Fiction
What is "theme"?
The underlying message, moral, or lesson about life.
What is the "central idea"?
The main point or message the author wants the reader to understand about a topic.
What is a "stanza"?
A group of lines in a poem, similar to a paragraph.
What is a "conjunction"?
A word used to connect words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., and, but, or).
What is the "Thesis Statement," and where is it usually found?
It is the main argument of the entire essay, and it is almost always the last sentence of the introduction paragraph.
Identify the POV: "Marcus watched the clock, wondering if the bell would ever ring."
Marcus feels bored
While fiction readers track "character traits," what are the three primary things a nonfiction reader tracks to understand an informational text?
1. Central idea
2. Supporting details
3. The author's purpose
Identify the personification in this sentence: "The wind whispered through the trees."
"The wind whispered"
Fix this "run-on" sentence: "I went to the park it was fun."
I went to the park, and it was fun (or use a period/semicolon).
What are the 7 steps when responding to an extended response?
1. Claim
2. Evidence 1
3. Paraphrase 1
4. Connection 1
5. Evidence 2
6. Paraphrase 2
7. Connection 2
In a plot diagram, what do we call the highest point of tension or the "turning point"?
The climax
Which of these words has a positive connotation, even though they both describe someone who doesn't change their mind?
B) Determined.
Why? "Determined" makes the person sound strong-willed and goal-oriented (positive). "Stubborn" usually implies the person is being difficult or unreasonable (negative).
What is "tone" in writing?
The author’s attitude toward the subject or the audience.
What is a "pronoun"?
A word that takes the place of a noun (e.g., he, she, they, it).
Question: Which of these is the most effective "Hook" for a formal essay about climate change?
B. (A hook should grab the reader's attention using imagery, a quote, or a startling statistic, not just introduce the author).
When analyzing a fictional text, what are the three key elements readers should track to understand the story's deeper meaning?
1. Central idea
2. Theme
3. Character traits
Finding the Central Idea
Passage: “While many people think of honeybees only as honey producers, they are actually vital to our food supply. Bees pollinate one-third of the crops we eat, including apples, almonds, and broccoli. Without them, farmers would struggle to grow enough food to feed the world.”
What is the Central Idea of this passage?
C (It covers the main point of the entire text, not just a small detail).
What is the difference between a "simile" and a "metaphor"?
A simile uses "like" or "as" to compare things; a metaphor says one thing is another.
Define an "adjective."
A word that describes or modifies a noun or pronoun.
What are the goals of a conclusion paragraph?
To restate the thesis (in a new way) and to summarize the main points, leaving the reader with a final thought or "call to action."
"As the teacher handed back the graded exams, Sarah looked at her paper, quickly stuffed it into the bottom of her backpack, and kept her eyes fixed on her desk for the rest of class."
Based on Sarah's actions, what can you infer about her grade on the exam?
You can infer she is disappointed, embarrassed, or upset because she hid the paper and avoided looking at anyone.
Finding the Author’s Purpose
Passage: “Plastic water bottles take over 450 years to decompose in a landfill. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, harming marine life. Switching to a reusable metal bottle is a simple, effective way to protect our planet. Make the switch today for a cleaner tomorrow.”
Question: What is the author’s primary purpose for writing this text?
C (The "call to action" at the end—"Make the switch today"—is a dead giveaway for persuasion).
"The storm howled like a wounded beast, clawing at the windowpanes with icy fingers. Inside, the candle flickered and died, leaving me trapped in a suffocating, velvet darkness."
The Question: What is the tone of this stanza?
B (Eerie / Foreboding).
Why? The author uses "negative" words like howled, clawing, died, and suffocating to create a sense of fear and unease.
Fix this sentence: for my birthday all my friends came over for a sleepover party and we watched movies all night and in the morning we all made pancakes together
For my birthday all my friends came over for a sleepover party. We watched movies all night and in the morning we all made pancakes together.
In an argumentative essay, what is a "Counterclaim"?
Acknowledging the opposite side's argument to show you have considered all perspectives before proving why your side is stronger.