Text Structure
Explain how a topic sentence differs from a main idea.
A topic sentence is the specific sentence that states the reason/topic of a paragraph, while a main idea is the broader concept of the paper.
What is pathos?
Pathos is a rhetorical appeal that persuades an audience by evoking emotions.
What is the difference between the antagonist and the protagonist in a story?
The antagonist is often viewed as the "villain," but they don't have to be evil—they simply work against the protagonist's goals.
The protagonist is the main character of a story—the central figure around whom the plot revolves.
What is the difference between a denotation and a connotation?
Connotation- the feelings or weight of a word
What are the three types of irony?
Dramatic- the audience knows, but the characters don't
Situational- no one expects it
Verbal- sarcasm
Explain the difference between the thesis statement and a topic sentence.
Thesis statement is the claim of an entire essay, while a topic sentence introduces the topic of a single paragraph.
Define ethos.
Ethos is a rhetorical appeal based on the credibility, authority, and trustworthiness of the speaker or writer.
What is a round or dynamic character?
A round (or dynamic) character is a character who changes, grows, or evolves significantly throughout a story.
What are two different organizational patterns?
Compare and contrast
Cause and effect
Problem and solution
Chronological order
Descriptive
What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?
Simile- A comparison using like or as
Metaphor- A comparison by saying something is something else
Describe the key formatting requirements for an MLA essay.
What is logos?
Logos is a rhetorical appeal that uses logic, reason, and evidence to persuade an audience.
What is a flat or static character?
A flat (or static) character is a character who remains largely unchanged throughout a story.
Explain the purpose of in-text citations.
Both direct quotes and paraphrases require in-text citations with the author's name and page number, they are used to give the author credit and to avoid plagiarism.
Explain what a theme is
The theme is the message or lesson we learn from a text. It is what the author wants the reader to take from the text.
Example citation: Smith, John. The Future of Technology. Oxford University Press, 2020.
How would you cite this in text?
(Smith page#)
Explain why writers include counterclaims in their essays.
Writers include counterclaims because they show that they understand opposing viewpoints and can address them fairly. This strengthens the argument by demonstrating intellectual honesty and complexity. When a writer acknowledges and refutes a counterclaim, it shows confidence in their own position and prevents readers from thinking "But what about...?" It also makes the essay more persuasive because it anticipates reader objections and answers them directly.
What is the difference between foreshadowing and a flashback?
Foreshadowing is a literary technique in which an author hints at or suggests future events in a story before they actually occur. Writers use foreshadowing to build suspense, create anticipation, and prepare readers for upcoming plot developments.
A flashback is a literary technique in which the narrative temporarily shifts to an earlier point in time to reveal past events. Flashbacks provide background information, explain character motivations, develop the plot, or add depth to the story.
What is bias?
An opinion or favor to one side.
What is imagery?
Figurative language that appeals to one of the five senses.
Explain what "context" is.
Context refers to the circumstances, background, and environment surrounding a piece of communication. It includes the time period, cultural setting, historical events, social conditions, the author's purpose, the intended audience, and the medium of communication.
Define rhetoric and explain its purpose.
Rhetoric is the art of persuasive speaking and writing—the techniques and strategies used to effectively communicate ideas and influence an audience.
Name the parts of a plot.
Exposition/Introduction
Rising Action
Climax
Falling Action
Resolution
Why do we need to use multiple sources when researching?
Using multiple sources allows you to confirm information and ensure it isn't conflicting.
What are the different types of POV/Perspective
First-person POV- "I"
Second-person POV- "YOU"
Third-person limited POV- "They" (one character)
Third-person omniscient POV- "They" (all characters)