Throughout your years as a student, you will no doubt have a multitude of experiences with multiple choice questions. But some exams — including the Advanced Placement English Language and Composition exam — are comprised of particularly challenging multiple-choice questions. Just like you would prepare for other exam questions, there are key steps you can take, especially on test day, to ensure you can tackle any question that comes your way.
The AP English Language and Composition exam, which lasts three hours and 15 minutes, has two sections — section 1 is an hour long and contains 52-55 questions. This section is worth 45 percent of your overall score.
Section 2 is 2 hours and 15 minutes long and contains three free-response questions, which make up the remainder of your overall score.
Given the number of multiple-choice questions you will encounter on this exam, you will want to be sure you know how to answer them. First, read the AP English Language and Composition general reading guidelines , which can be useful predictors for the questions you will face. Here are five additional steps to take on test day — and to practice in advance — to ensure you answer the questions to the best of your ability.
1. Read the questions first: On a surface level, it may seem to make sense to read straight through the test. Resist the urge.
Reading a 75-line passage and storing it in your memory, under test-day stress, simply is not reasonable. Instead, skim the questions for each passage first. Then, read the passage while searching for material that is relevant to the questions.
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As you encounter relevant portions in a passage, mark up the text. This is especially important for big picture questions, like sample questions 1 and 2 on page 49: “What is the relationship between the two paragraphs in the passage?” and “Which of the following best represents the author’s intended audience?”
For the first question, you might note that the opening paragraph argues for a particular theory that the author is clearly advocating, and the second paragraph begins with, “Such a writer is Thomas Carlyle.” This is an embodiment of the writer described in the first paragraph.
However, do not select an answer immediately upon reading the first line. Mark your likely response and continue reading the passage to ensure you have the correct interpretation.
2. Self-question as you read passages: The general reading guidelines encourage test-takers to frequently ask themselves, “What does this mean?” This is a critical step you do not want to overlook.
Each reading passage contains a central theme, but it can be easy to lose sight of this theme as you work through each paragraph. Question yourself about the meaning of each sentence or passage to enhance your reading comprehension.
You can also take notes as you read. But keep them brief, since your time is limited.
However, be sure to specify when the author is stating a central theme, providing an illustrative example, citing an authority or providing background information. This can help you prioritize the major elements of the passage that could help you in your analysis, whereas smaller notes may be less relevant and unnecessarily eat up more of your time.
3. Identify rhetorical devices: Identifying rhetorical devices — that is, the author’s ability to use language to effectively communicate or persuade — as you read each passage will greatly help you decipher them. You will almost certainly encounter questions on the exam that ask how the author constructs his or her argument.
Even if you cannot remember the name of a particular rhetorical technique, recognizing when the author is attempting to be persuasive can be useful. As you read, underline or star the section so you can easily find it again.
Your understanding of rhetoric will also help you on the Section 2 of the exam, where rhetorical analysis is one of three main skills you are tested on. If this is a particularly weak area for you, consider sharpening this skill in advance of the exam.
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4. Multitask: You won’t have time to reread the entire passage for each multiple-choice question , which is why you should read each question in advance. As you a brows e for clues related to big picture questions, answer items that have a more narrow focus. Sample question 3, for example, asks for your interpretation of lines 5-12.
As you search for clues, keep an eye on questions 1 and 5, which ask your interpretation of the meaning and purpose of the first paragraph. Lines 5-12 will affect your interpretation, since they make up part of the first paragraph.
5. Work quickly but with discipline: Take care not to overdo your multitasking. Address all the questions that are relevant to a passage before you move on to the next passage.
It typically takes too long to revisit questions drawn from a previous passage, in part because of the time necessary to reread. Knowing when to move on can be difficult, but one suggested practice is to divide the time available to you — that is, one hour — by the number of passages on the exam.
If you simply cannot decide on a correct answer, cross off the items that are obviously incorrect and go with your gut when guessing. There is no penalty for guessing incorrectly. Your score is determined solely by the number of correct responses.
A high score on the AP English Language and Composition exam can earn you college credit, and it can be a terrific asset on your college application. Practice with these simple tips and remember them on test day and you will be on your way to scoring a 3 or better.
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5 Steps to Tackle AP English Language Multiple-Choice Questions originally appeared on usnews.com
