TEXT — GENRE, STRUCTURE & STYLE
What is the beginning section of a narrative called, where characters, setting, and situation are introduced?
Exposition
What technique gives clues about something that may happen later?
Foreshadowing
What does the prefix un- usually mean?
Not / opposite of
What punctuation mark ends a declarative sentence?
Period
What is an inference?
A conclusion based on text evidence plus what the reader already knows.
An author interrupts the present action to show something that happened earlier. What technique is being used?
Flashback
What technique occurs when the reader knows something a character does not know?
Dramatic irony
If someone is reluctant, are they eager or hesitant?
Hesitant or unwilling
Fix the sentence: “Marcus opened the door, he heard footsteps behind him.”
Marcus opened the door; he heard footsteps behind him. OR Marcus opened the door. He heard footsteps behind him.
If a character repeatedly checks the door, whispers, and refuses to sit near the window, what can you infer?
The character is nervous, afraid, suspicious, or expecting something.
Why might an author use short sentences during an intense scene?
To increase pacing, tension, or suspense.
“The wind screamed through the trees.” What technique is being used?
Personification / figurative language
In the sentence, “The detective examined the minute details of the scene,” what does minute most likely mean?
Very small or tiny
Which punctuation mark could introduce a list after a complete sentence?
Colon
What should you look for in the text before choosing an inference answer?
Evidence/details that support the inference.
A story begins with the ending and then returns to explain how the characters got there. How does this structure affect the reader?
It creates curiosity or suspense because the reader wants to learn how the ending happened.
A mystery writer makes the reader strongly suspect an innocent character to distract from the real culprit. What technique is this?
Red herring
Break the word misinterpret into meaningful parts and explain its meaning.
mis- = wrongly; interpret = explain/understand; misinterpret = understand incorrectly
Fix this sentence using a dash: “She opened the envelope and discovered the one thing she feared the missing photograph.”
She opened the envelope and discovered the one thing she feared—the missing photograph.
A character says, “I’m perfectly calm,” while pacing the room and biting their nails. What can the reader infer?
The character is actually nervous or anxious despite what they say.
Two authors describe the same event. One uses short, abrupt sentences while the other uses long, descriptive sentences. What element of writing is most responsible for the difference?
Style / sentence structure / pacing
An author repeatedly describes a clock ticking louder as a character becomes more nervous. Name one technique and explain its effect.
Possible answers: imagery, repetition, symbolism, pacing, or suspense; it increases tension and emphasizes the character’s anxiety.
“Although Maya normally spoke confidently, her voice was tentative when she answered the detective.” What does tentative most likely mean, and what context clue supports your answer?
Uncertain/hesitant; the contrast with “normally spoke confidently” is the clue.
Explain the difference between a semicolon and a colon.
A semicolon joins closely related independent clauses; a colon introduces an explanation, example, or list after a complete sentence.
Why is an inference stronger when multiple details from the text support it?
Because more evidence makes the conclusion more reasonable and defensible, reliable, and justified.