Unit 1:The Story
Unit 2: Unwritten Word
Unit 3:Literary Criticism
Unit 6:Persuasive Text
Unit 7:The Speech
Unit 8:Researched Argumentation
Random
Riddles
100
You are reading a short story and you reach a point in the story where the characters return to their "normal" lives and the tension in the story decreases. Which plot element does this part of the story represent?
A.Rising Action
B.Climax
C.Exposition
D.Conclusion
D.Conclusion
100
The paragraph is most likely which part of an expository essay?
Again, the stages of a four-stroke engine are intake, compression, power, and exhaust. And so, the next time you start up your car, think about how this process — a miracle of engineering — propels you down the road.
A. The conclusion paragraph
B. A bridge paragraph
C. The introduction paragraph
D. A body paragraph
A. The conclusion paragraph
100
What do literary critics do when they make interpretations?
A. They estimate a story's value compared to other stories.
B. They give their opinions on the deeper meanings of a story.
C. They provide an objective summary of a story's plot.
D. They make a counterargument to an author's position.
B. They give their opinions on the deeper meanings of a story.
100
Which type of appeal is the author primarily using in this excerpt from "Top of the Food Chain"?
The people are all huddled there in their running shorts, looking pretty miserable, and one after another the roofs keep falling in.
A. Kairos
B. Logos
C. Ethos
D. Pathos
D. Pathos
100
Which word best describes the style of Al Gore's Nobel Prize acceptance speech?
A. Informal
B. Academic
C. Casual
D. Confrontational
B. Academic
100
Read this sentence:
Hunting endangered whales should be outlawed.
What type of claim is this sentence?
A. Claim of definition
B. Claim of fact
C. Claim of policy
D. Claim of cause and effect
C. Claim of policy
100
Name a bird that cannot fly
Penguin, ostrich etc..
100
Why did I go golfing with two pairs of pants on?
just in case I get a hole in 1.
200
Read this paragraph:
For her entire life, Sarah had felt like she was not as important as her older sister, Meg. Meg was always the one who earned good grades in school and excelled on the soccer field. "Why can't you be like Meg?" was a question Sarah grew tired of hearing come out of her parents' mouths. Now, as the lead in the play, Sarah had a chance to show her parents she was worth something.
What is the main conflict in this paragraph?
A. Sarah has the lead role in a play.
B. Meg is an excellent student and athlete.
C. Sarah wants to prove herself.
D. Meg and Sarah are sisters.
C. Sarah wants to prove herself.
200
Which sentence is an example of first-person narrative?
A. The team was disappointed when they lost the game.
B. The elderly gentleman walked slowly across the street.
C. I never knew that I could be so happy.
D. Tom blinked the tears from his eyes.
C. I never knew that I could be so happy.
200
Read this passage:
Letty groaned as the alarm clock sounded. A textbook was still open next to her on the bed. With eyes half-open, she dressed in her waitressing uniform. Early customers didn't normally tip very well, but the diner was the only place she could get in a quick shift before classes started. At least she'd be off her feet for a while at school before she had to go to her evening job at the factory. It was all Letty could do to stay awake after four hours there to study a bit before bed. Then she'd be up to do it all again the next day.
What is the best inference you can make about Letty?
A. Letty prefers factory work to waitressing.
B. Letty doesn't make a lot of money waitressing.
C. Letty is not a good waitress because she's tired.
D. Letty finally gets to sit down when she's at the factory.
B. Letty doesn't make a lot of money waitressing.
200
Read this passage from Andrew Jackson's message to Congress "On Indian Removal":
It gives me pleasure to announce to Congress that the benevolent policy of the Government, steadily pursued for nearly thirty years, in relation to the removal of the Indians beyond the white settlements is approaching to a happy consummation. Two important tribes have accepted the provision made for their removal at the last session of Congress, and it is believed that their example will induce the remaining tribes also to seek the same obvious advantages.
What tone does this passage most convey?
A. Angry and aggressive
B. Casual and informal
C. Confident and professional
D. Disappointed and remorseful
C. Confident and professional
200
"As a result, the Earth has a fever. And the fever is rising."
What is Gore referring to, and why does he use this particular metaphor?
Gore is talking about the Earth's temperature rising, and he calls it a fever because it's as if the world is sick.
