AUTHORS TONE
When an author describes a childhood memory using words such as “warm,” “laughter,” and “comforting.”
What is the author’s tone?
Nostalgic
A good summary should include only the most important details.
True or False?
True
A character who changes throughout a story is called what type of character?
Dynamic character
The central message or lesson in a literary work is called the ________.
Theme
Select TWO words that create a hopeful tone.
A. despair B. radiant C. opportunity D. grief
B. radiant and C. opportunity
“Of course the group project went perfectly, especially after nobody completed their part.”
What tone does the author create?
Sarcastic
Which detail should MOST likely be included in a summary?
A. A minor character’s shoe color B. The main conflict
C. A random joke in the story D. Dialogue about lunch
B. The main conflict
“‘I’ll handle it myself,’ Devon muttered as he pushed everyone’s help away.”
What character trait is MOST clearly revealed through Devon’s dialogue?
A. Generous B. Independent C. Curious D. Humorous
B. Independent
What is the conflict in a story?
The struggle between opposing forces
Place the events in chronological order.
How does diction help reveal the author’s tone in a literary text?
Specific word choices create emotional meaning and help readers understand the author’s attitude toward the subject.
“After months of preparation, the debate team traveled to the state competition. Although they lost the final round, the students gained confidence and improved their public speaking skills.”
Which summary is MOST objective?
A. The debate team unfairly lost the competition.
B. Students worked hard and probably deserved to win.
C. The debate team competed at states and gained confidence despite losing the final round.
D. Public speaking is an important skill for students.
C. The debate team competed at states and gained confidence despite losing the final round.
“Jalen quietly handed his lunch to the younger student before walking away unnoticed.”
What character trait is revealed?
Compassionate or generous
“The clock ticked loudly as Marcus stared at the unopened letter.”
What effect does the setting detail create?
Suspense or tension
Match the literary element to its definition.
A. The struggle in a story B. The author’s attitude C. A deeper meaning represented by an object or image D. The central message
1-D 2-B 3-A 4-C
“The empty streets stretched endlessly beneath the flickering lights while the wind whispered through broken windows.”
Which tone is MOST strongly developed? A. Hopeful B. Suspenseful C. Joyful D. Humorous
B. Suspenseful
“Following the invention of affordable automobiles, more Americans began traveling long distances. As road systems expanded, businesses such as hotels and restaurants grew alongside highways.”
Which detail is LEAST important to include in a summary?
A. Affordable automobiles increased travel. B. Highway businesses expanded.
C. Americans traveled longer distances. D. Restaurants were often located beside highways.
D. Restaurants were often located beside highways.
How can indirect characterization help readers better understand a character?
It reveals character traits through actions, thoughts, dialogue, and/or interactions instead of directly stating them.
“As the team celebrated their narrow victory, Coach Ramirez quietly stared at the dark clouds gathering above the stadium.”
What is the MOST likely purpose of the foreshadowing in this excerpt?
A. To emphasize the setting’s beauty B. To suggest future conflict or challenges
C. To reveal the coach dislikes celebrations D. To show the game has officially ended
B. To suggest future conflict or challenges
“Kayla clenched her fists and avoided eye contact as the teacher called her name.”
Which detail BEST supports the inference that Kayla is nervous?
“clenched her fists and avoided eye contact”
Explain how imagery and syntax can work together to create a tone of anxiety in a passage.
Harsh or unsettling imagery combined with short, abrupt sentences can create tension and nervousness, helping readers feel anxious along with the characters.
“During the storm, the family worked together to repair the damaged house. Though exhausted and frightened, they refused to abandon their home.”
Which summary is BEST?
A. The family hated storms and felt tired. B. A storm damaged the family’s house, but they worked together and stayed determined.
C. The house was old and difficult to repair. D. The family argued about leaving home.
B. A storm damaged the family’s house, but they worked together and stayed determined.
“Although terrified, Lena stepped onto the stage and began speaking before the crowd.”
Which statement BEST explains the character development?
A. Lena becomes selfish. B. Lena reveals bravery by overcoming fear.
C. Lena refuses responsibility. D. Lena dislikes public speaking.
B. Lena reveals bravery by overcoming fear.
“Even after years apart, the brothers immediately recognized one another through a shared childhood song. Although their lives had changed, the memory connected them instantly.”
Select TWO themes supported by the excerpt.
A. Family bonds can endure through time. B. Success is determined by competition. C. Shared memories strengthen relationships. D. People should avoid reconnecting with the past.
A. Family bonds can endure through time.
C. Shared memories strengthen relationships.
“The city lights glimmered beneath the rain while distant sirens echoed through the empty streets.”
Select TWO effects created by the imagery.
A. Builds suspense B. Creates a peaceful mood C. Establishes isolation D. Adds humor
A. Builds suspense and C. Establishes isolation