Vocab in Context
What does sample mean in the sentence below from the text?
“The chemist eventually identified the gemstone as a type of crystal and named the new discovery after the man who sent him the sample.”
a. The whole item
b. A small part
c. The complete unit
d. A heavy thing
b. A small part
“He was as stubborn as a mule.”
simile
The universal lesson the author wants you to learn
Theme
The storm didn’t just arrive—it crashed into the town, tearing through streets and leaving destruction in its path.
Why does the author use the word “crashed” instead of “arrived”?
a. To suggest the storm was expected
b. To create a calm and peaceful mood
c. To emphasize the storm’s sudden and violent impact
d. To make the sentence longer and more detailed
c. To emphasize the storm’s sudden and violent impact
What are my pets' names?
Stella & Gary
What does the meaning of originate in the sentence below from paragraph 3?
“Pare ranger Mark Blaeuer says that, unlike the farmed geysers of the West, these waters originate as rain and heat up largely through compression rather than volcanic activity.”
a. Start
b. Remain
c. Appear
d. Change
a. Start
“His anger was a volcano, ready to erupt at any moment.”
metaphor
A written or spoken conversational exchange between two or more people
Dialogue
At first, Jordan was excited about the group project, imagining creative ideas and teamwork. However, as deadlines approached and his teammates stopped contributing, his enthusiasm turned into frustration.
How does the tone shift in the passage?
a. From cheerful to disappointed
b. From angry to joyful
c. From serious to humorous
d. From confused to confident
a. From cheerful to disappointed
What year was I born?
2001
Read this sentence.
“But microorganisms remained poorly misunderstood, and most scientists of the day believed that these smallest life forms could, in fact, appear from nothing.”
Which phrase in the sentence helps you understand the meaning of the word microorganisms?
a. “Poorly understood”
b. “Scientists of the day”
c. “These smallest life forms”
d. “Appear from nothing”
c. “These smallest life forms”
“My phone died right when I needed it most.”
personification
A brief account of a text’s central or main points, themes, or ideas that is free of bias, prejudice, and personal opinion and does not incorporate outside information
Objective Summary
Passage 1 (Article):
School uniforms create a sense of unity and reduce distractions. Students can focus more on learning rather than what they are wearing.
Passage 2 (Narrative):
When I put on my uniform, I felt like I lost a bit of my individuality. I missed expressing myself through my clothing choices.
How do the authors’ purposes differ?
a. Passage 1 entertains, while Passage 2 informs
b. Passage 1 persuades, while Passage 2 reflects on a personal experience
c. Passage 1 explains a story, while Passage 2 gives instructions
d. Both passages aim to argue against uniforms
b. Passage 1 persuades, while Passage 2 reflects on a personal experience
What is my fiancés first and last name?
Will Parker
What does the word inaccessible mean in the sentence below?
“As they rest during the day, concealed usually in the most inaccessible places they can find, and are seen only upon the wing, their power of flight is their most striking peculiarity in the popular mind, and it is perhaps no great wonder that by many people, both in ancient and modern times they have been regarded as birds.”
a. Not possible to escape
b. Present at night
c. Difficult to reach
d. Not visible on the surface
c. Difficult to reach
“She walked into the test like Katniss entering the arena, determined to survive no matter what.”
Allusion & Simile
The use of vivid description that appeals to the readers’ five senses, helps create an image in your mind
Imagery
When the team lost their first few games, many players wanted to quit. Their coach encouraged them to keep practicing and learn from their mistakes. By the end of the season, they hadn’t won every game, but they had grown stronger and more confident.
Which theme is best supported, and what detail best supports it?
a. Winning is everything; the team lost many games
b. Practice guarantees success; they kept practicing daily
c. Growth comes from perseverance; they improved despite early losses
d. Teams should always quit early; players wanted to quit
c. Growth comes from perseverance; they improved despite early losses
Where did I go to college?
UNC Charlotte
What does the usage of the word autonomous in the sentence below from paragraph 2 emphasize about Canada?
“In short, he helped transform Canada from a colonial appendage to an autonomous state with a powerful voice and a sterling reputation.”
a. Its dependence
b. Its gratitude
c. Its infamy
d. Its dependence
d. Its dependence
“The city never sleeps; it hums like a restless machine, swallowing dreams whole.”
Personification, Simile & Metaphor
The expression of one’s meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically humorous or suspenseful
Irony
Passage 1:
The new park brought laughter, community events, and a safe place for families to gather. It quickly became the heart of the neighborhood.
Passage 2:
Although the park attracted visitors, it also brought noise, traffic, and crowds that disrupted the once-quiet streets nearby.
How do the perspectives of the two passages differ?
a. Both passages are negative about the park
b. Passage 1 is positive, while Passage 2 presents concerns
c. Passage 1 is neutral, while Passage 2 is positive
d. Both passages focus on the history of the park
b. Passage 1 is positive, while Passage 2 presents concerns
What kind of car do I drive?