Q. 11

AP English Language exam is a non-fiction based reading and writing exam. Therefore, Collegeboard has been using U.S. history, historical speeches, and documents for both MCQ and FRQ portions as a frame of reference. This usage of U.S. history and historical evidences are also found in SAT exam as Collegeboard has clearly mentioned on their purpose statement for the exams. 

When you read through the Rhetorical Analysis and Argumentative essay prompts from the past exams, you will also find plenty of references to U.S. history and its historical figures from the past. 

Having said that, knowing the rudimentary U.S. history, historical figures, and historical documents/speeches is vital to the successs of this exam. 

As for the Q.11, the freedom of speech is part of the First Amendment rights that government cannot infringe upon. This clause is a widely known fact for many students of U.S. history, and thereby pertinent to the exam. If you are wondering fairness of using U.S. history in the English Language exam, you must accept the fact that AP exams are originally designed for American universities to give American college credits for the academic achievements of American students who studied American curiculumn, not for the universities around the world for the students who do not know about U.S. 

In regards to the option D, passages do not exclusively discuss freedom of speech "during wartime" as can be seen from the last part of passage A and entire passage B. Discussion of John and a fugitive or fugitive slave law alone makes D an incorrect choice. Title of the article does not necessarily reflect the message in the passage. Example: MLK's "I have a dream speech" is not just about MLK's dreams but a discussion on social injustice that discriminates the minorities as well. 

**Do not choose an answer that is too specific. Correct answers tend to be the ones that are general in their scopes**