Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which literary element often indicates a question within a piece?

1. Inverted order of an interrogative sentence

2. The use of personification

3. The presence of metaphorical language

4. Contextual ambiguity

The correct answer is: Inverted order of an interrogative sentence

The option that indicates a question within a piece through the use of inverted order is particularly significant because it directly aligns with the traditional structure of interrogative sentences in English. Inversions, such as rearranging the standard subject-verb-object order, are typical in forming questions. For instance, instead of saying "You are coming," an inverted form for a question would be "Are you coming?" This structure clearly signals to the reader that what follows is a question, thus enhancing the engagement with the text and prompting thought or response. In contrast, the other options focus on different literary elements that do not serve this specific function. While personification attributes human traits to non-human entities, and metaphorical language involves comparisons that enrich imagery, neither directly indicates a question. Contextual ambiguity may create uncertainty or varied interpretations within a text, but it does not inherently signal that a question is being posed.