Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

How can archaic diction impact a piece of writing?

1. By making it sound modern and relatable

2. By adding informal slang to the text

3. By creating an official or authoritative tone

4. By simplifying complex ideas

The correct answer is: By creating an official or authoritative tone

Using archaic diction can enhance a piece of writing by creating an official or authoritative tone. This type of language often evokes a sense of tradition, historical weight, or formality, which can lend credibility to the text. When writers employ words and phrases that are no longer common in everyday speech, it can evoke a sense of respect or seriousness in the subject matter. Such diction is often associated with classical literature or formal speeches, thus engaging readers in a way that conveys gravity and respect for the theme being addressed. This stylistic choice can underscore the importance of the message or the stature of the speaker/author, fostering a deeper connection to the audience who may associate this language with elevated discourse or significant narratives. The other options, while they may touch on various language styles, do not accurately reflect the primary effect of archaic diction. For instance, making a piece sound modern and relatable would contradict the very nature of archaic language, as it intentionally distances itself from contemporary vernacular. Similarly, adding informal slang would undermine the formal tone that archaic diction aims to establish. Lastly, rather than simplifying complex ideas, archaic diction often complicates them by introducing less familiar vocabulary, requiring readers to engage in deeper interpretation or research.