Catcher in the Rye AP Passages
43. From the long paragraph beginning "I got a cab," the reader can infer all of the following EXCEPT (A) Holden does not ever want to go home if he can avoid it (B) money has never been a problem for Holden (C) Holden is quite resourceful when he wants to be (D) Holden's mother has had problems dealing with Allie's death (E) Holden has little emotional interaction with his father
(A) Holden does not ever want to go home if he can avoid it
11. The narrator's description of Allie is characterized by I. absolutes II. figurative language III. periodic sentences (A) I only (B) III only (C) I and II only (D) I and III only (E) I, II, and III
(A) I only
4. From the context, the reader can infer that this crumby place" the narrator refers to in the middle of the first paragraph is most likely (A) a mental institution (B) a boarding school (C) a school in California (D) his brother's house (E) a detention center for juvenile offenders
(A) a mental institution
27. The sentences following the statements "She has this sort of red hair" and "if you tell old Phoebe something, she knows exactly what the hell you're talking about" seem to (A) by non sequiturs (B) be concrete examples of generalizations (C) contradict the preceding statement (D) reiterate the narrator's point (E) be conventional observations of facts
(A) be non sequiturs
16. From the first paragraph, the reader can infer all of the following about the narrator EXCEPT that he (A) is reckless (B) fears censure from adults (C) has few friends (D) uses slang (E) makes excuses for his behavior
(A) is reckless
59. Sally's arguments about why Holden could not leave are based primarily on (A) logic (B) ethics (C) fear (D) love (E) dislike of Holden
(A) logic
77. In the long paragraph beginning "It was Monday," the sentence that follows It was fairly Christmasy" serves to (A) paint a bleak picture of Holden's idea of "Christmasy" (B) reinforce the holiday atmosphere (C) emphasize the charity aspect of Christmas (D) shift the focus from specifics to generalities (E) idealize the sights and sounds of the sea
(A) paint a bleak picture of Holden's idea of "Christmasy
66. In the paragraph beginning "'Lawyers are all right,'" the last half of the paragraph reveals Holden's (A) philosophical depth and concern with motives (B) fallacious reasoning processes (C) fear of being successful in a competitive setting (D) distrust of lawyers and the legal process (E) obsession with circular logic
(A) philosophical depth and concern with motives
55. In the paragraph beginning "'Well, _I_ hate it,'" the sentence beginning "'Taxicabs, and ...'" is notable for its (A) polysyndeton (B) asyndeton (C) loose sentence structure (D) synesthesia (E) fluidity
(A) polysyndeton
83. In relation to the passage as a whole, the last paragraph is most noticeable for its (A) shift in pace and mood (B) shift in mood and point of view (C) break in narrative style (D) unique syntactical variations (E) more mature diction and syntax
(A) shift in pace and mood
13. Given the content o the passage, the narrator's common that he "happened to have it with me" implies that he (A) tried to make light of the fact that he keeps his brother's mitt (B) did not usually have the fielder's mitt with him (C) hid the mitt because he was ashamed of it (D) was embarrassed to have a mitt with poems on it (E) had planned to play baseball using his brother's mitt
(A) tries to make light of the fact that he kept his brother's mitt
29. The last phrase of the third paragraph ("--everybody with any sense, anyway") serves primarily to (A) qualify all the absolutes in the paragraph (B) dismiss as unimportant anyone who dislikes Phoebe (C) prove that the narrator's evaluation of Phoebe is accurate (D) Stress the universal appeal that Phoebe has to people (E) admit that not everyone thinks Phoebe is so wonderful
(B) dismiss as unimportant anyone who dislikes Phoebe
65. From Holden's comments about what he does like, the reader can infer that Holden likes (A) eating and horseback riding (B) feeling connected emotionally (C) making money and being successful (D) recognition for doing a job well (E) concrete results for hard work
(B) feeling connected emotionally
