Figurative language
The stars sparkled like Diamonds.
Simile
I, me, my, mine, us , we
1st person
the moment in the story when there is a turning point or a change in the characters.
climax
How does the first-person point of view affect readers’ understanding of Mitchell’s mother?
Read this excerpt from paragraph 5.
My throat tightened, and my heart pumped like festival drums. I wondered if Tong was pulling my leg.
The author uses the simile in this paragraph to show —
A. Liang is physically reacting to Tong’s remarks with an elevated heart rate
B Liang is concerned about the pressure in her throat and wonders whether she is ill
C Liang is nervous about Tong being in the store without her parents being present
D Liang was wondering whether Tong’s presence at the store was meant to frighten her
It's raining cats and dogs.
Hyperbole
you, your, yours
2nd person
The moment in the story where the conflict has been resolved
resolution
How does the setting of the baseball field contribute to Mitchell’s conflict in the story?
A. It makes him feel insecure about his athletic abilities.
B. It forces him to consider his role as the team’s center fielder.
C. It upsets him to be the reason his team loses almost every game.
D. It flusters him to be on the field knowing his father cannot see him play.
Read this sentence from paragraph 58.
Bit by bit, hopefully, I could be bright enough to contain Mother’s monster, and then maybe we’d be able to help Father with his monster.
What does the author’s use of language in this sentence suggest?
F. Liang is wondering if her intelligence will increase with time.
G. Liang realizes she has a long way to go to be strong and confident.
H. Liang is still uncertain of her ability to be useful to her parents and their shop.
J . Liang is confident in her ability to succeed and hopes one day to help her parents.
I am a cheetah when I run.
Metaphor
3rd limited point of view
The events that lead to the climax and make the conflict more intense.
rising action
Which sentence from the selection uses Mitchell’s point of view to reveal how his mother
is feeling?
A.My mother had gotten it into her head that being an Indian I should of course not just play baseball but excel at it. (paragraph 6)
B.But try to explain to an eager German immigrant mother about stereotyping and American Indians being used as mascots. (paragraph 7)
C. My mom was smiling and nodding at me, even though she had both fists clenched around her soda can so hard that it looked like an hourglass. (paragraph 14)
D. It might have been my mom who encouraged Uncle Tommy to stay around and wait for me. (paragraph 20)
What details would most likely be included in this passage if it had been written from the third-person rather than the first-person perspective?
A More information would be given about Liang’s parents.
B The way Tong felt when he saw the jiang shi would be described.
C The identity of the jiang shi before he died would be described.
D More information would be given about Liang’s circle of friends.
Sister Sally Sat at the Sea Shore
Alliteration
an outside narrator that knows the thoughts and actions of multiple characters.
3rd omniscient
The characters and setting
Exposition
What conflict does Mitchell struggle with through most of the story?
A. The lack of connection to his late father
B The need to have others admire him
C. The interference of his mother
D. The need to be the best player
Which are the two details from the story indicating this story is told from the first-person perspective?
F It was the last day of the seventh lunar month, and in Singapore the Hungry Ghost Festival was winding down at last.
G During the seventh month of our lunar calendar, hungry spirits are released from the netherworld to roam and feast every night.
H Tonight, we would pray again; this time, to beseech the spirits to return before the gates of Hell closed.
J According to Tong, the neighborhood hooligan, there was one in our shop that was reluctant to leave.
K Twelve-year-olds aren’t supposed to worry about sales and income, but Father’s bills weren’t cheap, and Mother was barely hanging on to the store.
He reminds me of Einstein when he worked on math.
Allusion
Bella walked in with a sinking feeling as she noticed the broken glass on the floor. Her teacher Mrs. Wilkes walked by to ask her what happened.
3rd limited
The struggle of character when they have a choice to make
internal conflict
What does Mitchell realize that leads to the story’s resolution?
A. Baseball is important to him because it helps him make friends.
B. Baseball is important to him because it connects him to his father.
C. He wants to become a better baseball player to represent his culture.
D. He wants to become a better baseball player to make his mom happy.
In paragraphs 9 and 10, what does Tong’s response to Liang’s question suggest about him? Which are the two correct answers?
A He knows more than he reveals at first.
B He is curious and has a sarcastic attitude.
C He feels sorry for Liang and for her family.
D He has a great desire to help when help is needed.
E He may have hidden motives for wanting to help Liang.