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AP-Style Multiple-Choice Quiz (Rachel Carson, from Silent Spring)

AP-Style Multiple Choice Quiz

Rachel Carson, from Silent Spring

After reading the selection from Silent Spring, choose the best answer to each question. Click the submit button when finished. The following questions refer to paragraphs 1–9.

Question 12.1 What is the primary purpose of the section title, “A Fable for Tomorrow,” and the opening sentence, “There was once a town in the heart of America where all life seemed to live in harmony with its surroundings”?

1. What is the primary purpose of the section title, “A Fable for Tomorrow,” and the opening sentence, “There was once a town in the heart of America where all life seemed to live in harmony with its surroundings”?

to establish the fairy-tale quality of the description that follows

to suggest that the first part of the writer’s argument has mythical aspects

to draw the reader into feeling comfortable with the simple childlike story

to set up the tone and tradition of a fable, indicating that there is a lesson to be learned

to provide a false beginning that the writer can contradict as she builds her argument

Question 12.2 The organizational pattern can best be described as

2. The organizational pattern can best be described as

cause and effect.

comparison and contrast.

problem and solution.

classification.

narration.

Question 12.3 The “flood of migrants” in the second paragraph refers to

3. The “flood of migrants” in the second paragraph refers to

birds.

visitors.

fish.

foxes.

deer.

Question 12.4 Carson’s reference to “the first settlers” at the end of paragraph 2 functions to

4. Carson’s reference to “the first settlers” at the end of paragraph 2 functions to

illustrate the human interference with the natural order previously described.

contradict the argument about harmony established in the first sentence of the passage.

establish a long and prosperous history of human interaction with the area.

signify a shift from the discussion of nature to the discussion of people.

expand the argument to include human structures, such as “houses,” “wells,” and “barns”

Question 12.5 The word “moribund” in paragraph 4 most likely means

5. The word “moribund” in paragraph 4 most likely means

quiet.

infertile.

small.

afraid.

dying.

Question 12.6 The writer’s use of first person in paragraph 9, beginning with “I know of no community,” serves to

6. The writer’s use of first person in paragraph 9, beginning with “I know of no community,” serves to

shift from an impersonal tone to a confessional tone.

undermine the prior discussion by admitting lack of expertise.

establish an urgent, honest persona.

assert authority that cannot be questioned.

strengthen the argument by providing personal examples.

Question 12.7 What is the primary purpose of paragraph 9?

7. What is the primary purpose of paragraph 9?

to move the argument from hypothetical situation to reality

to shift from the original argument to a counterargument

to challenge the authority of those who might disagree

to contradict the point established in the first paragraph

to expand the argument from general discussion to specific examples

Question 12.8 Each of the following pairs of images contributes to the author’s argument EXCEPT

8. Each of the following pairs of images contributes to the author’s argument EXCEPT

“white clouds of bloom” (para. 1) and “no bees droned among the blossoms” (para. 5)

“wildflowers delighted the traveler’s eye” (para. 2) and “browned and withered vegetation” (para. 6)

“blaze of color that flamed” (para. 1) and “shadow of death” (para. 3)

“shady pools where trout lay” (para. 2) and “streams were now lifeless” (para. 6)

“deer silently crossed the fields” (para. 1) and “seed heads of the dried weeds” (para. 2)

Question 12.9 The speaker’s attitude toward her subject may best be described as

9. The speaker’s attitude toward her subject may best be described as

angry and argumentative.

concerned yet logical.

formal and distant.

nostalgic yet outraged.

formal and authoritative.