Frederick Douglass's "Learning To Read And Write"
AP multiple choice questions on this piece. You only have five minutes and two separate tries to ace it! Good luck!
- 1.
The overall organization of this excerpt can be best described as:
- A.
A. chronological sequence
- B.
B. a first-person narrative with little analytical commentary by the speaker
- C.
C: an angry polemic against the evils of slavery
- D.
D: a statement of the narrator's accomplishment followed by an explanation of how he reached it
- E.
E: a sympathetic portrayal of a system that victimized both the oppressor and the oppressed.
Correct Answer
D. D: a statement of the narrator's accomplishment followed by an explanation of how he reached itExplanation
The excerpt is best described as a statement of the narrator's accomplishment followed by an explanation of how he reached it. This can be inferred from the information provided in the question, which states that the excerpt includes a statement of the narrator's accomplishment and an explanation of how he reached it. The other options, such as chronological sequence, a first-person narrative with little analytical commentary, an angry polemic against the evils of slavery, and a sympathetic portrayal of a system that victimized both the oppressor and the oppressed, are not supported by the given information.Rate this question:
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- 2.
The final sentence in paragraph 1 includes which of the following:I. understatementII. figurative languageIII. complex sentence
- A.
A. I only
- B.
B. II only
- C.
C: I and II only
- D.
D: II and III only
- E.
E: I, II, and III
Correct Answer
C. C: I and II onlyExplanation
The final sentence in paragraph 1 includes understatement because it downplays the significance of the event by stating that it "did not go unnoticed." It also includes figurative language because it uses the phrase "a firestorm of criticism" to describe the reaction to the event. However, it does not include a complex sentence because it is a simple sentence with only one subject and one verb.Rate this question:
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- 3.
In paragraph 2, Douglass uses all of the following except:
- A.
A. metonymy
- B.
B. personification
- C.
C. anaphora
- D.
D. allusion
- E.
E. connotation
Correct Answer
C. C. anapHoraExplanation
In paragraph 2, Douglass does not use anaphora. Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. However, there is no repetition of a word or phrase in paragraph 2. Instead, Douglass uses other literary devices such as metonymy, personification, allusion, and connotation to convey his message.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What does Douglass mean by his descrition of his mistress as "an apt woman" in paragraph 2?
- A.
A. admirable
- B.
B. appropriate
- C.
C. deceptive
- D.
D. intelligent
- E.
E. shrewd
Correct Answer
E. E. shrewdExplanation
Douglass describes his mistress as "an apt woman" in paragraph 2 because he believes she is clever and astute. He suggests that she is quick to understand and adapt to situations, particularly in her treatment of the slaves. This implies that she is cunning and able to manipulate circumstances to her advantage.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is the rhetorical purpose of paragraph 3?
- A.
A. to qualify points made int eh previous paragraph
- B.
B. to emphasize how Douglass's reactions turned to actions
- C.
C. to offer a counterargument to the one presented in the previous paragraph
- D.
D. to qualify Douglass's understanding of the importance of learning to read
- E.
E. to provide a transition from Douglass's past experiences to those in the present
Correct Answer
B. B. to empHasize how Douglass's reactions turned to actionsExplanation
The rhetorical purpose of paragraph 3 is to emphasize how Douglass's reactions turned to actions. This can be inferred from the paragraph, which discusses Douglass's decision to learn how to read and write, his determination to educate himself, and his efforts to teach other slaves. The paragraph highlights Douglass's transformation from a passive observer of injustice to an active participant in the fight for freedom and equality.Rate this question:
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- 6.
What is Douglass's attitude toward young boys he describes in paragraph 4?
- A.
A. angry reproach
- B.
B. studied indifference
- C.
C. condescending pity
- D.
D. reflective appreciation
- E.
E. grudging respect
Correct Answer
D. D. reflective appreciationExplanation
In paragraph 4, Douglass describes young boys as "little vagabonds" who are "full of mischief." However, he also acknowledges that their behavior is a result of their circumstances and the lack of guidance and education available to them. Despite their mischievousness, Douglass appreciates their resilience and resourcefulness, as they are able to navigate and survive in a harsh environment. This reflective appreciation suggests that Douglass recognizes the challenges they face and admires their ability to persevere.Rate this question:
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- 7.
In the context of this passage, all of the following are examples of irony EXCEPT:
- A.
A. "lacked the depravity" par 1
- B.
B. "the simplicity of her soul" par 2
- C.
C. "anxious to do better" par 2
- D.
D. "first step had been taken" par 3
- E.
E. "I was much better off in this regard" par 4
Correct Answer
D. D. "first step had been taken" par 3Explanation
The passage discusses the narrator's experience of being in a madhouse and how it was a relief for them. The narrator finds irony in the fact that they were considered insane by society, but they actually felt more sane and at peace in the madhouse. The examples of irony in the passage include the narrator's lack of depravity compared to the outside world (A), the simplicity of the narrator's soul compared to the complexities of the world (B), and the narrator's desire to improve themselves in the madhouse (C). However, the statement "first step had been taken" (D) does not seem to contain any irony.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The primary audience that Douglass is addressing in this excerpt is/are:
- A.
A. slaveholders
- B.
B. Master Hugh's family
- C.
C. sympathizers to the abolitionist cause
- D.
D. other ex-slaves
- E.
E. readers of The Columbian Orator
Correct Answer
C. C. sympathizers to the abolitionist causeExplanation
In this excerpt, Douglass is addressing sympathizers to the abolitionist cause. He speaks passionately about the cruelty and injustice of slavery, appealing to those who already oppose it. He uses vivid and emotional language to convey the horrors of slavery, hoping to evoke empathy and support from his audience. By addressing sympathizers, Douglass aims to strengthen their resolve and encourage them to take action against slavery.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Whic of the following best describes Douglass's tone throughout paragraphs 1-4?
- A.
A. sympathetic and reflective
- B.
B. respectful but firm
- C.
C. sarcastic and angry
- D.
D. passionate and determined
- E.
E. irate but carefully judicious
Correct Answer
D. D. passionate and determinedExplanation
In paragraphs 1-4, Douglass's tone can be described as passionate and determined. He expresses his strong emotions and convictions about the injustice and cruelty of slavery. His words are filled with passion and determination to fight against this oppressive system. He uses powerful language and vivid descriptions to convey his message, showing his unwavering resolve to bring about change.Rate this question:
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Oct 08, 2014Quiz Created by
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