Types of AP Lit MCQs
Grammar / Nuts & Bolts
Asks a specific grammar question, such as what word an adjective is modifying. Can be very specific like the meter of a poem (I.e. iambic pentameter). These are less about literary artistry and more about the fairly dry technique involved in having a fluent command of the English language.
Structure
Asks you about specific structural elements of the passage—a shift in tone, a digression, the specific form of a poem, etc. Will often specify a part of the passage/poem and ask you to identify what that part is accomplishing. Being able to identify and understand the significance of any shifts—structural, tonal, in genre, etc.—is key.
Character Analysis
Asks you to describe something about a character. You can spot them because they will refer directly to characters' attitudes, opinions, beliefs, or relationships with other characters. This is kinda of a special inference question since you're inferring the broader personality of a character based on the passage. More common for prose than poetry.
Overall Passage Questions
Asks you to identify or describe something about the passage/poem as a whole: it's purpose, tone, genre, etc. You can identify these by phrases like "in the passage", and "as a whole." To answer, you need to think about the excerpt from a birds eye view. What is the overall picture created by all the tiny details?
Inference
Asks you to infer something - a character or narrator's opinion, an author's intention, etc. - based on the passage. Identified by "infer, and "imply. Key is to not be tripped up by the fact that you're making an inference—best answer will be supported by passage. Know what a passage MEANS.
"In lines 13-17 ('Their religion. . . asthma'), the narrator draws attention to the Dodson sisters' ______" What type of MCQ is this?
Character Analysis
"The phrase 'that live tongue' (line 27) is best understood as" Is this identifying or interpreting?
Interpreting
Identifying and Interpreting Figurative Language
Either have to identify what word or phrase is fig. language or provide the meaning of a figurative phrase. Identifiable as they will either explicitly mention fig. language (or a device) or will include a fig. language phrase in the question itself. Meaning can be determined by the phrase's context in the passage. What is it referring to?
"In line 38, 'tranquil' functions as which of the following?" What type of MCQ is this?
Grammar / Nuts & Bolts
"Which of the following is used figuratively?" Is this identifying or interpreting?
Identifying
"From the first sentence, one can infer which of the following about the Dodsons' and Tullivers' religions and moral ideas? " What kind of MCQ is this?
Inference
"Which of the following best describes an effect of the repetition of the phrase 'ask us' in line 33?" What type of MCQ is this?
Literary Technique
"In the passage, the narrator is most concerned with _____" What type of MCQ is this?
Overall Passage Questions
According to the speaker, the prophet's "word of the weapons" (line 5) will probably not be heeded because _______. What type of MCQ is this?
Reading Comprehension
"Lines 44-48 can be best described as a _____". What kind of MCQ is this?
Structure
Reading Comprehension
Tests your ability to understand what the passage is saying; not much interpretation required. Identified by "according to", "asserting", "mentioned", etc. Key is to carefully read the text. Re-reading may be necessary.
Literary Technique
These involve identifying why an author does what they do: from using a particular phrase to repeating certain words. What techniques is the author using to construct the passage/poem and to what effect? Identified by "serves chiefly to", "effect", "evoke", and "in order to." Why did the author use these particular words or this particular structure?