200
Read this excerpt from "Compulsory Voting: An Idea Whose Time Has Come":
Since mandatory voting began in Australia, the percentage of ballots that voters intentionally complete in random or incorrect ways remains around 2-3 . . .
What type of claim does the author use?
A. Claim of cause and effect
B. Claim of definition
C. Claim of fact
D. Claim of value
C. Claim of fact
200
Rising up from a mountain forest to almost 8,000 feet above sea level is Machu Picchu, one of the greatest masterpieces of this ancient empire.
What is the Inca Empire?
200
What is never hungry during Thanksgiving?
A stuffed turkey
300
A writer uses exposition to describe the setting of the story, an empty mansion that is dark and foreboding. Then he introduces the reader to the two main characters, a couple who are young and naïve. What emotion is the author most likely trying to create in the reader through this exposition?
A. Calm
B. Anger
C. Relief
D. Anxiety
D. Anxiety
300
Read this sentence from The Story of My Life by Helen Keller.
Suddenly I felt a misty consciousness as of something forgotten thrill of returning thought; and somehow the mystery of language was revealed to me.
Which element of plot does this sentence best represent?
A. Exposition
B. Conclusion
C. Climax
D. Conflict
C. Climax
300
Which sentence is an example of simile?
A. The sun smiled brightly in the sky.
B. Her hair was a golden river of fire.
C. He was as angry as a caged lion.
D. Fear of heights was his Achilles' heel.
C. He was as angry as a caged lion.
300
Why might a writer choose to use satire?
A. To criticize somebody powerful
B. To explain multiple sides of a complex issue
C. To provide moral instruction to readers
D. To entertain people during difficult times
A. To criticize somebody powerful
300
"He says, 'Our goal is to be disruptive but in the cause of making the world a better place.'"
Explain what the founder of Skype is saying.
He's saying that his company wants people to do things in a different way than they have been, because this will help make the world better.
300
Read this claim and reason:
Claim: Not getting enough sleep damages a person's health.
Reason: A person becomes less alert and aware when he or she is overly tired.
Which research question best fits this claim and reason?
A. What causes someone to not sleep well?
B. How does the lack of sleep hurt someone's health?
C. What effects does not getting enough sleep have on alertness?
D. What happens when someone is not alert and aware?
B. How does the lack of sleep hurt someone's health?
300
If you could live anywhere, where would you like to live? Why ?
answers vary
300
There is an apple tree on a cliff. If the wind is blowing 15mph to the west, where would the apple fall?
What is down
400
Read this paragraph:
In "Flowers for Maggie," the main character Maggie begins the story as an extremely shy, withdrawn little girl. She hardly talks to anyone. Once she meets Ida, the owner of a local flower shop, Maggie begins coming out of her shell. At the end of the story, Maggie surprises everyone by giving a moving speech at Ida's funeral.
What character type is Maggie, according to this summary?
A. Foil
B. Antagonist
C. Flat
D. Round
D. Round
400
Which element makes up a majority of a story that drives the plot to its climax?
A. Rising action
B. Exposition
C. Falling action
D. Conclusion
A. Rising action
400
Read this example:
The sound of silence filled the room.
Which type of figurative language is being used in the example?
A. Allusion
B. Simile
C. Hyperbole
D. Oxymoron
D. Oxymoron
400
Read this excerpt from Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal":
I shall now therefore humbly propose my own thoughts, which I hope will not be liable to the least objection.
I have been assured by a very knowing American of my acquaintance in London, that a young healthy child well nursed is at least a year old a most delicious, nourishing, and wholesome food, whether stewed, roasted, baked, or boiled; and I make no doubt that it will equally serve in a fricassee or a ragout . . .
I grant this food will be somewhat dear, and therefore very proper for landlords, who, as they have already devoured most of the parents, seem to have the best title to the children.
Why does Jonathan Swift use satire in "A Modest Proposal"?
A. To suggest a way that multiple problems in Ireland can be alleviated
B. To criticize people responsible for policy in Ireland
C. To entertain the reader by mocking the plight of the Irish
D. To provide moral instruction for his Irish readers
B. To criticize people responsible for policy in Ireland
400
How does the speech by Dan Pink and the RSA use media to entertain the audience?
