Let's get deep
"The moonlight dripped slowly over the lake, turning it into a silver mirror."
How does the figurative language in this sentence affect the imagery?
What is The metaphor of moonlight as liquid emphasizes the softness and stillness of the scene, enhancing the reflective, almost magical atmosphere of the lake.
(This metaphor invites the reader to see the scene as serene and beautiful, highlighting the visual elements of the setting.)
"The storm approached with a sense of foreboding, as though something ominous was about to happen."
What does the word “foreboding” imply about the storm’s arrival?
Answer: What is "Foreboding" implies a sense of dread or warning, suggesting that the storm is not just a weather event but an omen of something dangerous or unsettling.
(This word choice builds tension, hinting at an impending negative event.)
"I don’t know how to fix this," she whispered, her eyes cast down at the broken vase. "It’s ruined, isn’t it?"
How does the author use dialogue to convey the character’s point of view?
Answer: What is The author uses the character’s hesitant, soft-spoken dialogue and body language ("whispered" and "eyes cast down") to show her sense of guilt and helplessness. This helps readers understand her perspective of feeling inadequate and defeated.
(The dialogue gives insight into the character's inner conflict and emotional state.)
Conflict: A young artist struggles to gain recognition for her work, facing rejection from galleries and critics.
Outcome: She decides to stop submitting her work to galleries and instead shares her art online, where it gains a following and recognition.
What theme is suggested by this conflict and outcome?
Answer: What is Perseverance in the face of rejection can lead to unexpected success?
(The theme highlights the value of continuing to pursue one's passions despite setbacks and the idea that success may come from unconventional avenues.)
Social media is detrimental to mental health, especially for teenagers. I’ve seen countless teenagers feel depressed because of the pressure social media puts on them to look perfect." - Anonymous Teenager.
Evaluate the argument
Answer: The evidence does not effectively support the claim. The testimony is based on a personal experience without any statistical data, research, or expert opinions. The argument is weak because it relies on an unverified opinion and lacks broader, credible evidence to make a convincing case.
"The city hummed with activity, each street a vein carrying the lifeblood of the community."
What is the effect of the metaphor “each street a vein carrying the lifeblood” in this context?
What is The metaphor emphasizes the city's importance as a living, vital organism, suggesting that each part of the city plays a critical role in sustaining the whole.
(The comparison between a city and a living organism highlights its interconnectedness and dynamic nature.)
"The politician's speech was full of grandiose promises that seemed too good to be true."
What does the word “grandiose” suggest about the politician’s speech?
Answer: What is "Grandiose" suggests that the politician’s promises are overly ambitious or exaggerated, implying they may lack realism or substance.
(The term indicates that the speaker’s claims may be more about spectacle than about feasible plans.)
Why do they always look at me like that? He thought, staring out the window, avoiding their eyes. Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.
How does the author use inner thoughts to reveal the character’s perspective?
Answer: What is The author uses the character’s inner monologue ("Why do they always look at me like that?") to show his self-doubt and anxiety about how others perceive him. This provides insight into his insecure point of view.
(The internal dialogue reveals the character’s fear of judgment and concern about their social image.)
Conflict: A soldier returns home from war and struggles to adjust to civilian life. He faces alienation from his community and a sense of isolation.
Outcome: After a long period of inner turmoil, he finds solace in helping other veterans and starts a support group.
What theme and motif suggested by this conflict and outcome?
Answer: What is Healing through connection and helping others?
(This theme illustrates the importance of finding purpose and healing by engaging in meaningful relationships with others who share similar experiences.)
"Eating a plant-based diet can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. According to a study published in the Journal of American Heart Association, individuals who consume a plant-based diet have a 30% lower risk of developing heart disease compared to those who eat a meat-based diet."
Question: Evaluate the argument. Does this evidence effectively support the claim? Why or why not?
Answer: The evidence effectively supports the claim. The information comes from a scientific journal, providing research-based data. The argument is strong because it uses credible, quantifiable research to back up the claim.
"His words fell like thunder, shaking the room with their power."
How does the use of figurative language affect the reader's perception of the speaker’s words?
What is The comparison to thunder conveys the overwhelming impact of the words, making them seem powerful and impossible to ignore. It suggests that the speaker’s words are forceful and commanding.
(The simile helps convey the emotional and physical reaction caused by the words, building an image of intensity.)
"The investigator's conclusions were circumspect, careful not to draw too many unwarranted assumptions."
What does the word “circumspect” reveal about the investigator’s approach?
Answer: What is "Circumspect" indicates that the investigator is cautious, considering all possible angles before making a judgment, which reflects a thoughtful and measured approach.
(This word highlights the careful, prudent nature of the investigator's work.)
She slammed the door shut, her hands trembling with rage. She paced back and forth, muttering to herself about how unfair it all was.
How does the author use action to convey the character’s point of view?
Answer: What is The author uses physical actions (slamming the door, pacing) to illustrate the character's frustration and anger. These actions allow readers to feel the character’s heightened emotional state without needing explicit explanation.
(The physical movement and gestures highlight the intensity of the character’s emotions and help readers understand her viewpoint of injustice.)
Conflict: A teenager must choose between following her parents' expectations of becoming a doctor or pursuing her dream of being a musician.
