Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which of the following describes a split order of a sentence?

1. The subject is first, followed by multiple verbs

2. The predicate is divided with the subject in the middle

3. The sentence starts with a preposition

4. The order of clauses is reversed for emphasis

The correct answer is: The predicate is divided with the subject in the middle

The choice that accurately describes a split order of a sentence is the one where the predicate is divided with the subject in the middle. This structure allows for a more nuanced presentation of ideas, as it separates the subject from its predicate, often creating intrigue or emphasis around the subject by foregrounding it within the context of the entire thought. For example, in a sentence like "In the garden, the flowers, vibrant and colorful, bloom," the subject is separated from its predicate, enhancing the imagery of the sentence. The other options, while they describe different sentence structures or stylistic approaches, do not capture the essence of a split order. A structure where the subject is followed by multiple verbs focuses on straightforward and traditional sentence construction. Starting with a preposition does not imply a split order; instead, it indicates a prepositional phrase that modifies the sentence. Lastly, reversing the order of clauses for emphasis pertains more to stylistic inversion rather than the division of the predicate and subject within a single clause. Thus, the second choice clearly delineates the defining characteristic of a split order in sentence structure.