langofcomp2e

AP-Style Multiple-Choice Quiz (Amy Tan, “Mother Tongue”)

AP-Style Multiple Choice Quiz

Amy Tan, “Mother Tongue”

After reading the selection from “Mother Tongue,” choose the best answer to each question. Click the submit button when finished. The following questions refer to paragraphs 8–15.

Question 10.20 Which of the following best describes the author’s purpose in including the following sentence: “It has always bothered me that I can think of no other way to describe it other than ‘broken,’ as if it were damaged and needed to be fixed, as if it lacked a certain wholeness and soundness” (para. 8)?

1. Which of the following best describes the author’s purpose in including the following sentence: “It has always bothered me that I can think of no other way to describe it other than ‘broken,’ as if it were damaged and needed to be fixed, as if it lacked a certain wholeness and soundness” (para. 8)?

to criticize the limited terminology used to describe her mother’s speech

to persuade readers that her mother’s speech is poor

to educate readers about the correct terms to use in reference to immigrant English speakers

to mock her mother’s speech

to concede that terms like “broken” are the best way to describe her mother’s English

Question 10.21 In context, the word “empirical” (last sentence of para. 9) is best interpreted to mean

2. In context, the word “empirical” (last sentence of para. 9) is best interpreted to mean

experimental.

practical.

preliminary.

feasible.

tentative.

Question 10.22 What is the author’s primary purpose in paragraphs 10–13?

3. What is the author’s primary purpose in paragraphs 10–13?

to highlight the similarities between her use of English and her mother’s use of the language

to criticize the treatment of her mother due to her use of non-standard English

to exemplify her complicated relationship to her mother’s use of the English language

to prove specific details about the quality of her mother’s English

to document a misunderstanding about the way her mother speaks English

Question 10.23 Which of the following best characterizes the tone in this passage?

4. Which of the following best characterizes the tone in this passage?

objective and informal

personal and reflective

ironic and candid

subjective and argumentative

illogical and formal

Question 10.24 Paragraph 14 relies primarily on which of the following rhetorical devices?

5. Paragraph 14 relies primarily on which of the following rhetorical devices?

analogy

hyperbole

generalization

figurative language

anecdote

Question 10.25 Tan’s attitude toward her mother’s use of English is one of

6. Tan’s attitude toward her mother’s use of English is one of

extreme shame.

justifiable disappointment.

condescending admiration.

conflicted respect.

None of the above.

Question 10.26 The phrase “impeccable broken English” at the end of paragraph 13 is an example of

7. The phrase “impeccable broken English” at the end of paragraph 13 is an example of

consonance.

figurative language.

oxymoron.

irony.

symbolism.

Question 10.27 Which of the following best describes the rhetorical effect achieved by juxtaposing the lighthearted stockbroker anecdote (paras. 10–13) and the serious hospital anecdote (para. 14)?

8. Which of the following best describes the rhetorical effect achieved by juxtaposing the lighthearted stockbroker anecdote (paras. 10–13) and the serious hospital anecdote (para. 14)?

It makes an appeal to authority.

It presents a range of examples to support the author’s thesis.

It criticizes the health-care system in the United States.

It emphasizes the injustices faced by limited English speakers.

It appeals to the reader’s sense of humor.