AP Multiple Choice Exam Overview - Poetry

AP Literature Test Content

The AP English Literature Exam has two primary ways of assessment:

Multiple-Choice Questions (MC)
Free Response Questions (FRQs)

Multiple-choice questions account for 45% of the exam score, while the FRQs account for 55%. In every module, there will be some Multiple-Choice questions to both reinforce the content of the lesson, as well as to prepare you for the AP Exam. Even if you do not plan on taking the AP English Literature Exam, the test-taking suggestions, deep reading, and practice will help with other standardized assessments (especially the SAT and ACT) and help you learn how to read at a deep and careful level.

AP Multiple Choice Video Lesson

50% of the AP English Literature Exam is made up of poetry MC Exam questions. These questions are also an objective way to gauge your progress and to explore commonly accepted interpretations of poetry. The essay writing sections allow you to explore interpretations, but the Multiple-Choice sections allow you to compare yourself against others concerning the standard interpretation of poetry.

In this lesson, we will watch the following video from the College Board about effective Multiple-Choice test-taking strategies and see examples of exam questions.

Before watching, you should download a copy of the poem "To an Inconstant One" by Sir Robert Ayton.

There are two main sections of the video, so watch it in parts (do not try to watch this video all at once):

Part 1: Skills Review - 0:00 - 18:40
Part 2: Practice and Examples: 18:40 - End

The above video is used courtesy of the Advanced Placement YouTube channel.

Practice

Before attempting additional multiple-choice assessments, it is advisable to revisit previous units' questions for review. Seek assistance and explanations from your instructor regarding any questions where the correct answers were unclear. This approach helps reinforce your understanding of the material and addresses any lingering uncertainties. Your instructor can provide valuable insights to enhance your comprehension, ensuring a more informed and confident approach to future assessments.

Reflection

By reading carefully, practicing test-taking strategies, and remembering the lessons about poetry, you can improve your multiple-choice performance. This will not only help with the AP English Literature Exam, but also with your understanding of literature, ability to read closely, and success with standardized testing in general.

[CC BY-NC-SA 4.0] UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED | IMAGES: LICENSED AND USED ACCORDING TO TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION - INTENDED ONLY FOR USE WITHIN LESSON.