Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

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!

Practice this question and more.

What is the effect of using parallelism in a sentence?

To create vivid imagery
To emphasize similarities and rhythm
To convey complex ideas succinctly
To enhance narrative tension

The correct answer is: To emphasize similarities and rhythm

Using parallelism in a sentence serves primarily to emphasize similarities and create a rhythmic flow in the writing. This literary device involves the repetition of similar grammatical structures, phrases, or clauses, which helps to unify ideas and strengthen the overall impact of the message. For example, a sentence structured with parallel elements can make a list feel cohesive and balanced, allowing readers to easily grasp the connections between the ideas presented. In addition to emphasizing similarities, parallelism aids in establishing a musical quality within the text. The rhythm generated through this repetition captures the audience's attention and enhances their engagement with the content. Ultimately, parallelism contributes to clarity and persuasiveness, making arguments more compelling and memorable.