67. Holden states three times that he desire to be the "catcher in the rye" is "crazy" because he (A) knows that no such job exists in society (B) feels somewhat vulnerable as a result of opening up to Phoebe (C) realizes the idea is a mere hallucination (D) has heard others say that whenever he has talked about the idea (E) is aware that the idea is not really his goal in life
(B) feels somewhat vulnerable as a result of opening up to Phoebe
8. When the narrator states, "Now he's out in Hollywood, D.B., being a prostitute," he most likely means that (A) only prostitutes make money in Hollywood (B) his brother is selling out his talent by writing screenplays (C) his brother is exchanging sex for money (D) he views all movie actors as sex fiends (E) his brother has exchanged sex for fame
(B) his brother is selling out his talent by writing screenplays
60. When Holden says, "'It'd be entirely different'" and "'You don't see what I mean at all,'" he is referring to (A) the idea that people only live once and must use each day (B) his desire to be free of all responsibilities and expectations (C) enjoying something only because it is spontaneous and forbidden (D) wanting to shock parents and adults into paying attention (E) his wish to escape from the boredom of the city
(B) his desire to be free of all responsibilities and expectations
18. The narrator's response to the taxi driver's question of "Where to?" reveals his (A) creativity and sense of humor (B) insecurity and desire to appear mature (C) openness and desire for conversation (D) desire to find entertainment and thrills in life (E) need for adult advice and guidance
(B) insecurity and desire to appear mature
81. Given the fear that Holden had each time he stepped off a curb, the action that he decided to take can be be described as (A) rational (B) ironic (C) self-preserving (D) selfish (E) defensive
(B) ironic
45. The long paragraph beginning "While I was eating" reveals that Holden (A) is astute in his analysis of other people's feelings (B) is a snob even though he denies it (C) understands people's motivations (D) enjoys kidding around with his roommate (E) values intelligence and humor more than financial status
(B) is a snob even though he denies it
6. Based on the second and third paragraphs of the passage, the narrator could be described as all of the following EXCEPT (A) hyperbolic in narrative style (B) overly emotional (C) sarcastic (D) perceptive (E) foul-mouthed
(B) overly emotional
79. Holden's thoughts about the two nuns and Phoebe are (A) totally unrelated to his surroundings (B) triggered by the sights described immediately before the thoughts (C) proof of the lack of logic in Holden's thought processes (D) examples of his inability to deal with his present situation (E) recollections of happier times in his younger years
(B) triggered by the sights described immediately before the thoughts
22. In this passage, the narrator is presented as all of the following EXCEPT (A) callow (B) urbane (C) negative (D) profane (E) defensive
(B) urbane
12. The narrator most likely broke all the windows in the garage because he (A) was upset that his parents wanted to send him to a psychiatrist (B) was angry and distraught about his brother Allie's death (C) felt ignored by his parents and wanted some attention (D) was determined never to sleep in the garage again (E) was unable to break the windows of his parents' station wagon
(B) was angry and distraught about his brother Allie's death
25. The narrator's comment of "I'm the only dumb one in the family" most likely reflects the view of (A) his parents (B) his teachers (C) Holden himself (D) Pheobe (E) D.B.
(C) Holden himself
20. In the paragraph beginning "'Well--take me to the Edmont then,'" the narrator reveals his I. desire to impress adults II. desperation for companionship III. maturity and worldliness (A) I only (B) II only (C) I and II only (D) I and III only (E) I, II, and III
(C) I and II only
30. The description of Phoebe by the narrator I. explains why he sees her as "somebody with sense" II. fails to explain why she would be "somebody you always felt like talking to" III. supports the assertion that "she's really smart" (A) II only (B) I and II only (C) I and III only (D) II and III only (E) I, II, and III
(C) I and III only
