AP Lang MCQ Practice #3

Which of the following statements best describes the meaning of lines 14-19 ("But, besides.... agreeable")?

• People have spent a long time developing social customs for enjoying communal gatherings

• People subject their friends and relatives to forms of entertainment that are typically more boring than exciting

• People abandon childhood pleasures in favor of more sophisticated entertainment once they grow older

• People pursue a number of interests deemed amusing based on social tradition rather than on a actual delight

• People enjoy certain social events only after they have learned how to participate in these ceremonies

The author mentions St. Paul's "admonition" (lines 23-24) in order to

• Argue that people instinctively partake in social interactions

• Explain why the church encouraged public gatherings

• Show that people will sacrifice enjoyment when necessary

• Highlight the ways people have changed over the years

• Question the importance of organized religion in the modern age

The author's attitude toward St. Paul's admonition (lines 23 - 26) is best described as

• Earnest

• Passionate

• Irreverent

• Conflicted

• Cautious

Which statement best describes the relationship between the first and second paragraphs?

• The first paragraph disparages those who oppose the pursuit of entertainment; the second illustrates the benefits of relaxing with others

• The first paragraph argues that people rely on their senses to appreciate most amusements; the second shows how they do so

• The first paragraph divides forms of entertainment into two broad categories; the second explores an example from the second category

• The first paragraph asks why some social activities are more popular than others; the second analyzes both types of events

• The first paragraph identifies the most entertaining aspects of social gatherings; the second considers how hosts can ruin these aspects

The phrase "in their strange symbolism" (lines 39 - 40) illustrates the author's

• Strong disgust with social obligation

• Jaded appreciation of monetary wealth

• Mock annoyance with personality flaws

• Weary disbelief at social awkwardness

• Ironic view of human behavior

What do lines 38-48 ("Therefore we.... sensibilities") reveal about the author's view?

• The contrast between "appropriate" and "primitive" captures her skepticism of social norms

• Use of the pronoun "we" indicates her agreement with widespread concern

• The question "who knows"? signals bitter annoyance rising in her voice

• Repetition of the word "particular" emphasizes her uncompromising outlook

• The opposition between "very" and "mere" exemplifies her ambivalent perspective.

In lines 48-50 ("Be that .... dolled up too"), the author repeats an idiomatic phrase most likely to

• Point out the superficial quality of most conversations

• Draw attention to accepted social conventions

• Question whether it is worthwhile to follow fashion trends

• Suggest that people mask their true feelings in public

• Show how people have preconceived ideas of others

The short sentences in lines 50-51 ("Now we ..... has begun") highlight

• The move from an objective review to a subjective opinion

• An important idea about appropriate party attire

• A leap in time to the distant future

• The transition from preparation to participation

• An imperative command for the reader to conform to social standards

Lines 51-79 ("We see..... good thing") primarily examine how

• People tend to make exhausting treks from party to party

• The exchanges at parties are usually superficial

• Interesting people rarely attend parties

• Awkward behavior can ruin even the best parties

• The topics at a party typically address current events

Which of the following questions does the author attempt to answer in this passage?

• Why do people decide to host parties?

• Why do people attend parties?

• What makes a party memorable?

• What do people learn at parties?

• How much money is spent on parties?