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AP English Language and Composition Practice Quiz: Introductions and conclusions for argument

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 10 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 10

According to the provided learning objective, what are two primary functions of an introduction in an argument?

All Questions (10)

According to the provided learning objective, what are two primary functions of an introduction in an argument?

A) To summarize the main points and call the audience to action.

B) To introduce the subject and get the audience's attention.

C) To establish the writer's credibility and leave a lasting impression.

D) To present the thesis and summarize the argument.

Correct Answer: B

Learning Objective 1 states, 'The introduction of an argument introduces the subject and/or writer of the argument to the audience... An effective introduction gets the audience’s attention and interest.' The other options mix functions of introductions with functions of conclusions.

A writer begins an essay by stating their professional credentials and years of experience researching the topic. This strategy directly addresses which concept from the provided text?

A) Using a conclusion to leave a lasting impression.

B) Using an introduction to present the argument's thesis.

C) Using an introduction to establish the writer's credibility.

D) Using a conclusion to call the audience to action.

Correct Answer: C

Essential Knowledge 2 states, 'An introduction can establish the writer’s credibility by introducing the writer as a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and reasonable person.' Mentioning credentials and experience is a direct attempt to appear knowledgeable.

Which of the following is explicitly mentioned as a potential function of a conclusion but NOT an introduction?

A) To present the argument's thesis.

B) To introduce the subject to the audience.

C) To get the audience's attention and interest.

D) To call the audience to action.

Correct Answer: D

Essential Knowledge 3 lists 'call to action' as a function of a conclusion. The other options (presenting a thesis, introducing the subject, getting attention) are all listed as functions of an introduction in Learning Objective 1.

The overarching purpose of using 'a variety of introductory and concluding strategies,' as stated in Essential Knowledge 1, is to achieve what goal?

A) To meet a required word count for the essay.

B) To demonstrate a complex vocabulary.

C) To appeal to the audience.

D) To introduce as much evidence as possible.

Correct Answer: C

Essential Knowledge 1 directly states, 'Writers may use a variety of introductory and concluding strategies to appeal to the audience.' The primary goal is audience engagement and persuasion.

An argumentative essay ends with a poignant, memorable anecdote that reinforces the central theme. This technique best exemplifies which concluding strategy mentioned in the text?

A) Summarizing the main points.

B) Calling the audience to action.

C) Leaving a lasting impression.

D) Establishing the writer's credibility.

Correct Answer: C

According to Essential Knowledge 3, one function of a conclusion is to 'leave a lasting impression.' A poignant and memorable story is a classic rhetorical strategy to achieve this goal, rather than simply summarizing or calling for a specific action.

According to the provided text, how can an introduction make a writer appear 'thoughtful, knowledgeable, and reasonable'?

A) By summarizing the argument's main points.

B) By establishing the writer's credibility.

C) By calling the audience to action.

D) By getting the audience's attention and interest.

Correct Answer: B

Essential Knowledge 2 directly links establishing credibility with the act of 'introducing the writer as a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and reasonable person.' The other options are different functions of introductions or conclusions.

Based on the provided content, a key distinction between an introduction and a conclusion is that an introduction often aims to __________, whereas a conclusion may aim to __________.

A) call to action; present the thesis

B) summarize; get the audience's attention

C) present the thesis; summarize

D) leave a lasting impression; establish credibility

Correct Answer: C

Learning Objective 1 states that an introduction 'may present the argument’s thesis.' Essential Knowledge 3 states that a conclusion can be used to 'summarize.' This option correctly pairs a primary function of the introduction with a primary function of the conclusion.

Which of the following is NOT listed in the provided text as a function of a conclusion?

A) To summarize.

B) To introduce the writer to the audience.

C) To call to action.

D) To leave a lasting impression.

Correct Answer: B

Essential Knowledge 3 lists summarizing, calling to action, and leaving a lasting impression as functions of a conclusion. Learning Objective 1 identifies 'introduces the... writer of the argument to the audience' as a function of the introduction.

A writer begins an argument with a startling statistic to pique the reader's curiosity. This aligns with which specific purpose of an 'effective introduction'?

A) To present the argument's thesis.

B) To establish the writer's credibility.

C) To get the audience's attention and interest.

D) To introduce the writer of the argument.

Correct Answer: C

Learning Objective 1 specifies that 'An effective introduction gets the audience’s attention and interest.' Using a startling statistic is a common rhetorical strategy to achieve exactly this goal.

If a writer's introduction successfully presents them as a 'knowledgeable and reasonable person,' which of the following outcomes is most likely achieved?

A) The audience is called to a specific action.

B) The argument's main points have been fully summarized.

C) The writer's credibility has been established.

D) A lasting impression has been made at the end of the argument.

Correct Answer: C

This question rephrases the content of Essential Knowledge 2, which states, 'An introduction can establish the writer’s credibility by introducing the writer as a thoughtful, knowledgeable, and reasonable person.' Therefore, presenting oneself in this way directly leads to establishing credibility.