Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

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Prepare for the AP English Literature Exam with challenging questions, detailed explanations, and strategic learning resources. Enhance your literary analysis and critical thinking skills to excel on test day!

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What does "diction" refer to in literary terms?

  1. The sentence structure used by the author

  2. The errors in a text

  3. The author's choice of words

  4. The overall theme of the work

The correct answer is: The author's choice of words

Diction in literary terms specifically refers to the author's choice of words and his or her style of expression. It encompasses various elements, including vocabulary, tone, and even the overall level of formality. The diction chosen by an author can greatly influence the meaning and emotional impact of a piece, helping to convey characters' feelings, establish mood, or indicate social class or education level. For instance, an author may opt for simple language for clarity and accessibility or complex vocabulary to evoke sophistication and intricacy. This choice is essential because it affects how readers perceive and interpret the text. Thus, understanding diction is crucial for analyzing a work's style and the author's intent.

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