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📚AP English Literature
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📚AP English Literature

FRQ 1 – Poetry Analysis
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FRQ Types & Units

Each FRQ type tests specific skills taught in particular units. Here's why certain units appear for each question type:

This mapping reflects College Board's exam structure - each FRQ type tests specific skills that are taught in particular units.

Practice FRQ 1 of 491/49

1. In Waring Cuney's poem "Dust," published in 1927, the speaker addresses contemporary society while reflecting on the history of ancient empires. Read the poem carefully. Then, in a well-written essay, analyze how Cuney uses literary elements and techniques to convey the speaker's complex perspective on the transience of human civilization.

In your response you should do the following:

  • Respond to the prompt with a thesis that presents a defensible interpretation.

  • Select and use evidence to support your line of reasoning.

  • Explain how the evidence supports your line of reasoning.

  • Use appropriate grammar and punctuation in communicating your argument.

Dust

DUST

Dust,

Through which

Proud blood

5

Once flowed.

Dust,

Where a civilization

Flourished.

Dust,

10

The Valley of the Nile,

Dust,

You proud ones, proud of the skill

With which you play this game--Civilization;

Do not forget that it is a very old game.

15

Men used to play it on the banks

Of the Tigris and the Euphrates

When the world was a wilderness.

There is a circle around China

Where once a wall stood.

20

Carthage is a heap of ashes.

And Rome knew the pomp and glory

You know now.

The Coliseum tells a story

The Woolworth Building1 may repeat.

25

Dust,

Pharaohs and their armies sleep there.

Dust,

Shall it stir again?

Will Pharaohs rise and rule

30

And their armies march once more?

_Civilization continually shifts

Upon the places of the earth._

Source: Waring Cuney, Caroling Dusk, 1927

1 Woolworth Building: A skyscraper in New York City that was the tallest building in the world at the time the poem was written.

Timed

00:00

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FRQ Directions
Free Response Question Practice

This practice environment simulates the AP AP English Literature Free Response Questions section. Here are some guidelines:

  • Read each question carefully before responding. Pay attention to command verbs like "identify," "explain," "analyze," or "evaluate."
  • Use the timer to practice time management. You can pause, restart, or hide the timer as needed.
  • Mark for Review if you want to come back to a question later.
  • Your responses are saved automatically as you type. You can also use the drawing tool for questions that require diagrams or graphs.
  • Use the toolbar for formatting options like bold, italic, subscript, and superscript.
  • Navigate between questions using the Previous and Next buttons at the bottom of the screen.

Tip: Answer all parts of each question. Partial credit is often available, so even if you are unsure, provide what you know.