Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What distinguishes a periodic sentence from other types of sentences?

1. It concludes before the main clause is presented.

2. It presents all clauses at once without delay.

3. It makes sense only when the end of the sentence is reached.

4. It utilizes simple and straightforward language.

The correct answer is: It makes sense only when the end of the sentence is reached.

A periodic sentence is characterized by its structure, which withholds the main clause until the end of the sentence. This construction creates suspense and often emphasizes the main idea by delaying its revelation. The cumulative information presented before the main clause builds interest and complexity, and the complete meaning of the sentence is only understood upon reaching the conclusion. In this way, the distinguishing feature of a periodic sentence is that it requires the reader to hold onto the initial phrases, which are often subordinate or descriptive, until the final part is delivered, resulting in a more impactful statement. This differs significantly from a more straightforward sentence structure, where the main idea is presented at the beginning or interspersed throughout, making the overall meaning clear from the outset.