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AP Language Practice: Writing MC Questions

Apr 27, 2025

AP Language Practice Session: Writing Multiple Choice Questions

Introduction

  • Instructor: John Zanan, AP Language Teacher at Chelsea High School, Chelsea, Michigan.
  • Focus: Writing section of the AP Language multiple choice test.
  • Aim: Review strategies for addressing writing multiple choice questions.

Structure of the Writing Section

  • Comprises three passages.
    • First two passages: 7-9 questions each.
    • Third passage: 4-6 questions.
  • Objective: Discover approaches and skills to tackle these questions effectively.

General Approaches and Tips

  1. Read the Passage Carefully

    • Identify main topic, claim, thesis, tone, and method development.
    • Understand how to revise or make changes.
  2. Anticipate Revision Spots

    • Look for unpolished areas.
    • Expect related questions in the test.
  3. Parse Questions Carefully

    • Questions often loaded or multi-layered.
    • Take time to understand what is being asked.
  4. Narrow Down Options

    • Validate key words/phrases.
    • Eliminate incorrect options completely.

Practice Passage Overview

  • Topic: Converting to the metric system.
    • Discusses Imperial vs. Metric units.
    • USA as an outlier not using the metric system.
    • Call to action: Switch to metric is beneficial.
  • Thesis: U.S. should adopt the metric system.
  • Tone: Academic, persuasive essay.
  • Method of Development:
    • Attention getter/hook.
    • Claims and context.
    • Reasons for conversion.
    • Concessions and closing argument.

Sample Multiple Choice Questions

  1. Effective Introduction Selection

    • Task: Find a sentence to introduce the passage effectively.
    • Selected Answer: Option B - A gripping sentence about the expensive Orbiter vanishing.
  2. Establishing the Thesis

    • Task: Select text that best establishes The Writer's thesis.
    • Selected Answer: Option C - U.S. needs to adopt the metric system.
  3. Supporting Main Argument

    • Task: Add information to support the paragraph's main argument.
    • Correct Answer: Option C - Jefferson’s quote doesn't fit the paragraph's context.

Conclusion

  • Emphasized reading strategies to identify key passage elements.
  • Practiced anticipating and parsing questions.
  • Next Steps: Synthesis essay writing practice.
  • Encouragement: Acknowledging the effort and readiness for tests.