Central Idea
Text Structure / Argument
Rhetorical Appeals
Authors Purpose
Reading Across Genre / Vocab
100

It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace– but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

What is the central idea of this historical American speech?

A. Peace must be obtained despite

B. The importance of perusing a goal even when it is wrong

C.  The Idea that big decisions should be carefully considered

D. The time has come for us to raise a militia to defend freedom 

D. The time has come for us to raise a militia to defend freedom

The speech was given by Patrick Henry and he was requesting that it is time for the Virginia colony to raise a militia in order to defend their right to freedom


100

What text structure would be used to create an instruction manual for a weed wacker? 

A. Description

B. Problem / Solution

C. Chronological

D. Sequence

D. Sequence

A sequence is defined as a specific order of events or steps of a process.

100

What is the difference between Ethos and Logos?

A. Ethos deals with logical reasoning while Logos focuses on emotion

B. Ethos deals with credibility / trustworthiness for a source while logos deals with emotion

C. Logos deals with logical reasoning while Ethos deals with credibility / trustworthiness of a source. 

C. Logos deals with logical reasoning while Ethos deals with credibility / trustworthiness of a source

100

Elephants are the largest land mammals, known for their intelligence and strong social bonds. They live in herds led by a matriarch and communicate through sounds, gestures, and vibrations. Elephants play a key role in ecosystems by spreading seeds and creating pathways in forests and savannas.

How does the author achieve their purpose of emphasizing the importance of elephants in the excerpt?

A. By using emotional language to evoke sympathy for elephants.
B. By including factual details about their role in ecosystems and social behaviors.
C. By using figurative language to compare elephants to other animals.
D. By appealing to the reader’s sense of humor through anecdotes about elephants.

B. By including factual details about their role in ecosystems and social behaviors.

100

In the sentence, "The scientist's meticulous notes helped him make an important discovery," what does the word "meticulous" most likely mean?

a) Careless
b) Detailed and precise
c) Quick
d) Incomplete

b) Detailed and precise

200

Having thus imparted to you my sentiments as they have been awakened by the occasion which brings us together, I shall take my present leave; but not without resorting once more to the benign Parent of the Human Race in humble supplication that, since He has been pleased to favor the American people with opportunities for deliberating in perfect tranquility, and dispositions for deciding with unparalleled unanimity on a form of government for the security of their union and the advancement of their happiness, so His divine blessing may be equally conspicuous in the enlarged views, the temperate consultations, and the wise measures on which the success of this Government must depend.

What is the central idea of this historical American speech?

A. The importance of sharing your thoughts and feelings

B. The importance of living in a state of perfect tranquility

C. The importance of the constitution on the success of the United States

D. The importance of depending on the government for everything you need

C. The importance of the constitution on the success of the United States

200

What text structure would be used to write a letter to the president of an HOA to complain about the algae growth in a community pond?

A. Description

B. Problem / Solution 

C. Cause and Effect

D. Sequence

C. Cause and Effect

The letter would emphasize that the algae growth causes a reduction in water clarity, inhibits the growth of other plants, and can lead to extensive oxygen depletion, accumulation of unsightly and decaying organic matter, unpleasant odors, and the death of fish.

200
What is the difference between logos and pathos?


A. Logos is logical reasoning and pathos deals with emotion

B. Logos is credibility or morals while pathos deals with emotion

C. Logos is emotion the reader feels from reading while pathos is logical reasoning. 

A. Logos is logical reasoning and pathos deals with emotion

200

Every community deserves access to clean drinking water. It’s a basic human right and crucial for health. Without it, preventable diseases spread, leading to unnecessary suffering. Investing in water infrastructure saves lives and reduces healthcare costs. We must act now to ensure future generations don’t face this crisis. 

How does the author establish their purpose of advocating for clean drinking water in the excerpt?

A. By appealing to logic through facts about the benefits of water infrastructure investment.
B. By using figurative language to describe water as a lifeline for humanity.
C. By using humor to lighten the tone of a serious issue.
D. By appealing to authority through citing expert opinions on water rights.

