5 Steps to a 5 AP English Language 2019

Practice Exam 2 ❮ 239

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“Fog” Passages—Student Sample A

A concept defined in the literal sense can be quite different from that same idea

defined in the figurative sense. When comparing the Goodwin and Dickens passages, it

becomes evident that different approaches in describing the famous London fogs result

in two images at radically opposite ends of the “fog spectrum.” Differences in stylistic

elements, particularly diction and tone, are critical in creating two distinct and opposing

descriptions.

The Goodwin passage could easily be categorized as nothing more than a news paper

or textbook article. Expository in nature, the piece highlights the facts pertaining to

the London fogs. He includes such facts as the tons of solid matter per square mile in a

section of London in 1937, and how much less sunshine was in London as compared to

the inner suburbs. The didactic tone of the passage lends itself to explanation of factual

details. Moreover, the diction is marked by technical jargon, such as “solid matter per

square mile.” This combination of tone and diction is instrumental in presenting a fact-

based description of London fog. Because the piece is founded on facts only, it seems that

the purpose would be to educate/inform the audience about this unique phenomenon. It

also seems the author wants to underline the harmful consequences of the fogs, such as

the indicated respiratory disease and excessive pollution.

On the other hand, Dickens implements a style, which personifies the fog. The

diction in the piece is critical in giving the fog animate qualities. Figurative language

like “creeping” and “lying out on the yards,” give London fogs a life-like quality. The

fog is also “hovering,” “drooping” and “wheezing.” These characteristics give the reader

the eerie feeling that the fog is human and is going to take over. Moreover, the diction

in this passage uses simple, everyday words, and not the technical vocabulary employed

in the Goodwin paragraph. The tone of the Dickens description is concerned with the

emotional impression that fog gives to the bystander. Because the tone and diction are

more figurative in nature, Dickens’ purpose appears to be to relate the London fogs

emotional qualities to the reader so that the reader feels as if surrounded by this fog.

Dickens style leads to a totally opposite impression of the fog, and it also achieves a

different purpose.

These two passages employ differing stylistic elements to meet different ends.

Goodwin is successful in presenting a factual analysis. Dickens, on the other hand, uses

rhetorical devices to create an almost living-breathing image of the fog, one that is all-

enveloping.

“Fog” Passages—Student Sample B

These two passages describe fog in England in two completely opposite ways. The

first passage, written by Tim Goodwin, gives an objective view of the fog, stating its

qualities in a list-like manner. The author of the second passage uses parallel structure

and figurative language to give a more impressionistic view of London fog.