Ap Lang 2020 Practice Exam 2 Mcq

AP Lang 2020 Practice Exam 2 MCQ: A Comprehensive Guide

The 2020 AP Language and Composition exam presented unique challenges, and understanding the nuances of the multiple-choice questions (MCQs) is crucial for current and future students. This guide delves into a comprehensive analysis of Practice Exam 2's MCQs, focusing on strategies, common pitfalls, and effective preparation techniques. We'll explore various question types, dissect sample questions, and provide actionable advice for mastering this challenging section of the AP Lang exam.

Understanding the AP Language Exam's MCQ Section

The multiple-choice section of the AP Language exam tests your ability to:

• Analyze Rhetorical Strategies: Identify and understand the author's use of rhetorical devices (e.g., ethos, pathos, logos, tone, diction, syntax).
• Interpret Meaning and Purpose: Decipher the author's intended message, purpose, and audience.
• Analyze Textual Evidence: Support your interpretations with specific evidence from the passage.
• Understand Argumentation: Recognize the structure and effectiveness of an argument.

Key Differences from Previous Exams: The 2020 exam, due to the pandemic, featured adjustments. Understanding these variations is crucial for effective preparation. While the core skills remain the same, the specific passages and question types might have subtle differences compared to previous years' exams. It's vital to review materials from the 2020 exam specifically to understand the nuances.

Dissecting Practice Exam 2 MCQs: A Strategic Approach

Let's approach the analysis of the 2020 AP Lang Practice Exam 2 MCQs systematically. Since we cannot access a specific, officially released practice exam, we will use a generalized approach to illustrate common question types and strategies. Remember, replacing this generalized example with the actual practice exam will provide far more focused insights.

1. Identifying Rhetorical Strategies: Ethos, Pathos, Logos

Many questions focus on identifying the author's use of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotion), and logos (logic). For instance:

Example Question (Hypothetical):

"In paragraph 3, the author employs which rhetorical appeal primarily to persuade the audience?"

(A) Logos, through the use of statistical data. (B) Pathos, by evoking feelings of nostalgia. (C) Ethos, by citing a renowned expert in the field. (D) A combination of ethos and logos.

Strategy: Carefully reread paragraph 3. Identify the dominant rhetorical appeal used. Look for specific textual evidence to support your choice. Don't simply guess; locate the specific words, phrases, or sentences that support your answer.

Pitfall: Confusing appeals. Students often confuse pathos with simply mentioning an emotion, while pathos involves a deliberate attempt to evoke that emotion to persuade.

2. Analyzing Diction and Syntax

Diction (word choice) and syntax (sentence structure) are crucial elements of rhetorical analysis. Questions may focus on:

Example Question (Hypothetical):

"The author's use of short, declarative sentences in paragraph 5 contributes primarily to which effect?"

(A) Creating a sense of urgency and immediacy. (B) Establishing a formal and intellectual tone. (C) Highlighting the complexity of the issue. (D) Undermining the credibility of the argument.

Strategy: Analyze the sentence structure. Consider the overall impact of the sentence structure on the reader's understanding and perception. Connect the stylistic choice to its effect on the passage's meaning and purpose.

Pitfall: Failing to connect the stylistic choice to its effect. Simply identifying the sentence structure isn't sufficient; you must explain its impact.

3. Interpreting Tone and Purpose

Accurately interpreting the author's tone and overall purpose is paramount. Questions might ask:

Example Question (Hypothetical):

"What is the author's primary purpose in writing this passage?"

(A) To inform the reader about the history of a particular event. (B) To persuade the reader to adopt a specific viewpoint. (C) To entertain the reader with an amusing anecdote. (D) To critique the shortcomings of a particular policy.

Strategy: Consider the passage as a whole. Identify the central argument or idea. Look at the evidence provided and how it supports the overall purpose. Avoid getting bogged down in minor details.

Pitfall: Focusing solely on surface details without considering the overall purpose.

4. Analyzing Argumentative Structure

AP Lang questions often analyze argumentative structure and techniques. Expect questions on:

• Claims and Evidence: The quality and relevance of the author's claims and supporting evidence.
• Counterarguments: How the author addresses opposing viewpoints.
• Logical Fallacies: The identification of flawed reasoning.

Example Question (Hypothetical):

"Which of the following best describes the author's approach to addressing counterarguments?"

(A) The author ignores counterarguments entirely. (B) The author acknowledges counterarguments but dismisses them summarily. (C) The author refutes counterarguments with strong evidence and reasoning. (D) The author incorporates counterarguments to strengthen the overall argument.

Strategy: Carefully trace the flow of the argument. Identify where counterarguments are addressed (if at all). Analyze the effectiveness of the author's responses to opposing viewpoints.

Pitfall: Misinterpreting the author's response to counterarguments. Carefully read the text to ensure you understand the author's approach.

Mastering the AP Lang MCQ Section: Effective Preparation Techniques

Preparing effectively for the AP Language MCQ section requires a multifaceted approach:

• Extensive Reading: Read diverse texts, including essays, articles, speeches, and literary works. Pay close attention to the author's rhetorical strategies and techniques.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Work through numerous practice questions. Familiarize yourself with different question types and strategies. Analyze your mistakes to improve your understanding.
• Develop Analytical Skills: Practice identifying rhetorical devices, interpreting tone and purpose, and analyzing argumentative structures.
• Annotate Actively: While reading, annotate the text to identify key points, rhetorical strategies, and evidence. This will help you locate relevant information quickly during the exam.
• Time Management: Practice answering questions under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam environment. Learn to manage your time effectively.
• Seek Feedback: If possible, have your essays and answers reviewed by a teacher or tutor to get valuable feedback and identify areas for improvement.

Conclusion: Conquering the AP Lang 2020 Practice Exam 2 MCQs

The 2020 AP Language and Composition exam, while presenting unique challenges, is conquerable with focused preparation. Mastering the multiple-choice section requires a deep understanding of rhetorical analysis, argumentation, and close reading skills. By employing the strategies outlined in this guide and dedicating yourself to consistent practice, you can significantly enhance your performance on the AP Language exam. Remember that consistent effort and a strategic approach are key to success. Good luck!