Free AP English Language and Composition Close Reading Practice Test — Questions and Answers

Question 1: The easiest way to sum up this text is as

scientific
satirical (Correct answer)
forthright
humanitarian
sadistic

Correct answer: satirical

The text, likely 'A Modest Proposal' by Jonathan Swift, presents a shocking and absurd solution to a serious social problem (poverty) with a seemingly rational and detached tone. This use of irony, exaggeration, and a serious facade to criticize societal issues is the defining characteristic of satire. The author aims to provoke thought and highlight moral failings through this indirect, often dark, humor.

Question 2: The author uses questionable sources in the first, second, and fourth paragraphs.

appeals to ignorance
arguments from authority (Correct answer)
similes
extended metaphors
ad hominem arguments

Correct answer: arguments from authority

In 'A Modest Proposal,' Swift frequently refers to vague or unnamed 'worthy persons,' 'grave authors,' or 'famous physicians' to support his outrageous claims. These are examples of arguments from authority, where the speaker attempts to bolster their credibility by appealing to the perceived expertise or status of others. In this satirical context, these 'authorities' are often fabricated or used ironically to highlight the absurdity of the proposal.

Question 3: Line 13, "Probationers," refers to

children learning how to steal (Correct answer)
children on probation
adults on probation
apprentices working at a trade
young artists

Correct answer: children learning how to steal

In the context of 'A Modest Proposal,' 'Probationers' refers to the children who are not yet old enough to be 'useful' for the author's main proposal but are already engaged in begging or petty theft. They are essentially 'on probation' in the sense that they are learning the 'trade' of their impoverished existence, often involving illicit activities, before they reach the age of being consumed.

Question 4: Because of this, the statement in lines 24-26 that reads, "the charge of nutriment and rags having been at least four times that value," is funny

rags is unexpected diction (Correct answer)
food was relatively cheap at that time
we don't know who is being charged
rags could be found free
four times is a hyperbole

Correct answer: rags is unexpected diction

The humor in the statement 'the charge of nutriment and rags having been at least four times that value' stems from the unexpected juxtaposition of 'nutriment' (food) with 'rags.' While food is a necessary expense, 'rags' are typically worthless and not something one would expect to be charged for, especially at a high value. This highlights the extreme poverty and exploitation being satirized, making the inclusion of 'rags' particularly absurd and humorous.

Question 5: Line 35's "fricassee" is unmistakably a Fricative (n)

place
master
animal
dish (Correct answer)
children on probation

Correct answer: dish

A 'fricassee' is a culinary term referring to a dish of stewed or fried pieces of meat served in a thick sauce. In 'A Modest Proposal,' Swift suggests that children could be prepared as a 'fricassee' among other dishes. This term explicitly places the children within a culinary context, emphasizing the grotesque and literal aspect of his satirical proposal to consume infants.

Question 6: In lines 36 to 44, the author uses the typical rhetorical device of

analogy
cause and effect
deductive reasoning
process analysis (Correct answer)
example

Correct answer: process analysis

In lines 36 to 44, the author meticulously describes the methods for preparing the children for consumption, detailing how they should be dressed and cooked. This systematic explanation of how something is done, step-by-step, is a classic example of process analysis. This rhetorical device is used to explain a procedure or how something works, further enhancing the satirical effect by applying it to such a horrific subject.

Question 7: Lines 47–48's statement, "always advise the mother to let them suck abundantly in the last month," furthers the parallel between the kids and

poor and ruthless parents
savages
properly nourished mammals
animals raised for slaughter (Correct answer)
the poor treatment of animals

Correct answer: animals raised for slaughter

The advice to 'always advise the mother to let them suck abundantly in the last month' directly parallels the practice of fattening livestock, such as calves or pigs, before they are sent to slaughter. This statement dehumanizes the children by treating them as commodities to be prepared for consumption, reinforcing the satirical comparison of impoverished Irish infants to animals raised for the market.

Question 8: "Dear" in line 58 means

unhealthy
sweet
expensive (Correct answer)
cherished
unforgettable

Correct answer: expensive

In line 58, 'dear' is used in an archaic sense to mean costly or expensive. The author is discussing the economic implications of his proposal, and stating that something is 'dear' implies it comes at a high price, either literally in terms of money or figuratively in terms of resources. This usage highlights the economic focus of the satirical argument.

