Literary Elements
The sequence of events that make up a story.
A. Theme
B. Plot
C. Central Idea
D. Text Structure
B. Plot
True or False
Themes are one or two words not a sentence.
False.
Themes are a sentence.
The attitude toward a topic is called
a.) perspective
b.) point of view
c.) narrator
A. perspective
Directions: Number your board 1-4.
Read each definition below. Write the letter of the vocabulary word the definition corresponds to
1. A group of lines in a poem.
2. Voice in a poem like a narrator.
3. Repetition of similar sounds at the end of a word.
4. Pattern of rhyme at the end of lines in a poem.
Word Bank
a. Rhyme scheme
b. Stanza
c. Speaker
D. Rhyme
1. B. Stanza
2. C Speaker
3. D. Rhyme
4. A Rhyme scheme
Paragraph 1:
Jamal was feeling anxious before his big presentation. His hands were sweaty, and he kept going over his note cards again and again. He wanted everything to go perfectly.
Question 1:
What word could best replace anxious in paragraph 1 without changing the meaning?
A. Excited
B. Nervous
C. Confused
D. Relaxed
B.
True or False
Interactions between characters can influence the plot.
True
All of the following statements are true about themes except:
A. Themes are sentences.
B. Themes are the morals or life lessons developed in a text.
C. Themes can be revealed by the way a conflict is resolved.
D. Themes should include specific details from such as settings and characters.
E. Themes can be explicit or implicit.
D.
Paragraph 1:
Lena stood at the edge of the field, watching the sun dip below the horizon. She felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. Tomorrow was the big race, and it would be the first time she would compete in front of so many people. As she tied her shoes tighter, she thought about all the hard work she had put in, wondering if it would be enough. The wind picked up, brushing her hair against her face, but she didn’t mind. She was ready.
Paragraph 2:
Across the field, Jake was watching Lena, his own nerves building as he prepared for the race. He had always been a strong runner, but Lena was different. She had been training for months, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that she might beat him. He envied her dedication, but at the same time, he feared losing to her. Despite his best efforts to stay focused, his thoughts kept drifting to her, wondering how she was feeling and whether she was as worried as he was.
There was a shift between paragraphs one and two.
A.) There was a shift in point of view
B.) There was a shift in perspective toward racing.
C.) There was a shift in narrator.
C. Narrator
This poem has fourteen lines in iambic pentameter.
a. Freeverse
b. Villanelle
c. Sonnet
Sonnet
One chilly afternoon, Lily noticed her classmate, Sam, sitting alone on the playground, looking down at his shoes. Without a second thought, she walked over, smiled, and offered him the extra cookie from her lunch. Sam looked up, surprised, but smiled back and thanked her. Over the next few weeks, they started talking more, and Sam, once shy and withdrawn, began joining group activities. By the end of the year, they had become good friends.
Question 1:What synonym could replace withdrawn in the sentence "Sam, once shy and withdrawn, began joining group activities" without changing the meaning?
A. Shy
B. Outgoing
C. Reserved
D. Energetic
✍️ Your Answer: ___________
What part of the paragraph helped you choose that word?
Correct Answer: C. Reserved
Supporting Text Evidence: Sam is described as "shy and withdrawn," which means he was reserved and kept to himself, rather than being outgoing. He was also sitting alone at the beginning of the paragraph.
Number your board from 1-4. Read the definitons and write the letter of the corresponding word from the word bank.
Word Bank: a.) impact b.) interaction, c.) development, d.) reaction
1) Direct involvement between two or more characters.
2) A direct response to an action or event.
3)the movement from one event to another or the changes in the characters’ understanding; the process of coming into existence.
4.) influence; affect
1) Interaction B.
2.) Reaction D.
3.) Development C.
4.) Impact A.
Jake had always thought of Mr. Harris as a grumpy, reclusive old man. He never smiled and kept to himself, leading Jake to believe he wasn’t someone to talk to. One afternoon, however, when Jake’s bike broke down in front of Mr. Harris’s house, the man came out without hesitation, offering to help. As he worked on the bike, he shared stories of his travels and experiences, showing a side of him Jake had never expected.
Which theme was developed over the paragraph?
A. Hard work leads to success.
B. Small acts of kindness can have a lasting effect.
C. Do not judge the value of something or someone by the outward appearance.
D. Overcoming fears is necessary for personal growth.
C. Do not judge the value of something or someone by the outward appearance.
Read the following paragraphs and answer the question below.
Paragraph 1:
Lila gazed out the window, her heart heavy with worry. She had never been away from home for so long, and everything felt unfamiliar. The streets in this new city were busy, filled with people rushing past her, but none of them seemed to notice her. She missed her old friends, her family, and the quiet of her small town. The noise and crowds made her feel even more alone.
