Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

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Study for the AP English Language and Composition Exam. Prepare with practice questions and detailed explanations. Enhance your rhetorical strategies and composition skills to excel in your exam!

Practice this question and more.

What characterizes second-hand evidence?

Evidence sourced from personal encounters
Information gathered through research and credible sources
Data that lacks historical representation
Observations made in informal settings

The correct answer is: Information gathered through research and credible sources

Second-hand evidence is characterized by information that is gathered through research and credible sources. This type of evidence relies on the interpretation and reporting of primary data that others have collected rather than firsthand experience. It often includes studies, statistics, expert opinions, and academic articles that have investigated a particular topic. This allows the writer or speaker to support their argument with established knowledge and insights from reputable sources, enhancing their credibility. The emphasis on credible sources ensures that the information is reliable and can be verified, which is crucial in persuasive writing and effective argumentation. By utilizing second-hand evidence, a writer can build a strong foundation for their claims and demonstrate an engagement with existing scholarship on the topic.