Advanced Placement (AP) English Literature Practice Exam

What effect does colloquial language create in a text?

1. A formal and rigid tone

2. A conversational and familiar tone

3. An academic and scholarly tone

4. A dramatic and intense tone

The correct answer is: A conversational and familiar tone

Colloquial language is characterized by the use of informal expressions, slang, and everyday speech. When authors incorporate colloquial language into their texts, it typically creates a conversational and familiar tone that resonates with readers on a personal level. This choice fosters intimacy and accessibility, allowing the audience to engage with the material more easily. By using language that feels natural and relatable, authors can evoke a sense of immediacy and authenticity, making the characters or themes more engaging. In contrast, the other options reflect tones that are generally more formal and less relatable, which does not align with the nature of colloquial language.