42. From the first part of the passage, the reader can infer that Holden makes a date with Sally because he I. is lonely and wants to be with someone his own age II. worries about losing her to other boys who are interested in her III. has nothing to do and wants to kill time until he can go home (A) I only (B) I and II only (C) I and III only (D) II and III only (E) I, II, and II
(C) I and III only
57. From Holden's remarks about cliques, the reader can infer that I. boys' schools focus exclusively on sports II. Holden dislikes group activities III. Holden fells like an outsider (A) I only (B) II only (C) III only (D) II and III only (E) I, II, and III
(C) III only
40. Holden's comment about Sally being "quite a little phony" is (A) a negative response to her poise and polished phone manners (B) resentment based on the maid's having answered the phone (C) based on the assumption that her father had told her who was on the phone (D) a reflection of his jealousy that she is at home with parents while he is not (E) anger growing out of her reminder of his lapse in telephone etiquette
(C) based on the assumption that her father had told her who was on the phone
54. Holden's questions in the paragraph beginning "'Did you ever get fed up?" are an attempt to (A) start a conversation with Sally and end the awkward silence (B) focus Sally's attention on him rather than on the others present (C) find out if someone else feels the same as he does (D) see if all schools, even girls' schools, are the same (E) explain his nervous behavior and distraction
(C) find out if someone else feels the same as he does
80. Holden's words to Allie have the quality of a(n) (A) maxim (B) eulogy (C) incantation (D) command (E) soliloquy
(C) incantation
9. In the first part of the first paragraph, the sentence "He was left-handed" is primarily (A) reinforcing (B) explanatory (C) redundant (D) digressive (E) reflective
(C) redundant
28. The comments about Phoebe being too affectionate and emotional reveal that (A) the narrator realizes his sister is less than ideal (B) Phoebe has problems emotionally (C) the narrator is uncomfortable with expressions of emotion (D) Phoebe is not mature in her behavior (E) the narrator is objective in his evaluation of his sister
(C) the narrator is uncomfortable with expressions of emotion
63. After Phoebe's "'Name one thing,'" which of the following is LEAST revealing of Holden's state of mind? (A) the repetition of "one thing" (B) the explanations about his inability to concentrate (C) his thoughts about the nuns (D) his memories of James Castle (E) his perception of Phoebe's relative physical distance from him
(C) this thoughts about the nuns
2. The first paragraph primarily serves (A) to shock and alienate the reader (B) to create sympathy for the narrator's unhappy childhood experiences (C) to give hints about the narrator's current circumstances (D) as an expository foil to the next two paragraphs (E) as an objective assessment of the narrator's character
(C) to give hints about the narrator's current circumstances
64. From the two long paragraphs about James Castle, the reader can infer all of the following EXCEPT (A) the incident troubled Holden because he identified with Castle (B) Holden really did not know what the boys had done to Castle (C) Holden admired Castle for standing up to the bullies (D) Holden told Phoebe about the incident so she would better understand his depression (E) the way the school handled the incident bothered Holden
(D) Holden told Phoebe about the incident so she would better understand his depression
1. The narrator's tone could be best described as I. defensive II. hostile III. self-assured (A) I only (B) II only (C) III only (D) I and II only (E) I and III only
(D) I and II only
62. Holden becomes "even more depressed" when Phoebe says, "'You don't like _any_thing that's happening" most likely because I. the comment reveals that even she does not understand him II. her tone is less than sympathetic III. he knows her analysis is correct (A) I only (B) III only (C) I and II only (D) II and III only (E) I, II, and III
(D) II and III only
7. Which of the following is NOT a logical assumption from the passage? (A) The narrator's parents are financially secure. (B) The writer is sympathetic to the narrator. (C) The narrator's parents are reserved and somewhat detached emotionally. (D) The narrator is very interested in sports. (E) The writer is critical of certain aspects of society.
(D) The narrator is very interested in sports.
