AP Language and Composition

Multiple-Choice Portion

AP Multi-Choice Format

60 min. for 54 questions5-7 passages = 8-12 min. per

passage1-2 min. per question

2 types of questions

Big PictureWhat is the gist of the passage?

DetailsPoint to specific lines/ words in the text.

Big Picture Questions

These types of questions ask students to: Characterize the speaker’s tone, style or

attitude as a whole. Fit particular details into the “big picture” or

passage as a whole. Interpret a word based on context, tone, style,

or attitude of the passage as a whole.

**Big Picture questions appear at the beginning and end of each section**

Big Picture Example

1. The author of this passage is most likely (A) a scientific researcher (B) a lexicographer (C) a historian (D) a sociologist (E) a teacher

Detailed Questions

1. These questions ask students to refer back to specific lines in the passage

2. These questions may also ask you to reevaluate the passage as a whole.

Tricks: Read the sentence before and the

sentence after Only read this part of the passage – DO

NOT reread the whole piece (too time consuming)

Details Example

4. Which word from the passage gives the clearest indication as to where the author encountered the process of upknocking? (A) entry (line 13) (B) novel (line 7) (C) schooling (line 3) (D) employment (line 10) (E) clients (line 12)

Strategies: How to approach the questions

1. 2 Pass System

2. POE (Process of Elimination)

2 Pass System

PASS #1: Answer easy questions

first and circle hard questions

PASS #2: Time permitting, go back

through the passage taking time to

answer the more difficult questions

More 2 PASS SYSTEM

Keep track of you timing! If you have 8-12 minutes per passage. 1-2 minutes per question

***Each question is worth the same number of points***

POE (Process of Elimination)

Cross out answers you know are wrong

Circle best guess of the remaining choices

Guessing aggressively = increased chances for

success!

REVIEW

BIG PICTURE. Read for the overall gist of the passage: author’s goal, tone, and point of view.

DETAILS. Reread lines before and after the lines indicated as part of the question.

2 PASS SYSTEM. Answer easy questions first, circle the hard questions. PACE YOURSELF!

POE (Process of Elimination). Eliminate obviously wrong answers. GUESS AGGRESSIVELY!

Pair/Share

Turn to the person next to you. 1. Explain the format of the AP Multiple-

Choice Test. 2. Explain the two types of questions. 3. Explain two strategies for attacking

these questions.

Let’s practice together!

8 question passage

10 min. to complete the passage Read the entire passage first Label each question (BP) Big Picture

or (D) Details Use 2 Pass System and POE (Process

of Elimination) to answer the questions

With your partner, come to consensus.

4-3-2-1 Scoring Scale

Identified question type correctlyUsed 2 PASS SYSTEMUsed POE (Process of Elimination)

4 – 8-7 questions3 – 6-5 questions2 – 4-3 questions1 – 2-1 questions

Try it on your own!

Homework: Label each question Big Picture (BP) or

Details (D) Use 2 Pass System and POE (Process of

Elimination) to answer the questions

Time yourself!▪ 13 minutes to complete the passage