Multiple choice strategies for the AP® Lit and Lang exam have been hard-earned for me. I took the Lit exam when I was senior with little to no preparation in testing strategies, particular for multiple choice. I relied heavily on my writing abilities to get me a pass (which they did), but that strategy doesn’t really fly when you’re the teacher.
With the addition of AP Classroom®, it’s easier to implement multiple choice practice in the classroom, especially to students learning at home. However, students still need to learn a few testing strategies to improve their multiple choice score. Here are a few of the tips I give my students to help them master the multiple choice questions.
The questions in the examples below are from a released exam, free and available to all internet users.
Tip 1 – Read and annotate the passage slowly
Many students feel like they must speed read or skim the passage because the test is timed. I’ve tried many different strategies and I’ve found that it’s better to move slower in the initial reading than to attempt to read it several times. By reading it slowly and carefully once, it shouldn’t require an additional reading. Yes, students will have to go back and check out details, especially for questions that direct them to a particular section or line. However, it will help you make inferences and connections while you read it, instead of relying on the answer options to make those interpretations for you.
Tip 2 – Read the question and answers closely
So many students get a question wrong because they miss a portion of a question or answer. Words like “best,” “except,” or “not” are often the most important part of a question to find the right answer. Furthermore, in the answer options, you need to make sure that every sing word is accurate.
Take this example question, for example:
35. Charles Tansley interprets Mrs. Ramsay’s refusal to allow him to carry her “little bag” (line 6) as evidence of her:
a. independent, capable nature, which he admires
b. suspicious, wary nature, which he deplores
c. gregarious personality, which he envies
d. desire to remain aloof from him, which he regrets
e. conventional manners, which he deplores
There are so many details to consider in this question. We need to examine not only Mrs. Ramsey (the first part of each answer option), but also Charles Tansley’s reaction to it. Furthermore, answer options can be eliminated based on the adjectives used, such as “independent,” “suspicious,” and “gregarious.” If any of those options are inaccurate, count the whole option as wrong and move on!
Tip 3 – Find the rightest answer
Honestly, the tests you see on AP® English Lit and Lang tests aren’t like other standardized test questions. They don’t even compare to a lot of other AP® test questions. They rely heavily on close reading skills and the nuances of language and words, because of the subject matter they reflect. Therefore, you’ll rarely find a glaringly obvious answer. Usually, it’s possible to narrow it down to 2-3 answers, but then you’re left to make a decision.
In this situation, I tell students to select the “rightest” answer. Which one is the most correct, the most reflective of the question? For example, most questions will ask which is “best interpreted” or “best described,” rather than simply “which is correct?”
When faced with several contenders for the “rightest answer,” I remind students to read the question and answers closely (see #2) and eliminate any answers that are even partially inaccurate. I also remind students that a simple answer doesn’t necessarily make it a wrong answer.
Take this question, for example, from the 2012 test:
24. Satan’s action is best described as:
a. trespass
b. usurpation
c. betrayal
d. dream
e. consecration
Many students will eliminate options a, c, and d, simply because “usurpation” and “consecration” are more complicated words. They may not even know their definitions, so they assume they must be correct. However, in this circumstance the correct answer is A. A simple answer isn’t bad, especially if it’s the rightest answer!
Tip 4 – When in doubt, go with your gut
There’s a common test strategy to circle tough questions and come back to them later. This is a great strategy, but I have one detail to add. I suggest that you circle the question, but also indicate an answer. If you can’t think of one, just guess.
I have several reasons to insist that students give an answer. The simplest is that they could run out of time, so it’s important to answer each question. Furthermore, I’ve found that students frequently go back to answers that are right, overthink the question, and then change the answer from right to wrong. Therefore, I suggest that students indicate their first choice. If they go back and read it differently, they can change the answer. If not, they should go with their first instinct and move on to the next question.
Looking for more multiple choice strategies and practice? Check out my resource on Multiple Choice. You can also get resources for improving all aspects of the AP® Lit Exam in my Test Prep bundle, available for purchase here.
