Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

Which element contributes to the atmosphere of a literary work?

1. Persuasive language only

2. Diction and tone

3. Fact-based information

4. Historical context alone

The correct answer is: Diction and tone

Diction and tone significantly contribute to the atmosphere of a literary work because they shape the reader's experience and emotional response to the text. Diction refers to the choice of words and their connotations, which can evoke certain moods and feelings throughout the narrative. For example, a writer may use formal, elaborate diction to create a sense of grandeur or an informal, colloquial style to establish intimacy and familiarity. Tone, on the other hand, reflects the writer's attitude towards the subject matter, characters, and audience. The tone can be playful, serious, sarcastic, or melancholic, and it influences how the reader interprets the underlying themes and messages of the work. When combined, diction and tone set the overall mood, guiding readers to connect emotionally with the characters and events within the story. Other options, while they may play a role in storytelling, do not primarily create atmosphere: - Persuasive language focuses mainly on convincing the reader of a particular viewpoint, which may not directly contribute to the atmosphere. - Fact-based information offers concrete details that ground a narrative but doesn't inherently evoke an emotional landscape. - Historical context provides background and setting but does not inherently shape the emotional tone or mood of a piece, which is primarily established through diction and tone