AP Lang Writing Multiple Choice

Summary

In this video, Coach Hall provides valuable tips for answering writing multiple-choice questions on the AP Lang exam. With the writing section making up half of the multiple-choice score, Coach Hall emphasizes strategies like avoiding redundant wording, understanding transitions, and selecting words that match the tone and style of the passage. He also explains how to identify the thesis, decide whether to add or delete sentences, and improve clarity. Viewers are guided through practical approaches to tackle these questions efficiently, ensuring strong performance on the AP Lang exam.

Takeaways

• 😀 The writing multiple-choice section accounts for half of the multiple-choice questions on the Apling exam, with 45 questions to be answered in one hour.
• 😀 In the writing section, questions focus on editing skills such as combining sentences, avoiding redundancy, and ensuring clarity and conciseness.
• 😀 Avoid distracting answer choices that are wordier or harder to read. The goal is to select the most direct answer that conveys the author's intention.
• 😀 You will not be tested on punctuation knowledge like in other exams (ACT, SAT), but on style and sentence structure.
• 😀 Transition words like 'however,' 'therefore,' and 'subsequently' are essential for understanding relationships between sentences and paragraphs.
• 😀 Understanding the tone of the passage is crucial for selecting the right word choices. Choose words that align with the author's attitude and avoid overly casual or fancy language.
• 😀 The connotation of words matters. For example, 'manipulates' has a negative connotation, while 'appeals to emotions' is more neutral and appropriate depending on the passage's tone.
• 😀 The thesis of a passage is its central claim, which might not always appear at the end of the introductory paragraph. Use process of elimination to identify it.
• 😀 When deciding if a sentence should be added, focus on whether it enhances clarity, flow, or provides a definition or supporting evidence.
• 😀 In 'keep or delete' questions, consider the value of the sentence in context. If it provides clarity, support, or details, it should be kept; otherwise, it can be deleted.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the writing multiple-choice section of the AP Lang exam?

The primary focus is on editing questions, where students are required to choose the best answer based on sentence structure, clarity, tone, transitions, and other writing-related concepts.

How many questions are in the writing section, and how much time do students have to complete it?

The writing section consists of 45 questions, and students have one hour to complete it.

What should students prioritize when combining sentences in writing multiple-choice questions?

Students should prioritize selecting the answer choice that is direct, clear, and avoids redundancy or confusion. The goal is to convey the author's intention in the simplest, most readable way.

What types of punctuation can be used to combine sentences in the AP Lang exam's writing section?

Sentences can be combined using punctuation like colons, semicolons, and dashes. However, students are not assessed on their knowledge of the correct punctuation but rather on style and clarity.

How can students determine which transition word to use in a sentence or paragraph?

Students should evaluate the relationship between the sentences or paragraphs before and after the transition word. Understanding this relationship helps determine the appropriate transition (e.g., *however* for a rebuttal, *by contrast* for differences).

What is the difference between the transition words *however* and *by contrast*?

*However* indicates a rebuttal or contradiction, while *by contrast* simply highlights a difference between two things without implying a negative stance.

How should students approach word choice in terms of tone on the AP Lang exam?

Students should select words that match the tone of the passage. Avoid overly casual language, clichés, or unnecessary complexity, and be mindful of the connotations of words to ensure the tone remains appropriate.

What should students do if they encounter a question about the thesis of a passage?

When identifying the thesis, students should focus on the central claim of the passage. Use process of elimination to rule out supporting details or examples that are not the main thesis.

How can students determine whether a sentence should be added or deleted in the passage?

For adding a sentence, students should evaluate whether it improves clarity, provides a definition, or helps the essay flow better. For deleting a sentence, they should consider if it adds redundant or unnecessary information.

What strategy should students use for answering 'add or delete' questions in the AP Lang writing section?

Students should first decide whether the sentence should be added or deleted, and then evaluate its value based on clarity, relevance, and how it fits with the rest of the passage. After that, they can review the answer choices.