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.