Outcome: She decides to leave for music school, despite her parents' disapproval, and eventually gains success as a musician.
What theme and motif are suggested by this conflict and outcome?
Answer: What is The importance of following one’s passion, even when faced with difficult choices and familial pressure?
(The theme revolves around the idea of personal fulfillment and the courage to break away from societal expectations in order to pursue one's true calling.)
Claim: "Climate change is primarily caused by human activities. In a 2019 United Nations report, 97% of climate scientists agreed that human activities such as burning fossil fuels are the main drivers of global climate change."
Question: Evaluate the argument. Does this evidence effectively support the claim? Why or why not?
Answer: The evidence effectively supports the claim. The argument is backed by a consensus from climate scientists and a respected international organization (the United Nations). This expert-backed, research-based evidence strengthens the argument, making it credible and persuasive.
"The clock on the wall mocked me with its steady ticking, reminding me of the time I had wasted."
What is the effect does the figurative language of the clock have in this excerpt?
Answer: What is Personifying the clock as 'mocking' the speaker creates a sense of guilt and frustration, suggesting the passage of time is a force the speaker cannot escape or control.
(By attributing a human-like quality to the clock, the writer deepens the emotional weight of the moment.)
Excerpt:
"The artist’s work was an eclectic blend of styles, drawing influences from across cultures and time periods."
What does the word “eclectic” imply about the artist’s style?
Answer: What is "Eclectic" suggests that the artist’s work combines a wide variety of influences, showing diversity and a willingness to experiment with different artistic traditions.
(The word “eclectic” indicates that the artist is open to mixing various elements to create something unique.)
"I’ll do it tomorrow," he mumbled, scratching his head as he stared at the unfinished project on his desk. "It can wait."
How does the author use two craft moves to reveal the character's perspective?
Answer: What is The combination of dialogue and action ("mumbled" and "scratching his head") shows the character's procrastination and lack of motivation. The dialogue reflects his attempt to rationalize his delay, while the action emphasizes his distraction and reluctance to take responsibility.
(The character’s casual dialogue paired with the dismissive gesture creates an impression of indecision or avoidance.)
Conflict: A group of explorers is stranded on a remote island after their plane crashes. They must survive with limited resources, and tensions arise among the group members as food becomes scarce.
Outcome: The group learns to work together, combining their skills to build a sustainable shelter and find food.
What theme and motif are suggested by this conflict and outcome?
Answer: What is The value of teamwork and cooperation in overcoming adversity?
(The theme emphasizes that working together in challenging situations can lead to the survival and success of a group, even in the direst of circumstances.)
Online learning is less effective than traditional in-person education. I believe that online learning doesn’t allow for real interaction and it’s harder to focus. You can’t get the same personal connection with teachers as you would in person." - An anonymous student in a recent survey.
Question: Evaluate the argument. Does this evidence effectively support the claim? Why or why not?
Answer: The evidence does not effectively support the claim. The support is based on a subjective personal opinion rather than empirical data or expert research. The argument is weak because it relies on an anecdotal experience that does not represent the broader experience of all students or online learning environments.
"The sun sank behind the mountains, dragging its golden robe behind it, reluctant to leave the sky."
What does the metaphor “dragging its golden robe” suggest about the sun's departure?
Answer: What is The metaphor suggests that the sun’s departure is slow and reluctant, emphasizing a feeling of beauty and sadness as it fades from the sky. It implies a graceful, almost regal, exit.
(This metaphor creates a visual of elegance and reluctance, portraying the sunset as a dignified departure.)
Excerpt:
"The soldiers' morale was high, despite the grueling march through the harsh terrain."
What does the word “morale” suggest about the soldiers' mental state?
Answer: What is "Morale" refers to the emotional or mental state of the soldiers, indicating their determination or optimism despite the challenges they faced.
(The use of “morale” indicates the soldiers’ collective spirit, which remains strong despite external hardships.)
He picked up the phone but hesitated. His heart raced, his palms sweaty. "What if they don’t answer?" he wondered, before finally pressing the call button.
How does the author use two craft moves to show the character’s point of view?
Answer: What is The author uses the character’s internal fear ("What if they don’t answer?") and physical symptoms (racing heart, sweaty palms) to emphasize his nervousness and uncertainty. These craft moves allow readers to experience the character’s internal struggle and understand his apprehensive point of view.
(The combination of thought and action effectively shows the character’s fear and hesitation, revealing how strongly the situation affects him.)
Conflict:A young boy loses both his parents in a car accident while in school
Outcome: Over time, he gives up on his goals and joins a group of delinquents that led to him robbing a store and getting arrested.
What theme and motif are suggested by this conflict and outcome?
Answer: What is grief and loss can lead someone down the wrong path
The American Civil War was a pivotal moment in U.S. history. Historical documents from 1861-1865, including speeches by Abraham Lincoln and official records, demonstrate the war's central role in shaping the United States, particularly regarding the abolition of slavery and the federal union's preservation."
Question: Evaluate the argument. Does this evidence effectively support the claim? Why or why not?
Answer: The evidence effectively supports the claim. It is based on primary sources, such as speeches and official records, which are credible historical documents. This well-supported argument provides strong evidence of the Civil War’s significance in shaping U.S. history.