Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

Which of the following is an example of a complex sentence?

1. The dog barked loudly

2. She likes coffee, and he likes tea

3. Although it was raining, we still went for a walk

4. The sun sets in the west

The correct answer is: Although it was raining, we still went for a walk

A complex sentence is characterized by the presence of an independent clause and at least one dependent clause. In the given example, "Although it was raining, we still went for a walk," the phrase "Although it was raining" serves as the dependent clause, introducing a condition that affects the independent clause "we still went for a walk." This structure allows for more nuanced ideas, as it conveys not only what happened but adds context that explains the circumstances surrounding the action. The other options do not fit the definition of a complex sentence. The first option presents a simple declaration with a single independent clause. The second option combines two independent clauses connected by a coordinating conjunction, which defines a compound sentence rather than a complex one. The last option also consists of a single independent clause, therefore lacking any dependent clauses that would elevate it to a complex structure.