Question Stems 5
point of view
perspective
the piece of literature you just read
the selection
When the question asks you why the author uses a particular word, what should you do?
Reread the part that has that word and consider what that word means that other similar words don’t mean.
importance
significance
a topic of discussion or writing a major idea broad enough to cover the entire scope of a literary work; central idea of a work of literature
theme
events that take place in a story
plot
importance; how does the information matter to the piece?
significance
When the question asks you to determine what the author is saying and quotes a specific line from the text, what should you do?
Think about what the line is saying, but also what can be inferred from it.
comparing two items using like or as
simile
to help an idea grow; to add to an idea so that it continues to make sense or grow in complexity
to advance
word for word
a group of lines in a poem
stanza
When the question asks you to determine what word can be used to replace a word or phrase, what should you do?
Think of similar word that wouldn’t change the original meaning of the sentence and check against the answer choices.
the narrator of a poem
speaker
to communicate and to make information known
to convey
where the story takes place
setting
a retelling of the most important parts of what was read
summary
When the question asks you to determine what “emotional impact” the tone has, what should you do?
Look for words or phrases that are emotional or expressive and decide what emotion they’re conveying.
recap or a short, general overview
summarize
to grow, change
to develop
change to a new topic
shift
the structure of the text or how the author chooses to organize the text
text structure
When the question asks you to choose an answer that contains an objective summary, what should you do?
Summarize the story and MAKE SURE to leave out your opinion. Only facts.
to back up or provide evidence
support
improve, augment
to enhance