44.In the paragraph about what Holden had for breakfast, the last two sentences about his name are (A) a digression by Holden to distract his audience (B) the author's way of revealing Holden's full name (C) reinforcement of Holden's concern about his nutrition (D) an attempt at humor by Holden (E) an indication of Holden's sensitivity about his thinness
(D) an attempt at humor by Holden
5. The first complete shift in setting occurs (A) in the middle of the first paragraph ("I mean that's all I told D.B. about") (B) at the beginning of the second paragraph ("Where I want to start") (C) toward the end of the second paragraph ("And I didn't know anybody") (D) at the start of the third paragraph ("Anyway it was the start of the football game") (E) at no point in the passage is there a major shift in setting
(D) at the start of the third paragraph ("Anyway it was the start of the football game")
19. The taxi driver's attitude toward the narrator could best be described as (A) cruel (B) condescending (C) hateful (D) indifferent (E) jocular
(D) indifferent
61. Given the content of the passage, the last two sentences of the passage can best be seen as (A) digressive (B) facetious (C) humorous (D) ironic (E) satirical
(D) ironic
76. The second paragraph (beginning "While I was walking") reveal that Holden (A) sees other people's difficulties as a source of humor (B) responds intellectually to society's discrepancies (C) views food as both a solace and a threat (D) is physically affected by his ideas and feelings (E) analyzes everything in monetary terms
(D) is physically affected by his ideas and feelings
14. In relation to the tone of the first paragraph, the second paragraph's tone is (A) less frenetic (B) more ironic (C) more angry (D) less emotional (E) less flippant
(D) less emotional
58. Holden's idea of leaving town with Sally and his "plans" could be described as all of the following EXCEPT (A) spontaneous (B) escapist (C) amorphous (D) pragmatic (E) immature
(D) pragmatic
26. The phrase "roller-skating skinny" could best be restated as (A) gaunt (B) rawboned (C) slinky (D) slim (E) scrawny
(D) slim
17. In the paragraph about the ducks, the "it" in the last sentence probably refers to the chance of (A) the lake freezing over before Christmas (B) the ducks being in Central Park at that time (C) starting a conversation with the taxi driver (D) the taxi driver knowing the answer to the question (E) diverting the taxi driver's hostility
(D) the taxi driver knowing the answer to the question
56. In the paragraph beginning "'You're sweet,'" the "subject" that Sally wants to avoid is most likely (A) the boredom of school (B) Holden's affection for her (C) the drawbacks of living in New York City (D) people's focus on cars (E) Holden's desperation
(E) Holden's desperation
24. From the second paragraph, the reader can infer that the narrator I. has some admiration for his mother II. is desperately lonely III. fears a confrontation with his parents (A) III only (B) I and II only (C) I and III only (D) II and III only (E) I, II, and III
(E) I, II, and III
3. The author develops the character of the narrator through I. diction II. syntax III. selection of detail (A) I only (B) III only (C) I and II only (D) II and III only (E) I, II, and III
(E) I, II, and III
82. The details of Holden's dream of his life in the West reflect his I. misanthropic view of humanity II. desire for close-knit family life III. need for physical and emotional warmth (A) I only (B) II only (C) I and II only (D) II and III only (E) I, II, and III
(E) I, II, and III
(WILL NOT BE ON TEST) 78. Holden's thoughts about why he knew that he would not see the two nuns is an example of (A) argumentum ad hominem (B) equivocation (C) over-generalization (D) false analogy (E) deductive reasoning
(E) deductive reasoning
15. In the last paragraph, the narrator's attitude toward Ackley could best be described as (A) forgiving and kind (B) cruel and petty (C) sympathetic and understanding (D) detached and impersonal (E) derisive and condescending
(E) derisive and condescending
68. Holden's sudden urge to call Mr. Antolini probably is caused by Holden's (A) fear of his father's reaction to Holden's expulsion from school (B) anger at Phoebe's response to his revelations of his desires (C) urge to flee from Phoebe's obvious disapproval (D) inability to remain in one place for an extended period of time (E) desire to speak with an adult who might understand his feelings
(E) desire to speak with an adult who might understand his feelings
23. The first paragraph serves primarily to (A) provide an introduction for the description of Phoebe (B) convey details about the time and place of the setting (C) create a mood of festivity but depravity (D) reveal the narrator's faultless grooming habits (E) highlight the narrator's vagueness and lack of purpose
(E) highlight the narrator's vagueness and lack of purpose
41. Holden's negative response to Sally's use of the word "Grand" is (A) understandable, given his sensitivity to people's diction (B) merely dramatized to inflate his own sense of worth (C) included to reveal Sally's shallow, hypocritical nature (D) a result of his unwillingness to express strong possible emotions (E) ironic, given Holden's use of "Swell" in their conversation
(E) ironic, given Holden's use of "Swell" in their conversation
46. The narration contains all of the following EXCEPT (A) first-person point of view (B) use of slang (C) repetition (D) digressions (E) periodic sentences
(E) periodic sentences
21. The narrator's thoughts on the taxi driver's refusal of the offer of a drink are an example of (A) asyndeton (B) understatement (C) anaphora (D) litotes (E) sarcasm
(E) sarcasm
10. The three sentences which follow "I'll tell you what kind of red hair he had" serve primarily to reveal the narrator's (A) ability to recall details from the past (B) interest in sports when he was young (C) close ties with this younger brother (D) privileged upbringing (E) unusual thought processes
(E) unusual thought processes
