FREE Knowledge of AP English Literature Question and Answers

Question 1

When the wind blew, the trees waved joyfully. This claim includes

Accepted Answer

Personification

Answer

Personification is a literary device that attributes human qualities, emotions, or actions to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. In the phrase 'the trees waved joyfully,' 'joyfully' is a human emotion, and 'waved' is given a human-like intention. Trees can wave in the wind, but they cannot experience joy, thus assigning a human characteristic to a non-human entity.

Question 2

Death! Why do you hurt people I care about? This assertion is a/an

Accepted Answer

Apostrophe

Answer

Apostrophe is a figure of speech where a speaker directly addresses an absent person, an abstract idea, or an inanimate object as if it were present and capable of understanding. In the statement 'Death! Why do you hurt people I care about?', the speaker is directly addressing 'Death' as if it were a sentient being. This direct address to a non-human entity is the defining characteristic of apostrophe.

Question 3

Which of these attributes applies to all literary genres?

Accepted Answer

Language

Answer

All literary genres, whether poetry, prose, drama, or non-fiction, fundamentally rely on language as their primary medium of expression. Language is the essential tool writers use to convey ideas, emotions, narratives, and descriptions to their audience. While other elements like verses or narration are common in specific genres, language is the universal and indispensable component across all forms of literature.

Question 4

A/an, the entire world was at her feet.

Accepted Answer

Exaggeration

Answer

The phrase 'the entire world was at her feet' is a clear example of exaggeration, also known as hyperbole. It is not literally possible for the entire world to be at someone's feet; rather, it is used to emphasize the immense power, influence, or admiration the person commands. Exaggeration is a rhetorical device used to create emphasis or a dramatic effect through overstatement.

Question 5

What is a phrase that is used to more subtly express an undesirable circumstance.

Accepted Answer

Euphemism

Answer

A euphemism is a polite, indirect expression used to replace words or phrases that might be considered too harsh, blunt, or unpleasant. Its purpose is to soften the impact of an undesirable circumstance or sensitive topic, making it sound less offensive or upsetting. For instance, saying 'passed away' instead of 'died' is a common euphemism.

AP Practice Test

AP Practice Test

FREE Knowledge of AP English Literature Question and Answers