Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

Which sentence type is used to express strong emotions?

1. Declarative sentence

2. Exclamatory sentence

3. Interrogative sentence

4. Imperative sentence

The correct answer is: Exclamatory sentence

The choice of an exclamatory sentence is appropriate for expressing strong emotions due to its distinctive structure and purpose. Exclamatory sentences are designed to convey excitement, surprise, anger, or other intense feelings, often punctuated with an exclamation mark at the end. For example, saying, "What a beautiful sunset!" communicates enthusiasm and emotion, which is the primary function of this sentence type. In contrast, declarative sentences state facts or opinions, interrogative sentences ask questions, and imperative sentences issue commands or requests. While each of these sentence types plays a significant role in communication, they do not inherently carry the emotional intensity characteristic of exclamatory sentences. Thus, when the goal is to convey strong emotions, an exclamatory sentence is the most effective choice.