A. It provides quotes from respected authors.
B. It plays background music and video images.
C. It employs an excited but professional tone.
D. It uses cartoon drawings to emphasize ideas.
D. It uses cartoon drawings to emphasize ideas.
400
Read the excerpt from "A Defense of Veganism":
The next claim made against veganism is that a vegan diet does not provide enough protein. Without meat or eggs, the argument goes, a person cannot get enough amino acids. This is absolutely untrue. MNN poses an interesting breakdown of a day's protein consumption for vegans based on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's dietary guidelines. According to these guidelines, an adult male needs 56 grams, and an adult woman needs 46 grams of protein. By putting together a sample breakfast, lunch, and dinner composed of such foods as soy derivatives, bulgur wheat, lentils, nuts, and beans, the average daily protein needs can be easily met.
How does the author address the counterclaim in this excerpt?
A. By citing research about the amount of protein in vegan foods
B. By listing reasons why people do not need large amounts of protein
C. By providing reasons why vegetarian sources do not provide enough protein
D. By using an analogy to help the reader understand protein
A. By citing research about the amount of protein in vegan foods
400
*Random Trivia*
20th President of the United States
James Garfield was elected as the United States' 20th President in 1881, after nine terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.
400
Only one color, but not one size, stuck at the bottom, yet easily flies. Present in sun, but not in rain, doing no harm and feeling no pain. What is it?
Shadow
500
Read this excerpt from "A Visit of Charity" by Eudora Welty:
The old face on the pillow, where Marian was bending over it, slowly gathered and collapsed. Soft whimpers came out of the small open mouth. It was a sheep that she sounded like 
a little lamb. Marian's face drew very close, the yellow hair hung forward.
Which words and phrases in this excerpt best help to create a mood of sadness?
A. old face, collapsed
B. whimpers, sounded like a little lamb
C. small open mouth, yellow hair
D. bending over it, hair hung forward
B. whimpers, sounded like a little lamb
500
Suppose you were writing an essay arguing that we should provide a better support system for our military veterans. Which sentence would best build pathos into your argument?
A. Studies have shown that some veterans have difficulties reintegrating into civilian life after seeing combat.
B. The president just gave a speech explaining how important it is to support military veterans.
C. After seeing how difficult it was for my brother to return to civilian life, I believe it's important to show veterans support.
D. As the brother of a marine, I believe that our country could do more to help support our military veterans.
C. After seeing how difficult it was for my brother to return to civilian life, I believe it's important to show veterans support.
500
What is an artistic medium?
A. The means by which something is communicated, or the material something is created from
B. The background or situation that gives meaning to examples, such as time, place, genre, and so on
C. An informal saying that is more appropriate for familiar conversation than for formal speech or writing
A. The means by which something is communicated, or the material something is created from
500
Why might a writer choose to write a fable?
A. To imitate another writer's work
B. To tell a story that gives a moral
C. To entertain readers with a religious story
D. To harshly criticize a powerful person
B. To tell a story that gives a moral
500
Which sentence is most clearly focused on the context of Al Gore's speech?
A. Climate change is an important topic that deserves attention from more governments.
B. The speaker's eye contact and frequent, natural pauses help him emphasize his points.
C. The acceptance of a Nobel Prize is one of the most formal events a person can attend.
C. The acceptance of a Nobel Prize is one of the most formal events a person can attend.
500
Being _____ is important when you are addressing counterclaims to your argument.
A. aggressive
B. thorough
C. civil
D. strong
C. civil
500
Trivia Question: What is the name of the first established National Park in the United States?
A: Yosemite National Park
B:Denali National Park
C: Yellowstone National Park
D: Pinnacles National Park
C: Yellowstone National Park
500
A man leaves home and turns left three times. When he returns home he finds two men wearing masks. Who are the two men?
What is the UMPIRE AND THE CATCHER?
600
Which sentence best describes the diction of this passage?
I ran down the field toward our goal. We hoped to score. I shot. The goalie dove. The ball sailed into the net. We won.
A. The author's tone is excited and genuine.
B. The short, simple sentences make the pace fast.
C. The use of I makes this a first-person narrative.
D. The slow pace matches the excitement of the scene.
B. The short, simple sentences make the pace fast.
600
Which lines from Mark Antony's speech in Julius Caesar use logos?
