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AP Music Theory Practice Quiz: Predominant Seventh Chords

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

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 7 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 7

According to the provided text, what is the harmonic function of a predominant seventh chord?

All Questions (7)

According to the provided text, what is the harmonic function of a predominant seventh chord?

A) It functions as a tonic chord.

B) It fulfills the same function as a predominant triad.

C) It functions as a dominant chord.

D) It has a unique function unrelated to triads.

Correct Answer: B

The content explicitly states that 'Predominant seventh chords fulfill the same harmonic function as predominant triads.'

In the context of 18th-century voice leading, what is the standard resolution for the chordal seventh of a predominant seventh chord?

A) It should resolve by an ascending step.

B) It should resolve by a descending leap.

C) It should resolve by a descending step.

D) It should remain as a common tone.

Correct Answer: C

The provided text specifies that 'As with most seventh chords, the chordal seventh should resolve by a descending step.'

During an error detection exercise, you notice a passage where the seventh of a predominant seventh chord moves up by a step into the next chord. What principle of 18th-century voice leading has been violated?

A) The principle of correct harmonic function.

B) The principle of chordal seventh resolution.

C) The principle of avoiding parallel fifths.

D) The principle of proper chord inversion.

Correct Answer: B

The content states the chordal seventh should resolve by a descending step. Moving up by a step is an incorrect resolution according to this procedure.

When completing a four-part writing exercise in an 18th-century style, what is the most crucial melodic step for the voice containing the seventh of a predominant seventh chord?

A) It must leap down to the root of the following chord.

B) It must move downwards by a single step.

C) It must be the highest sounding note in the chord.

D) It must ascend to create contrary motion with the bass.

Correct Answer: B

The procedural rule provided is that 'the chordal seventh should resolve by a descending step,' making this the most critical consideration for that specific voice.

Which of the following statements best synthesizes the information provided about predominant seventh chords in 18th-century practice?

A) They serve a dominant function and their seventh resolves upwards.

B) They serve a predominant function and their seventh resolves downwards by step.

C) They serve a tonic function and their seventh can move freely.

D) They serve a predominant function and their seventh resolves upwards by step.

Correct Answer: B

This answer correctly combines the two key facts from the text: they share the same function as predominant triads and their seventh resolves by a descending step.

In a score analysis task, how does a predominant seventh chord's role compare to that of a ii or IV chord?

A) It serves a completely different harmonic role.

B) It serves the same harmonic role.

C) It serves a weaker harmonic role.

D) It serves a stronger tonic role.

Correct Answer: B

Since ii and IV are predominant triads, and the text states that predominant seventh chords 'fulfill the same harmonic function as predominant triads,' their roles are the same.

When engaging in contextual listening of 18th-century music, what melodic motion should one expect from the chordal seventh immediately following a predominant seventh chord?

A) A large, expressive leap.

B) A stepwise ascent.

C) A stepwise descent.

D) Remaining stationary.

Correct Answer: C

The provided rule of 18th-century voice leading is that 'the chordal seventh should resolve by a descending step.' This is the expected melodic motion to listen for.