A. By appealing to logic through facts about the benefits of water infrastructure investment.

200

The evening sky was dark and painted with blues and pinks.  Brian looked up and felt a sense of amazement and wonder. 

A. Meiosis

B. Idiom

C. Imagery

D. Simile

C. Imagery

Writing about objects, actions, and ideas in such a way that it appeals to the five physical senses.

300

We care not upon what lines the battle is fought. If they say bimetallism is good, but that we cannot have it until other nations help us, we reply that, instead of having a gold standard because England has, we will restore bimetallism, and then let England have bimetallism because the United States has it. If they dare to come out in the open field and defend the gold standard as a good thing, we will fight them to the uttermost.

What is the central idea of this historical American speech?

A. The importance of following England's lead with the gold standard

B. The Gold Standard is necessary for everyone to succeed

C. The idea of Bimetallism system is counter productive 

D. Bimetallism is necessary to bring about national prosperity

D. Bimetallism is necessary to bring about national prosperity

Bimetallism = "Free Silver" 

300

Benjamin spent a considerable amount of time and money improving the landscaping of his front yard.  His improvements included new plant beds, mulch, and plenty of colorful flora. However, during the first major rainstorm of the season, he lost the majority of his mulch as it flowed into the street.  It would be very costly to hire someone to replace the mulch every time it rained.  Benjamin decided to salvage the mulch he was able to retrieve, and then purchase a product called, “mulch glue”.  This product proved proficient in keeping the mulch in place.

What is the text structure? 

A. Problem and Solution

B. Chronological

C. Compare and Contrast

D. Sequence

A. Problem and Solution

The information is conveyed as an issue or a problem of concern, and solution(s) are proposed or explained.

300

Which rhetorical appeal would be used in a letter to the principal discussing the problem of cheating on tests and quizzes?

A. Logos

B. Pathos

C. Ethos

A. Ethos

- Cause of ethics / morals

300

As a healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience, I've witnessed the serious effects of smoking. The evidence is clear: smoking leads to cancer, heart disease, and other health issues. Quitting now is the best choice for your health, and it's never too late to start living better. 

How does the author use ethos to encourage people to quit smoking in the excerpt?

A. By sharing personal emotional stories about the effects of smoking.
B. By highlighting their 20 years of experience as a healthcare professional.
C. By using vivid imagery to describe the dangers of smoking.
D. By presenting statistical data about the health risks of smoking.

B. By highlighting their 20 years of experience as a healthcare professional.

300

“Ay, ay, a scratch, a scratch.”

(Mercutio after he is mortally wounded by Tybalt in the play, Romeo and Juliet.)

Which figurative language device is being used here?

A. Meiosis

B. Imagery

C. Idiom

D. Metaphor

A. Meiosis

The presentation of a thing with the underemphasis of something to achieve a great effect.  An understatement.

400

(1) There is consolation in the thought that America is young. (2) Great streams are not easily turned from channels, worn deep in the course of ages. (3) They may sometimes rise in quiet and stately majesty, and inundate the land, refreshing and fertilizing the earth with their mysterious properties. (4) They may also rise in wrath and fury, and bear away, on their angry waves, the accumulated wealth of years of toil and hardship. (5) They, however, gradually flow back to the same old channel, and flow on as serenely as ever.

 Which sentence BEST expresses the hypocrisy of slavery?

A. Sentence 1

B. Sentence 2

C. Sentence 3

D. Sentence 4

E. Sentence 5

D. Sentence 4

400

(1) After a number of accidents involving elderly drivers, police in Devon County became very concerned.  (2) They spoke with several experts before making a decision. (3) The Department of Transport said drivers over 80 are more likely to have accidents than any other age group. (4) The charity, Age Concern, praised the skills of older motorists. (5) The Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired noted that visions problems are prevalent in drivers over the age of 60.
(6) After speaking with these organizations, it was decided that it was time for some elderly drivers to hand in their car keys and catch the bus.

Which sentence shows an organization sticking up for the rights of charity? 

Sentence 4

The charity, Age Concern, praised the skills of older motorists.

