What Is the A.P. Language and Composition Exam Question Asking?

Question Categories:

 

Main idea/meaning in context

Refers to/functions

Rhetorical strategies

Speaker

Inferences

 

        In analyzing any multiple-choice exam, you must look for key words in the prompt.  For example, a question may begin, "It can be inferred that the phrase 'common hieroglyphics' (line 11) refers to . . . ."  In this sentence the key word is "inferred," and the sentence can be placed in the category labeled "Inferences," but it also mentions "referred to" and so may be included in the category "Refers to/functions" as well.  

        Another question may begin, "In lines 32–38 ('And thus . . . honour of our writings'), the speaker employs which of the following rhetorical strategies?"  This selection may be catalogued in both "Rhetorical strategies" and "Speaker."  

        When the question refers to a part of the sentence and asks for the meaning of a word or phrase in context, what a word refers to, or how a word functions, it is best to go back to the beginning of the sentence or even to the previous sentence and read completely to the end of the sentence to comprehend the meaning.  I have seen questions that ask the student what the antecedent of "this" is, and the answer is found in the preceding sentence.  You may also want to read the sentence that follows because the answer could be there.