5 Steps to a 5 AP English Language 2019

142 ❯ STEP 4. Review the Knowledge You Need to Score High

vituperative mock-serious reflective

scathing pedantic maudlin

confidential didactic sentimental

factual inspiring patriotic

informal remorseful jingoistic

facetious disdainful detached

critical laudatory angry

resigned mystified sad

astonished

Be aware that tone and attitude are frequently described using a pair of words in the

multiple-choice section of the AP English Language and Composition exam. For exam-

ple: bitter and disdainful. Both adjectives must apply for the choice to be correct.

What follows is a set of activities that can provide practice in recognizing and analyzing

tone and attitude. We suggest you try them as you progress through your AP Comp course.

Consider the following passages:

Passage A

I am looking at a sunset. I am on the rim of the Grand Canyon. I have been on vaca-

tion for the past two weeks which I have been planning for over a year. I have always

wanted to visit this geographic location. There are many people also looking at the same

sight that I see. This is the first time I have witnessed this place and this event. There are

many varied colors while this sunset is taking place. The sun disappears behind the Can-

yon walls, and darkness comes quickly after that.

Passage B

It was Monday morning. The sun was out, and I walked into the meeting. I was

ex pecting to find some new people there. They were. I was introduced to them. The

room was warm. Coffee was served. The meeting began, and the subject was our budget

for the next year. There was discussion. I did not agree with many of the people there. A

vote was taken after a period of time. The new budget was passed.

Passage C

I am looking at the new Wondercar. I am trying to decide whether or not to pur-

chase or lease this car. It offers ABS, four-wheel drive, a V-8 engine, and the following

extras: CD player, AC, power windows, door locks, etc., tinted glass, heated leather seats,

a cellular phone, and luggage and ski racks. I would like the color forest green. The

purchase price is $48,500. The monthly leasing payment after a $6,000 down payment

would be $589.00 for three years.

Using your knowledge of tone, rewrite each of the above passages so that a specific

tone is evident to your reader. Identify that tone/attitude. Once you have written the new

passage, highlight those changes in diction and syntax which help you to create the tone

and attitude you wanted.

Here is another activity that will allow you to practice your skills in analyzing tone

and attitude:

TIP