A. When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept: / Ambition should be made of sterner stuff.
B. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, / But here I am to speak what I know.
C. You all did love him once, not without cause: / What cause withholds you then, to mourn for him?
D. My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, / And I must pause till it come back to me.
B. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, / But here I am to speak what I know.
600
ration is an example of the artist's interpretation of the Ramayana?
A. Sugriva is yelling at his brother and frightening the animals.
B. Tara is trying to convince Bali not to fight with his brother, Sugriva.
C. Rama is hiding behind a tree and carrying a bow and arrow.
D. Rama is bigger than everyone else and seems more imposing.
D. Rama is bigger than everyone else and seems more imposing.
600
What is an example of a way that television can change a news story's message by means of its medium?
A. A viewer can study the information as quickly or slowly as he or she likes.
B. No space constraints mean that the stories can be more thorough.
C. Ambient noise makes the audience feel that the story is more important.
D. The audience can see images that provide the story's context.
D. The audience can see images that provide the story's context.
600
If we start treating people like people . . . they have the promise to make our world just a little bit better."
Does this conclusion apply to school as well as the workplace? Why or why not?
This statement sort of applies to school. The school system is set up to make grades the most important thing; the better your grades are, the better chance you have of getting into a good college. I know a lot of really smart people, though, who aren't convinced that college is the right choice for them, so they get bored and slack off. They really don't care about their grades.
600
Which sentence properly introduces a quoted source?
A. According to Mathewson, "Ten percent of college students will graduate within four years of beginning college."
B. Mathewson's research has produced interesting conclusions. "Fifteen percent of college applicants are over 40 years old."
C. "When more than twenty-five percent of college students drop out, a college should take action."
D. Mathewson: "Fifty percent of today's high school graduates will attend college for at least one year."
A. According to Mathewson, "Ten percent of college students will graduate within four years of beginning college."
600
Those who have it least don't know that they have it. Those who have it most wish they had less of it, but not too little or none at all. What is it?
AGE
600
Which travels faster? Hot or Cold?
Hot is faster, because you can catch a cold.
700
Which use of pacing creates the most urgent mood?
A. Her blue-gray car, acquired on her 21st birthday, waited in the driveway, ready to get her to work.
B. Make breakfast? No! No time. She threw open the door and ran to the car.
C. She put her foot on the gas pedal, revving the engine with a sense of gleeful anticipation, hoping to beat the morning rush.
D. She could imagine her boss's stern words and the angry look in his eyes if she were to come in late.
B. Make breakfast? No! No time. She threw open the door and ran to the car.
700
Which type of rhetoric is used in this sentence?
While I'm certain some will disagree with what I'm about to say, I respectfully ask them to listen to the evidence I will provide to support my claim.
A. Ethos
B. Pathos
C. Bias
D. Logos
A. Ethos
700
How does the painter's interpretation of The Ramayana in the "Illustration of Sugriva Challenging Vali from the Ramayana" emphasize the superhuman strength of Rama?
A. He is wearing a king's crown.
B. He is shown without clothing.
C. He is flying through the air.
D. He is painted the color blue.
D. He is painted the color blue.
700
Read this sentence from an advertisement:
Relax at your new home! When you rent an apartment at Hillside Acres, you'll be part of a boring, quiet community.
Which word could replace "boring" to make the sentence feel more positive?
A. Lifeless
B. Monotonous
C. Peaceful
D. Stale
C. Peaceful
700
Which element would be most appropriate for a speech before a formal audience?
A. A casual and excited style
B. Quotes from a popular movie
C. Visual aids, such as a comic strip
D. Facts and statistics from credible sources
D. Facts and statistics from credible sources
700
Which sentence is an example of a claim of cause and effect from "Compulsory Voting: An Idea Whose Time Has Come"?
A.[Compulsory voting] should be implemented in the United States.
B.[Compulsory voting] will help us elect more effective and thoughtful leaders.
C.[Compulsory voting] is the right thing to do for the United States.
D. Compulsory voting is an idea whose time has come.
B.[Compulsory voting] will help us elect more effective and thoughtful leaders.
700
I start with M, end with X, and have never ending amount of letters. What am I?
Mailbox
700
What gives you the strength and power to walk through walls?
Doors lol