Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

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Prepare for the AP English Literature exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your test!

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What does the term 'climax' refer to in literature?

Creating suspense through negative imagery
Ordering words according to their importance
Using a mixture of sentence structures
Employing complex vocabulary for impact

The correct answer is: Ordering words according to their importance

The term 'climax' in literature refers specifically to the point of greatest intensity or conflict in a narrative. It is where the main character faces the primary challenge that drives the story to its resolution. This point often creates significant emotional tension and is pivotal in shaping the outcome of the plot. Ordering words according to their importance, while a useful technique in writing, does not define the climax. The climax is not about the arrangement of language or sentence structure but rather about the overarching progression of the plot and the culmination of the central conflict.