Informational Text
What is the main purpose of informational/explanatory writing?
To inform or explain a topic clearly.
What are the five elements of plot?
Exposition, Rising Action, Climax, Falling Action, Resolution.
What is the purpose of argumentative writing?
To persuade using claims, evidence, and reasoning.
What’s the difference between an action verb and a linking verb?
Action = shows action; Linking = connects subject to description
What is an analogy? Give an example.
A comparison showing relationships (e.g., hot : cold :: tall : short)
What is a central idea, and how do you identify it?
It’s the main point of a text; look at repeated ideas or key details.
What is the theme of a narrative?
The life lesson or message of the story.
What is a claim, and how is it different from evidence?
A claim is your opinion or position; evidence supports it.
What is a prepositional phrase?
A phrase that starts with a preposition and ends with a noun/pronoun
What is an allusion, and why do authors use them?
A reference to something well-known to add deeper meaning
Name two common text structures and signal words for each.
Compare/Contrast – "however", Cause/Effect – "because"
How does setting influence character or conflict?
It affects their actions, choices, and experiences.
What is the TWEAT format used for?
To structure body paragraphs clearly: Topic, Why, Evidence, Analysis, Tie-back
What is the function of conjunctions in a sentence, and name them? List at least two subordinating conjunctions.
They join words, phrases, or clauses. For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.
Unless, When, If, as soon as,” “once,” “while,” “when,” “whenever,” “after,” “since,” “before,” “until,”and “now that.”
What type of irony is it when the audience knows something the characters don’t?
Dramatic irony
How does an author develop a central idea throughout a passage?
Using supporting details, examples, and explanations.
What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization?
Direct = told explicitly; Indirect = shown through
What is a counterclaim and why is it important?
The opposing view; it shows you understand other perspectives.
What are the three verbals you learned this year?
Gerund, Infinitives, and Participles.
What is the subjunctive mood? Give an example.
Expresses a wish or hypothetical (e.g., “If I were rich…”)
How can paragraph structure affect meaning in an informational text?
Organization can emphasize key ideas and guide reader understanding.
Name two internal and two external conflicts.
Internal: Man vs. Self; External: Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature.
What is the purpose of the rebuttal, and where should you place it in your essay?
To refute the counterclaim. There should be a rebuttal in the intro, body paragraphs, and then restated in the conclusion.
What is the difference between active and passive voice? What voice should you write in?
Active:
Passive:
You should write in active voice.
Identify the object of the preposition in this sentence: “The book on the table is mine.”
Table