Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What does anadiplosis involve?

1. The same sound repeated in consecutive lines

2. The repetition of a word at the end and start of successive clauses

3. A group of words that contains an unstressed syllable

4. The mimicking of natural sounds

The correct answer is: The repetition of a word at the end and start of successive clauses

Anadiplosis is a rhetorical device that specifically involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the end of one clause and at the beginning of the following clause. This technique creates a sense of connection and emphasis, allowing the writer to reinforce a particular concept or idea. The use of anadiplosis enhances the rhythmic quality of the writing and can help to create a more persuasive or impactful argument. In contrast, the other options refer to different literary devices. The first choice pertains to alliteration, which is focused on the repetition of similar sounds. The third choice describes a metrical pattern related to syllables, likely referring to an unstressed syllable in poetic meter, but does not relate to anadiplosis. The last option refers to onomatopoeia, where words imitate natural sounds rather than the repetition of specific phrases or words.