Composition Exam Practice Test

Free AP English Language and Composition Argumentation Practice Test