Paragraph 2:
Lila's mother, meanwhile, was feeling a sense of hope as she watched her daughter adjust to the city life. It was hard to leave their old home behind, but she believed this move would open up new opportunities for Lila. She saw the way Lila looked at the busy streets, and while she understood her daughter's sadness, she also felt a growing excitement about the future. This was a fresh start for both of them.
Question:
What is the point of view shift in these paragraphs?
A) From first-person to third-person limited
B) From third-person limited to third-person omniscient
C) From third-person omniscient to first-person
D) From third-person limited to second-person
Answer: B) From third-person limited to third-person omniscient
Explanation:
In Paragraph 1, the point of view is third-person limited, focusing only on Lila's thoughts and feelings. We see the world from her perspective and experience her emotions of worry and loneliness.
In Paragraph 2, the point of view shifts to third-person omniscient. The narrator now has access to the thoughts and feelings of both Lila and her mother, providing insight into her mother’s hope and perspective. The narrator knows more than just what Lila is experiencing, which shows an omniscient point of view.
Read the following line from a Langston Hughes poem.
I, too am America.
Which of the following is true about the line above?
a.) The author drew attention to the line by using an unusual syntax.
b.) The author drew attention to the line by using a regular meter.
c.) The author drew attention to the line y using a simile.
a. The author drew attention to the line by using an unusual syntax.
Sarah felt a sense of foreboding as she walked through the dark, quiet forest. The trees seemed to tower over her, casting long, eerie shadows. Even though it was just a walk she had taken many times before, tonight, everything felt different. There was a strange stillness in the air, and Sarah couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen.
Question 1: What does the word "foreboding" mean in the context of the paragraph?
A) A feeling of excitement
B) A feeling of unease or dread about the future
C) A feeling of calmness
D) A feeling of joy
B.
Where's Papa going with that ax?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.
"Out to the hoghouse," replied Mrs. Arable. "Some pigs were born last night."
"I don't see why he needs an ax," continued Fern, who was only eight. "Well," said her mother, "one of the pigs is a runt. It's very small and weak, and it will never amount to anything. So your father has decided to do away with it."
"Do away with it?" shrieked Fern. "You mean kill it? Just because it's smaller than the others?"
Mrs. Arable put a pitcher of cream on the table. "Don't yell, Fern!" she said. "Your father is right. The pig would probably die anyway."
Fern pushed a chair out of the way and ran outdoors. The grass was wet and the earth smelled of springtime. Fern's sneakers were sopping by the time she caught up with her father.
"Please don't kill it!" she sobbed. "It's unfair."
How does the interaction between Fern and her mother push the plot forward?
Through the interaction, Fern learns about the small weak pig her father intends to do away with and goes to stop him.
If this interaction had not occurred, her father would not have faced opposition to doing away with the runt. The pig would have been killed.
The sky grew darker as the storm clouds gathered, swirling like a giant, angry beast. The trees bent low under the weight of the wind, their branches creaking and groaning as if they were struggling to stay upright. Raindrops hammered the ground, turning the dirt path into a slippery, muddy mess. In the distance, lightning cracked across the sky, lighting up the night for a brief, blinding moment before the thunder rumbled in response. As the storm raged on, Jamie stood alone, feeling the weight of the world pressing down on her. The storm seemed to echo her own turmoil, her heart heavy with the thoughts she had been avoiding for days. But just as quickly as it began, the storm started to fade. The wind softened, and the sky slowly cleared, revealing the first light of dawn. The storm had passed. Jamie looked forward to the future.
Write a theme for the paragraph above?
How was the theme revealed to you?
A. The lesson the main character learned.
B. The resolution of the conflict.
C. Imagery and setting.
D. It was explicitly stated.
Answers will vary.
C.
Even the hardest moments pass, and after the storm, there is always a chance for renewal and hope.
The points of view are as follows: -> First-person >Second-person->Third-person-objective-->Third-person limited-->Third person omniscient
Read each paragraph. Identify the point of view for each paragraph below.
1.) Elena woke up early, feeling the soft warmth of the sun on her face through the window. She stretched and thought about the day ahead, which she had been eagerly awaiting for weeks. She planned to go hiking with her friends in the mountains. Meanwhile, down the road, her best friend Sara was running late, scrambling to get ready, unaware that Elena was already planning the day's adventure.
2. I couldn’t believe my luck when I found the last chocolate chip cookie on the kitchen counter. My brother had eaten all of them the day before, leaving only crumbs behind. I looked around, hoping no one was watching, and quickly grabbed it. My stomach rumbled in anticipation as I took my first bite, savoring every second. It was the best cookie I had ever tasted.
3. Samantha walked into the room and glanced around, noticing everyone’s eyes on her. She felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. What had she forgotten? Her palms started to sweat. As she stood there, her mind raced to figure out what was happening. Everyone else, meanwhile, looked at her with curiosity but said nothing, exchanging glances as the tension grew.
