Common Test Questions & Vocab
"What do the character’s actions in paragraph 3 REVEAL about him?" The word reveal means ______________.
shows, uncovers, unveils
What are at least 3 things you should do BEFORE reading each passage?
1. Read the directions 2. Read the questions you will have to answer. 3. Read the title of the article, story or poem 4. Read the subheadings 5. Look at any pictures and captions
When you're unsure of an answer, what is a good strategy to narrow down your choices?
What is eliminating the obviously incorrect answers first?
What is does "plot" mean?
The events that happen in a story
Describe the difference between non-fiction, fiction, and poetry.
Fiction is a genre of writing that is based on imaginary events and characters.
Example: Novels like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson.
Non-fiction is writing that is based on real events, people, or facts.
Example: Biographies, history books, or news articles.
Poetry is a form of writing that uses rhythm, meter, and often rhyme to express emotions or ideas, sometimes in a more artistic or condensed way.
What are the five fiction thinking jobs?
Characters, Setting, Problem, Solution, Theme
What is this paragraph called? Loading........
Introduction
"How does paragraph 4 CONTRIBUTE to the DEVELOPMENT of ideas in the text?"
Define contribute and development in this question.
Contribute means to add something that helps or enhances the overall situation. In the context of a paragraph in a text, it means how the paragraph adds to the ideas, themes, or arguments being presented.
Development refers to how the ideas in a text are expanded or built upon over time. It shows how the text grows, deepens, or changes from the beginning to the end, often by introducing new information, explaining concepts further, or adding evidence.
“What can you INFER about the main character based on the information in paragraph 3?" The word infer means _________________________
to make an education guess or conclusion based on evidence, prior knowledge (background knowledge), and logical reasoning.
What are the two non-fiction thinking jobs?
Topic and Author's Point of View
How many pieces of text evidence should you have in the short response?
4
When an author gives a hint about something that will happen later in the story, what is this called?
Foreshadowing
What is the difference between synonym and antonym?
A synonym is a word with a similar meaning, and an antonym is a word with an opposite meaning.
How many paragraphs should your essay have?
4 to 5
Describe the difference between mood and tone.
Mood is the feeling the reader experiences from a text, while tone is the author's attitude toward the subject.
What is personification? Give an example of it.
Personification is when non-human things are given human qualities.
Example: "The wind whispered through the trees."
What is the difference between literal and figurative meaning?
A literal meaning is the exact definition, while a figurative meaning is based on comparison or symbolism (like metaphors or idioms).
What is symbolism?
Symbolism is when an object, person, or event in a story represents a deeper meaning or idea beyond its literal definition. It’s often used to convey abstract concepts, emotions, or themes.
Ex: the thunder in "Roll of Thunder, Hear my Cry"
What should you do at the beginning and end of each paragraph?