langofcomp2e

AP-Style Multiple-Choice Quiz (Francine Prose, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read”)

AP-Style Multiple Choice Quiz

Francine Prose, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read”

After reading the selection from “I Know Why the Caged Bird Cannot Read,” choose the best answer to each question. Click the submit button when finished. The following questions refer to paragraphs 1–6.

Question What is the purpose of the sentence “Given the dreariness with which literature is taught in many American classrooms, it seems miraculous that any sentient teenager would view reading as a source of pleasure” (middle of para. 1)?

1. What is the purpose of the sentence “Given the dreariness with which literature is taught in many American classrooms, it seems miraculous that any sentient teenager would view reading as a source of pleasure” (middle of para. 1)?

to provide an example of how American teenagers are at a disadvantage in their learning environments

to indicate that the author thinks most teenagers are bored in classrooms

to emphasize specific problems about teaching methods in American classrooms

to describe how even unintelligent students dislike reading

to establish the author’s point of view using strong emotional language

Question In paragraph 1, which of the following stylistic devices is most in evidence?

2. In paragraph 1, which of the following stylistic devices is most in evidence?

rhetorical questions

onomatopoeia

irony

hyperbole

metaphor

Question In context, the term “vestigial” (middle of para. 2) most likely means

3. In context, the term “vestigial” (middle of para. 2) most likely means

enduring

priestly.

nostalgic.

innocent.

chaste.

Question What is the author’s main purpose of the third full paragraph?

4. What is the author’s main purpose of the third full paragraph?

to summarize the problem that inferior pieces of literature still sell in large numbers at bookstores

to describe how certain words and sentences are enjoyable to read

to defend her position that all books are works of art

to establish her argument by describing how teachers are wasting an opportunity to make students lifelong readers of literature

to address a possible criticism of her argument by pointing out that more and more books are being sold each year

Question When the author refers to the “lemminglike fervor” (para. 4) of universities, she means that the administrations at these universities

5. When the author refers to the “lemminglike fervor” (para. 4) of universities, she means that the administrations at these universities

try to move quickly.

carefully take the lead in an intense manner.

blindly and enthusiastically follow one another.

take a complex and nonobvious route.

calmly make individual changes.

Question What is the main purpose of the author’s using information about her sons in paragraphs 5 and 6?

6. What is the main purpose of the author’s using information about her sons in paragraphs 5 and 6?

to emphasize the importance of Shakespeare in school curriculums

to suggest that even good students in private schools read inferior literature

to personalize her position to the reader and help explain her argument

to contrast Alice Walker and Maya Angelou

to describe how her older son disliked reading Ordinary People

Question All of the following have a negative connotation EXCEPT

7. All of the following have a negative connotation EXCEPT

“moribund culture” (para. 4)

“lucidly” (para. 6).

“trash and semi-trash” (para. 3).

“doomed” (para. 1).

“tacky tastes” (para. 2).

Question The author’s tone in this passage can best be described as

8. The author’s tone in this passage can best be described as

uncertain.

objective.

ambivalent.

enthusiastic.

exasperated.