1. Third-person ominiscient
2. First-person
3. Third-person limited
The Highwayman
By Alfred Noyes
Which of the following statements about the stanza above is NOT true?
a.) The author uses a metaphor to compare the moon to a ship.
b.) By using the word ghostly the author sets an eerie, supernatural or mysterious tone.
c.) The tone can be described as dark or haunting.
d.) The author used a simile to compare the moonlight to a ribbon.
The office had been in disarray all afternoon, with employees scrambling to locate important files before the deadline. Amid the chaos, it was discovered that several crucial documents were missing from the filing cabinet. The team was unsure of what had happened, and everyone was on edge. In an effort to resolve the issue, the manager was asked to account for the missing documents. She quickly began reviewing security footage and asking staff members if they had seen anything unusual. As the minutes ticked by, everyone hoped for a quick resolution to the mystery.
Read the definitons of account. Select the definition that was used in the paragraph above.
A.) Definition 1: A report or description of an event or situation.
B.) Definition 2: A bank account for managing finances.
C.) Definition 3: To explain or justify something.
C. To explain or justify something.
Everyday after school Ethan would skateboard down the block listening to his Spotify. He would swing by Derek's house and practice skateborading tricks with him. This afternoon it happened to rain so Ethan wandered into an old, dimly lit library. The scent of books and dust filled the air. The place was quiet, except for the soft rustling of pages being turned by a few other patrons. As he walked through the aisles, his eyes were drawn to the rows of thick, leather-bound books that seemed to hold untold secrets. The solemn, quiet atmosphere made him feel small and introspective, and he found himself picking up a book on ancient civilizations.
How did the setting influence the plot?
The weather influenced the plot. Because it was raining, Ethan did not skateboard to Derek's. He instead went to the library. Because the library was quiet he picked up a book.
One chilly afternoon, Lily noticed her classmate, Sam, sitting alone on the playground, looking down at his shoes. Without a second thought, she walked over, smiled, and offered him the extra cookie from her lunch. Sam looked up, surprised, but smiled back and thanked her. Over the next few weeks, they started talking more, and Sam, once shy and withdrawn, began joining group activities. By the end of the year, they had become good friends.
What is the theme?
What details helped develop it?
Theme: Kindness and small actions can lead to meaningful connections.
Offering the extra cookie was the small action of kindness.
The last sentence, "They had become good friends" developed the meaningful connection part of the theme.
Read the following paragraphs and answer the question below.
Paragraph 1:
Tom had always believed he was the best player on the team, and his confidence showed in every game. He strutted around the field, certain that no one could match his skill. The crowd cheered as he scored a goal, and he raised his arms, basking in their admiration. There was no doubt in his mind that he was the star of the show.
Paragraph 2:
But in the locker room, Tom’s teammate, Alex, couldn’t help but feel frustrated. Watching Tom take all the credit made him feel invisible, even though he had worked just as hard in the game. He knew that Tom was focused on his own glory, not realizing how his actions affected others. Alex wished Tom could see the game from his perspective, but he knew it would be pointless to say anything.
Question: Why did the author switch from third-person limited to omniscient?
To provide insight into multiple characters: In Paragraph 1, we see the story solely from Tom's point of view, focusing on his confidence and self-importance. This limited perspective allows us to understand Tom’s mindset and how he views himself.
To show a contrasting perspective: In Paragraph 2, the switch to omniscient point of view allows the author to show Alex's feelings of frustration, which Tom is unaware of. This shift gives readers access to a different emotional layer—how Alex feels about Tom's actions. Without this shift, readers would only know Tom’s perspective, missing the tension between the two characters.
To build conflict and empathy: The omniscient point of view helps build conflict by revealing Alex's internal struggle, which contrasts with Tom's confidence. It also invites readers to empathize with Alex, since we can understand his feelings and frustrations that Tom remains oblivious to. This enhances the depth of the story.
Which of the following lines from “The Highwayman” best demonstrates the use of repetition to create suspense?
A. “The wind was a torrent of darkness among the gusty trees.”
B. “Over the cobbles he clattered and clashed in the dark inn-yard.”
C. “A red-coat troop came marching—marching—marching...”
D. “The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas.”
✅ Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The repeated word “marching” mimics the sound of soldiers approaching and builds tension, contributing to the suspenseful tone.
Sentence:
The archaeologist used a geochronometer to estimate the age of the ancient fossils found deep within the rock layers.
geo = earth (Greek root)
chrono = time (Greek root)
meter = to measure (Greek root)
Question:
Using the context of the sentence and your knowledge of Greek or Latin roots, what is the most likely meaning of the word geochronometer?
A. A tool for predicting earthquakes
B. A machine for measuring sound waves
C. A device that measures the age of earth materials
D. A container for preserving fossils underground
C. A device that measures the age of earth materials