Fiction Writing
In fiction, a __________ is a universal idea, life lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature. Unlike the plot, which is a sequence of events, the ___________ addresses the "why" and gives the story a deeper purpose and connection to universal human experiences, such as love, betrayal, or the struggle for survival.
theme
Based on the following thesis statement, what will the first body paragraph be about?
The United States should do more to protect environment because it would make the air cleaner and safer to breathe, help fight climate change, and save lots of endangered species from extinction.
The first body paragraph will focus on how protecting the environment will make the air cleaner and safer to breathe.
Which sentence uses commas correctly?
What five-letter word becomes shorter when you add two letters to it?
short
A writer describes a character by saying, "He never looked anyone in the eye, barely spoke, and always kept his hands in his pockets." This is an example of which literary technique?
A. Direct characterization
B. Indirect characterization
C. First-person point of view
D. Falling action
B. Indirect characterization
Read the following sentence: The author writes that "the heat was unbearable."
What is the best way to revise this to include a proper lead-in?
A. In the first chapter, the author describes the setting: "The heat was unbearable."
B. "The heat was unbearable," says the author in the book.
C. The author writes "the heat was unbearable" and it was hot.
D. It says "the heat was unbearable" on page five.
A. In the first chapter, the author describes the setting: "The heat was unbearable."
Which choice correctly uses correct capitalization and punctuation?
In what location does Friday come before Thursday?
The dictionary
On your whiteboard, come up with a short passage (2-3 sentences) that uses figurative language and a unique example of punctuation that demonstrates craft.
Answers will vary.
A writer wants to explain why a quote from a scientist is important. Which sentence is the most effective piece of reasoning?
A. This quote is important because the scientist is an expert in her field.
B. This evidence shows that if carbon emissions aren't lowered, global temperatures will continue to rise.
C. I like this quote because it makes the essay sound more professional.
D. As stated in the evidence above, the scientist found that the ice is melting.
B. This evidence shows that if carbon emissions aren't lowered, global temperatures will continue to rise.
The hikers faced many daunting obstacles, such as freezing temperatures, steep cliffs, and howling winds.
What does daunting mean?
A. Exciting
B. Frightening
C. Difficult
D. Fun
C. Difficult
What can travel around the world while staying in a corner?
a postage stamp
Come up with an idea for a plot that would demonstrate the following theme:
While loyalty is important, sometimes loyalty to the wrong people can be dangerous.
Answers will vary
Which of the following is the most "relevant" piece of evidence for a claim that participating in school sports builds essential leadership skills?
A. "The school’s basketball team won the state championship for the third year in a row."
B. "Student-athletes often report that being on a team taught them how to motivate others and resolve conflicts under pressure."
C. "Most school sports require students to maintain a passing grade in all of their classes to remain eligible."
D. "Research indicates that physical exercise releases endorphins, which can improve a student's mood."
B. "Student-athletes often report that being on a team taught them how to motivate others and resolve conflicts under pressure."
The artist juxtaposed bright colors with dark shades in her painting to create a dramatic contrast.
What does juxtaposed mean?
A. Mixed together
B. Placed side-by-side
C. Hidden
D. Erased
B. Placed side-by-side
A man calls his dog from the opposite side of the river. The dog crosses the river without getting wet and without using a bridge or boat. How?
The river is frozen.
Identify a theme, along with key words:
The heavy iron gates of the silent city loomed before Elara, colder and darker than she ever imagined. Her heart hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird, and every instinct screamed at her to turn back to the safety of the village. If she did, she was safe; if she went through, she risked everything. But she thought of the forgotten people inside, shivering without hope, and the small, rusted key in her pocket felt suddenly heavy with duty. Elara didn't feel brave. Her knees shook, and her breathing labored. Yet, she moved forward, turning the key, knowing that if she didn't act, no one would.
Theme Identification: True courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision that something else is more important.
Supporting Evidence: "Her knees shook" (physical fear) versus "she moved forward, turning the key" (action) to show how the theme is developed.
Which of the following is the most "relevant" and "sufficient" piece of evidence for a claim that implementing a mandatory community service program in middle schools fosters long-term civic engagement in adulthood?
A. A 2023 survey revealed that 85% of middle schoolers who volunteered at a local food bank felt "more connected" to their community.
B. In a 2024 study, individuals who participated in required service-learning in 8th grade were 40% more likely to vote and volunteer in their 30s than those who did not.
C. Research shows that community service on high school transcripts and can significantly increase a student's chances of getting into a top-tier college.
D. Many psychologists agree that middle school is a "critical window" for social development, when students begin to form their own unique identities.
B. In a 2024 study, individuals who participated in required service-learning in 8th grade were 40% more likely to vote and volunteer in their 30s than those who did not.
Identify all three mistakes (punctuation, capitalization, run-on)
Professor Sterling stared at the glowing green liquid in the beaker. it was the most important discovery of his career? If the formula worked, he would finally win the Nobel Prize. However, he had to be careful not to spill a single drop. He reached for his goggles his hands were shaking with excitement.
it = It
? = .
"He reached for his goggles his hands were shaking with excitement" is a run-on and should be split after "goggles"
A man is driving a black car. His headlights are off, the moon is not out, and the streetlights are broken. A black cat runs across the road, and the man swerves to miss it. How did he see it?
It was daytime.