2017 International Practice Exam Mcq Ap Lit

Decoding the 2017 AP Literature International Practice Exam MCQs: A Comprehensive Guide

The AP Literature and Composition exam is a significant hurdle for many high school students aiming for college credit. The multiple-choice section, often perceived as daunting, tests your understanding of literary devices, themes, and interpretations. This article delves deep into the structure and challenges of the 2017 international practice exam's multiple-choice questions (MCQs), offering strategies and insights to improve your performance. We'll explore common question types, dissect sample questions, and provide actionable advice to boost your score.

Understanding the AP Literature MCQ Format

The AP Literature MCQ section features approximately 55 questions based on four to five prose and poetry passages. These passages span various literary periods and styles, challenging your ability to analyze diverse writing. Each question typically presents five answer choices, only one of which is correct. The exam doesn't focus on memorizing facts but rather on demonstrating a profound understanding of literary techniques and their effects.

Key Areas Tested:

Literary Devices: The majority of questions test your grasp of literary techniques like metaphor, simile, imagery, tone, symbolism, irony, point of view, diction, syntax, and structure. Understanding how these devices contribute to the overall meaning and effect of the passage is crucial.
Theme and Meaning: Many questions probe your ability to identify the central themes, ideas, and overall meaning of the passage. This requires close reading and careful consideration of the author's choices.
Interpretation and Inference: The exam frequently tests your ability to draw inferences from the text, moving beyond literal meaning to understand implied ideas and authorial intent.
Character Analysis: Questions often focus on analyzing character motivations, relationships, and development. You must demonstrate an understanding of how characters contribute to the narrative.
Passage Structure and Organization: Analyzing the structure of the passage—how the author organizes ideas and information—is vital to answering many questions effectively.

Dissecting Question Types and Strategies

Let's examine several common types of MCQs found in the 2017 international practice exam and beyond, along with strategies for approaching them:

1. Identifying Literary Devices:

These questions test your ability to recognize and understand the function of specific literary techniques.

Example: "The author's use of 'a chilling wind' primarily serves to establish what?"
- Strategy: Focus on the specific wording. What feeling or image does "chilling wind" evoke? How does this contribute to the overall mood or atmosphere of the passage?

2. Interpreting Figurative Language:

These questions ask you to analyze the meaning and effect of metaphors, similes, personification, and other figures of speech.

Example: "The phrase 'the city wept' is best interpreted as an example of which literary device?"
- Strategy: Consider the literal meaning versus the figurative meaning. What emotions or ideas are conveyed through the personification of the city?

3. Analyzing Tone and Mood:

These questions test your ability to identify and understand the author's attitude toward the subject matter and the overall feeling or atmosphere created in the passage.

Example: "The overall tone of the passage can best be described as..."
- Strategy: Look for clues in the diction, imagery, and sentence structure. Consider the author's word choices and their connotations.

4. Understanding Point of View:

These questions assess your understanding of narrative perspective and its impact on the story.

Example: "The passage is primarily told from which point of view?"
- Strategy: Identify the narrator and their relationship to the events being described. Consider the use of pronouns and the narrator's access to information.

5. Determining Theme and Meaning:

These questions require you to identify the central themes, ideas, and overall meaning conveyed in the passage.

Example: "Which of the following best expresses the central theme of the passage?"
- Strategy: Consider the recurring motifs, symbols, and ideas presented throughout the passage. Look for the overarching message or meaning the author is trying to convey.

6. Making Inferences and Drawing Conclusions:

These questions require you to go beyond the literal meaning of the text and infer implied ideas and meanings.

Example: "Based on the passage, it can be inferred that the character's actions are motivated by..."
- Strategy: Use textual evidence to support your inferences. Don't rely on assumptions or outside knowledge.

Advanced Strategies for Success

Beyond understanding question types, mastering the following strategies is essential for success:

Annotate Actively: Don't just read the passage passively. Annotate it thoroughly, marking key words, phrases, literary devices, and shifts in tone or mood.
Identify the Central Idea: Before tackling individual questions, identify the central idea or theme of the passage. This provides a framework for understanding the details.
Contextualize: Always consider the context of the passage. Understanding the historical, social, or cultural context can significantly enhance your interpretation.
Eliminate Incorrect Answers: If you're unsure of the correct answer, systematically eliminate the incorrect options. This increases your chances of guessing correctly.
Practice Regularly: The key to mastering the AP Literature MCQ section is consistent practice. Work through numerous practice passages and questions, focusing on developing your analytical skills.
Review Feedback: After completing practice exams or question sets, carefully review your answers and understand why you got certain questions wrong. Learn from your mistakes.
Time Management: Pace yourself during the exam. Don't spend too much time on any single question. If you're stuck, move on and return to it later if time permits.

Beyond the 2017 Exam: Broadening Your Literary Horizons

While focusing on the 2017 international practice exam is valuable, expanding your knowledge of different literary periods, styles, and authors is crucial for success on the overall AP Literature exam. Explore works from various eras and genres, paying attention to the evolution of literary techniques and themes.

Recommended Authors and Works (for broader AP Lit preparation):

Shakespeare: Familiarize yourself with key plays and their thematic concerns.
19th-Century Novelists: Explore the works of authors like Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Charlotte Brontë.
Modernist Authors: Examine the works of authors like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Virginia Woolf.
Contemporary Authors: Read contemporary works to understand the evolution of literary styles and themes.

By engaging with a diverse range of literature, you'll develop a sophisticated understanding of literary techniques and the ability to analyze complex texts effectively. This enhanced literary literacy will be invaluable not only for the AP Literature exam but also for your future academic pursuits.

Conclusion: Mastering the AP Literature MCQ Challenge

The 2017 international practice exam, and the AP Literature exam in general, tests more than just memorization; it evaluates your critical thinking, analytical skills, and interpretive abilities. By understanding the format, mastering effective strategies, and broadening your literary horizons, you can significantly improve your performance and achieve a high score. Remember that consistent practice, active annotation, and a deep understanding of literary devices are the cornerstones of success. Good luck!