Figurative Language
This figure of speech uses "like" or "as" to compare two unlike things.
What is a Simile
Which point of view uses pronouns like "I," "me," and "my"?
What is First Person
What is a "main idea"?
the most important point or central message of a text.
Define "theme" in one sentence appropriate for 6th grade.
the main message or lesson the author wants readers to learn from the story.
What signal word would you look for to show the first event in a sequence? Give one example.
Signal word: "first" (also: initially, then, next). Example: "First, the author describes the setting."
A comparison that says one thing is another (no like or as). Name it.
What is a metaphor
Identify the climax in Sandra Cisneros's "Eleven" — what moment is the turning point?
When Mrs. Price forces Rachel to put on the red sweater and Rachel cries.
What type of figurative language is this:
"He ran like the wind to catch the bus."
Simile
What does "text evidence" mean? Give a one-sentence example of how a student might cite text evidence.
Text evidence: using the author's exact words or clear details from the text to support an answer. Example: Quote a line and write the page/paragraph reference.
What type of figurative language is this:
"The wind whispered secrets through the tall grass."
Personification
"The alarm clock yelled at me." This is an example of which poetic device?
What is personification
Put these events from "Eleven" in chronological order: Rachel opens her eyes on her birthday; Mrs. Price asks "Whose is this?"; Rachel cries at her desk.
Chronological order: Rachel opens her eyes on her birthday → Mrs. Price asks "Whose is this?" → Rachel cries at her desk.
From the "Views on Zoos" excerpt: list one argument for zoos and one argument against zoos (one sentence each).
For — conservation, education, and research; animals protected and bred.
Against — many animals show stress in captivity and reintroduction often fails; zoos may primarily entertain.
What is the difference between "summary" and "main idea"? Explain in one or two sentences.
Summary is a short retelling using only key ideas and important details; main idea is the single most important point the text makes.
What type of figurative language is this:
"The classroom was a zoo after the bell rang."
Metaphor
Name two sound devices: one is when words imitate sounds; the other repeats initial consonant sounds.
What is onomatopeia and assonance
Define third-person omniscient
When the narrator is not part of the story and shares the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters
Explain what a "pseudonym" is and why Malala used one, in one or two sentences.
A pseudonym is a fake name used by a writer to hide identity; Malala used one (Gul Makai) to protect her safety while reporting.
Give the definition of "inference" and write one inference a student could make from Rachel crying in "Eleven."
Inference: using clues in the text plus background knowledge to figure out something not directly said. Inference example: Rachel cries because she feels humiliated and powerless.
Name two text features that help readers locate information quickly in an informational text.
Table of contents, headings, captions, maps, index, glossary, timelines, diagrams (any two).
Identify the device: "Life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." Explain in one sentence why.
Answers will vary, but should discuss how sometimes life can be hard to move through - it is not smooth sailing.
Summarize the main plot events of "Eleven" (list 4 key events).
Rachel turns eleven → teacher finds red sweater → class accuses Rachel → Rachel forced to wear sweater and cries → Phyllis claims sweater → Rachel returns it but birthday ruined.
Need a text book!
Share two pieces of text evidence that show why school was important to Malala (quote or paraphrase each).
Answers will vary
Read this short passage written in third-person limited: "Ethan checked his phone again, hoping for a message that never came. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel and tried to breathe slowly, though his stomach kept knotting."
a) Explain why this is third-person limited rather than third-person omniscient.
b) Describe one way the limited POV affects what the reader knows about other characters or events in the scene.
a) Third-person limited focuses on Ethan's inner thoughts and feelings only; narrator uses third-person pronouns but does not provide other characters' thoughts.
b) Because the POV is limited, the reader only knows Ethan's emotions and cannot directly access other characters' motives or private thoughts, which creates suspense or empathy focused on Ethan.
List 5 stories/texts we have read in class
I am Malala
OMG, Not Another Selife
Better Than Words: Say it with a Selfie
Eleven
The Breadwinner
Decide to Survive
Ballad of Birmingham
Views on Zoos
A Voice
Moving Day
Decide to Survive
A Long Walk to Water
Immigrant Life in New York City