Question 9: "devoured" (line 60) is a suitable word in this situation because

it is appropriate only literally
it reveals the author's point of view
it fits both figuratively and literally (Correct answer)
it is indicative of the landlords' plight
it works as a sentimental appeal

Correct answer: it fits both figuratively and literally

The word 'devoured' in line 60 is particularly suitable because it functions on both a literal and figurative level within 'A Modest Proposal.' Literally, it refers to the consumption of children as food, a central tenet of the satire. Figuratively, it speaks to how the poor are 'devoured' or consumed by poverty, oppressive landlords, and societal neglect, highlighting the destructive impact of these forces on their lives.

Question 10: The author claims that the proposal

benefits the rich in several ways (Correct answer)
makes good economic sense and helps the poor
provides food for the needy and the rich, alike
benefits everyone in many ways
makes good economic sense but does not benefit the poor or rich

Correct answer: benefits the rich in several ways

Swift's satirical proposal explicitly outlines numerous ways in which the wealthy would benefit from the consumption of children. These benefits include new culinary delights, a reduction in the burden of the poor, and a new source of income for landlords, all while ignoring the moral implications. The 'benefits' are primarily directed towards the affluent, not the impoverished population.

Question 11: The passage's first line includes the following

an irreverent attack
equivocation
an appeal to authority
a humorous simile (Correct answer)
an expression of fear

Correct answer: a humorous simile

The first line of 'A Modest Proposal' often contains a comparison that is both vivid and darkly humorous, setting the satirical tone. For example, Swift might compare mothers with their children to beggars or animals, using a simile to highlight the deplorable conditions in a shocking yet ironically detached manner. This comparison serves to immediately establish the author's critical and ironic stance through a humorous, albeit disturbing, analogy.

Question 12: The speaker is talking to

a group of his peers (Correct answer)
his political adversaries
a friend
a king
a crowd of voters

Correct answer: a group of his peers

The phrase 'a group of his peers' is the correct answer because the context of the English Language and Composition Exam questions often involves analyzing speeches or essays. In such scenarios, a speaker frequently addresses colleagues, fellow politicians, or members of a specific assembly who share a similar status or background. The tone and rhetorical strategies used in these texts are typically designed for an audience of equals, rather than subordinates, adversaries, or a general crowd.

Question 13: The most major change occurs in

line 26 ("But, Sir, I will not …") (Correct answer)
lines 30-31 ("I will not, Sir, undertake …")
line 10 ("I have thought it consistent …")
line 22 ("But as a feeling of honor …")
line 18 ("These were my objects …")

Correct answer: line 26 ("But, Sir, I will not …")

Line 26, 'But, Sir, I will not…,' signals a significant rhetorical shift. The word 'But' introduces a strong contrast or opposition to what was previously stated or implied, indicating a pivot in the speaker's argument or a firm refusal. This often marks a turning point where the speaker asserts a new position or challenges an existing premise, making it the most major change in the discourse.

Question 14: The following are all a part of the same elaborate metaphor. EXCEPT

unshackled (line 41) (Correct answer)
fairly (line 29)
vessel (line 29)
helm (line 28)
course (line 30)

Correct answer: unshackled (line 41)

The terms 'vessel,' 'helm,' and 'course' all belong to an elaborate metaphor related to sailing or navigating a ship, representing leadership or governance. 'Fairly' (line 29) also fits this metaphor, implying a smooth or just journey. However, 'unshackled' (line 41), while metaphorical for freedom, does not fit the specific nautical theme of the other terms, making it the exception.

Question 15: Which phrase from the first paragraph sets up the main idea in the conclusion?

enjoyment (line 15)
tempestuous (line 28)
unfettered (line 35) (Correct answer)
disaffection (line 13)
dangers (line 26)

Correct answer: unfettered (line 35)

The phrase 'unfettered' (line 35) means unrestrained or unrestricted, implying a state of freedom or lack of impediment. If the conclusion emphasizes themes of liberty, independence, or the removal of constraints, then 'unfettered' directly sets up this main idea. It establishes an early conceptual link to the concluding thoughts about freedom or unhindered action.

Question 16: According to the paragraph, the speaker's desire for being prime minister is primarily determined by

political power
political ambition
greed
youthful exuberance
sense of honor (Correct answer)

Correct answer: sense of honor

The speaker's desire for being prime minister is primarily driven by a 'sense of honor.' This suggests that their motivation stems from a commitment to duty, integrity, and moral principles, rather than personal gain or ambition. In such texts, a speaker often frames their aspirations in terms of serving a higher purpose or upholding a noble standard.

Free AP English Language and Composition Close Reading Practice Test

The easiest way to sum up this text is as