Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

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What type of poetic foot consists of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable?

Iambic
Trochaic
Anapestic
Dactylic

The correct answer is: Trochaic

The type of poetic foot that consists of one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable is known as iambic. In this structure, the first syllable is light or unstressed, while the second syllable is heavier or stressed, creating a rhythmic pattern that is commonly used in English poetry. This iambic foot is fundamental to many forms of poetry, including the sonnet and blank verse. Trochaic, on the other hand, features one stressed syllable followed by one unstressed syllable, which is the opposite of what is being asked. Anapestic consists of two unstressed syllables followed by a stressed syllable, and dactylic includes one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for analyzing the rhythm and meter in poetry effectively.