400

Which rhetorical appeal would be used in a proposal to contribute honor society funds to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital?

A. Ethos

B. Pathos

C. Logos

B. Pathos

400

Research shows that regular exercise reduces the risk of heart disease and improves mental health. Just 150 minutes of exercise per week can significantly boost health and lower healthcare costs. The evidence is clear: exercise is essential for a longer, healthier life.

How does the author use logos to achieve their purpose of persuading readers to prioritize regular exercise?

A. By sharing personal stories of individuals who improved their health through exercise.
B. By presenting research and statistics that demonstrate the health benefits of regular exercise.
C. By using emotional language to emphasize the importance of fitness.
D. By appealing to authority through endorsements from healthcare professionals.

B. By presenting research and statistics that demonstrate the health benefits of regular exercise.

400

Which pair of words has a relationship similar to "generous" and "charitable"?

a) Intelligent : Wise
b) Courageous : Brave
c) Honest : Trustworthy
d) Wealthy : Rich

c) Honest : Trustworthy
Both pairs consist of words that describe qualities that are closely related in meaning. "Generous" and "charitable" both refer to kindness and giving, just as "honest" and "trustworthy" refer to qualities of reliability and truthfulness.

500

“(1) General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: (2) Come here to this gate! (3) Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! (4) Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!”

Which line from the excerpt would be the most significant in remembering President Reagan?

A. 1

B. 2

C. 3

D. 4

D. 4

That last line is probably the most famous and lasting thing that Reagan ever said, and if he had listened to any one of the dozens of aides, advisors, and cabinet members who pleaded with him before the morning of June 12, 1987, to leave it out, the line might have died on the vine and never made it into the speech.

500

(1) Most people wash their cars, but never have enough time to wax them.  (2) This is a big mistake. (3) Waxing a vehicle makes it look glossy and new. (4) It also seals it against dirt, water vapor, and rust. (5) An unwaxed car will look a lot older than its age.  (6) If water doesn’t bead on the surface of the vehicle when it rains or when you hose it down, it needs waxing. (7) A clean, shiny car will impress your classmates. (8) Even if you use a car-washing product that has wax in it, you still must give your car a thorough waxing at least twice a year.

Which sentence has a weak argument and should be taken out / omitted? 

Sentence 7 

A clean, shiny car will impress your classmates

500

As a healthcare professional with over 20 years of experience, I've witnessed the serious effects of smoking. The evidence is clear: smoking leads to cancer, heart disease, and other health issues. Quitting now is the best choice for your health, and it's never too late to start living better. 

How does the author use ethos to encourage people to quit smoking in the excerpt?

A. By sharing personal emotional stories about the effects of smoking.
B. By highlighting their 20 years of experience as a healthcare professional.
C. By using vivid imagery to describe the dangers of smoking.
D. By presenting statistical data about the health risks of smoking.

B. By highlighting their 20 years of experience as a healthcare professional.

500

Education is the key to a brighter future. Without it, dreams wither like seeds without sunlight. By investing in schools, we help children grow into leaders who can change the world. Let's give every child the chance to thrive. 

How does the author effectively use figurative language to achieve their purpose of emphasizing the transformative power of education?

A. By likening education to sunlight nurturing seeds, symbolizing its role in helping children grow and thrive.
B. By referencing specific examples of leaders who benefited from education.
C. By appealing to emotions with a description of children struggling without access to schools.
D. By citing research to demonstrate the societal benefits of investing in education.

A. By likening education to sunlight nurturing seeds, symbolizing its role in helping children grow and thrive.

500

In the sentence, "The manager's harsh criticism was a storm that tore through the team's morale," what does the phrase "a storm that tore through" most likely mean?

a) The criticism was mild and easily ignored
b) The criticism caused confusion and disruption
c) The criticism was welcomed and appreciated
d) The criticism was slow and ineffective

b) The criticism caused confusion and disruption
The phrase "a storm that tore through" is a metaphor, suggesting that the criticism was powerful and had a strong, negative impact on the team's morale.

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