Free AP English Language and Composition Contextual Analysis Practice Test

Question 1

The passage's author can be best described as someone who

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is interested in theorizing about history.

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studies first-hand accounts of historical events.

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believes in the influence of fate in shaping human events.

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is not hopeful about the future of the human race.

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is critical of historical researchers.

Question 2

"Grandfathers" (lines 3-4) most likely refers to all of the following, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF

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ancestors of the author.

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18th- and 19th-century historians.

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bygone observers of society.

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scholars of previous generations.

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European and American thinkers and writers of the past.

Question 3

"An open book" is a reference in line 7 to

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the mistakes of civilizations now fallen into ruin.

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the lessons taught by ancient civilizations.

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the debates of academicians.

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the Western world of the 18th and 19th centuries.

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our grandfathers' notion of history.

Question 4

The phrase "To us, in our generation" (lines 7-9) exhibits which of the following rhetorical shifts?

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It introduces a contrast between past and present.

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It wanders from the main idea of the passage.

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It marks a transition from objective description to sympathetic narration.

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It raises a new argument that the speaker will most likely refute later in the passage.

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The speaker's tone changes from factual to contemplative.

Question 5

The author's observation in parenthesis (lines 9–10) serves mostly as a

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to briefly inject a change in the tone of the passage.

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to summarize a different perspective on the topic of the passage.

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to counterbalance the question asked in line 1 of the passage.

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to imply that the passage deals with a question that cannot be adequately answered.

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to introduce an issue addressed later in the passage.

Question 6

The best meaning for the word "scriptures" in line 12 is

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the record.

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to introduce an issue addressed later in the passage.

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religious beliefs.

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artifacts.

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the written record.

Question 7

All of the following rhetorical devices are present in the first paragraph's final 20–24 lines, WITH the exception of

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hyperbole.

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a metaphor.

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an antithesis.

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alliteration.

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an extended simile.

Question 8

Which of the following is the term "this second alternative" (line 20) referring to?

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History's ability to suggest the future.

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Predictable events.

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Our unknown future.

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A navigation chart.

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The fate we cannot avert or modify.

Question 9

As employed in the passage, the word "cult" (line 1) refers largely to

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a group with a particular obsession

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the followers of a charismatic leader

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a movement sponsored by patrons of beauty salons

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the devotees of a unique ideology

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a subculture dedicated to a pagan rite

Question 10

The opening sentence sets the tone for what the rest of the chapter will be like.

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a "pro" and "con" kind of discussion.

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an objective description.

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a biting indictment.

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praise for the perpetuation of youthfulness.

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advice on maintaining good health.