AP Lit Question 2 Review

Question 2 is the prose, or short fiction, analysis question. Which of the following is NOT a question to be addressed in your FRQ?

• What is the purpose or meaning of the text?

• How does the author use literary techniques to craft his piece?

• Who is the speaker in the text and what role does the speaker play?

• How many paragraphs does this piece have and does each paragraph have a certain amount of sentences?

What is this:

The following excerpt is from [text and author, date of publication]. In this passage, [comment on what is being addressed in the passage]. Read the passage carefully. Then, in a well-written essay, analyze how [author] uses literary elements and techniques to [convey/portray/develop a thematic, topical, or structural aspect of the passage that is complex and specific to the passage provided]

• a sample prompt for question 2

• some strange communication from outer space

• it's Greek to me

• a very clear, concise response

Which of the following is NOT important to know from the prompt?

• Dates the piece was written or takes place in

• Comment on what is being addressed in the passage

• What aspect of complexity (relationships, social propriety, comment on maturity, etc) is being discussed

• How many words are actually in the prompt. If there are more than 45 you know it's going to be difficult.

Tags

CCSS.RI.1.1

CCSS.RI.2.1

CCSS.RI.3.1

CCSS.RL.2.1

CCSS.RL.3.1

Take A-I-M is an acronym for which of the following?

• Accentuate, Initiate, Mimic

• Annotate, Infer, Main idea

• Answer, Inference, Metaphor

• Annotate, Inquire, Meme

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.10

CCSS.RI.11-12.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RL.11-12.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

The writer will write about an abstract idea. Which of the following are the BEST examples of abstract ideas?

• freedom, growth, money

• independence, civilization, parties

• civility, individuality, compassion

• acceptance, conformity, inheritances

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Most prompts in Question 2 ask about "Complexity." Which of the following is the BEST definition of complexity?

• Blending or arrangement of different yet connected emotions

• Taking the piece apart to see how it functions independently

• Bringing in your own evidence for support and connecting that evidence to all of humanity

• Knowing how the author is able to use the literary devices

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

One great way to improve your writing in the FRQs is to add transitional words. Which of the following are transitional words?

• According, consequently, later, additionally, although

• is, am, are, was, were

• desperate, resigned, helpful, hopeful, angry, despondent

• revenge is a destructive force, what lies beneath the surface doesn't reflect the outward appearance

The prose question may ask about "characterizing" a character. What are some strategies to accomplish this? (more than one will be correct)

• Examine what a character says

• Examine what a character does.

• Examine how the character is described by the narrator or others

• Examine the symbols the character holds in his/her hands

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

The prompt may also ask for an author's message or purpose for writing the piece. Which of these (more than one is possible) would be a "message"?

• Revenge is a destructive force for those who seemingly "deserve" it as well as those who seek it.

• Reuniting and forgiveness are difficult tasks to embrace. Humility and understanding must accompany those who seek forgiveness.

• Status has always embraced the good fortune of those who are the most talented.

• Social propriety and expectations interferes with authentic communication and emotion

• I love it when a plan comes together.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Question 2 asks you to show how the author uses _______ to craft a message.

• poetry and prose

• bananas and monkeys

• literary elements and techniques

• words and diction and stuff

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3