Themes
Plot and Passage Analysis
ACT Reading Skills
Vocabulary
Vocabulary
100
The symbolic meaning behind Mama's plant.
What is hope for the future? Thriving despite difficult situations? (Answers may vary)
100
City that Romeo goes after being exiled.
What is Mantua?
100
A broad statement that applies to many examples. Taking what you know and applying it to something larger.
What is a generalization?
100
Sentence or phrase that summarizes a person's life or character.
What is epitaph?
100
In a manner befitting a woman who flirts with men.
What is coquettishly?
200
1) Title of the Langston Hughes poem that inspired the play's title. 2) Textual evidence to support how the themes in the poem and play align.
1) Harlem 2) Answers may vary.
200
Who said the following quote: "[Walter] needs something-something I can't give him anymore." What was the meaning?
Who is Ruth? Answers may vary: Ruth is referring to the dissatisfaction with their current life that Walter continually expresses.
200
Taking what is stated and creating new ideas.
What is an inference?
200
Waits around; moves slowly
What is lingers?
200
Tragedy; large scale disaster
What is a catastrophe?
300
Give an example of young, overly emotional love.
Answers may vary: Juliet's willingness to take the sleeping drug. Juliet and Romeo's rapid romance. Romeo's quick switch from Rosaline to Juliet.
300
According to George Murchison, the heritage of African Americans is: a. is not that different from white Americans b. is nothing more than a bunch of spirituals and some grass huts c. really began with the civil rights movement d. is deeply rooted in Africa's rich cultural traditions
What is b?
300
Informational text main idea equation
What is... Topic + Author's point about the topic=main idea of an informational text
300
Casually; without seriousness
What is flippancy?
300
Condition of being driven to take almost any risk as a last resort.
What is desperation?
400
Identify examples that correspond with the theme of masculinity in both texts.
Answers may vary. Examples: Romeo and Juliet-Romeo and Tybalt's fight; Mercutio and Tybalt's fight Raisin in the Sun: Walter Lee feeling emasculated by not being able to provide for his family like a real man; relationship with his son.
400
The fairy that Mercutio says visits Romeo in dreams.
Queen Mab
400
Define context clues and give one of the types of context clues.
Answers may vary. Context clues are hints found within a sentence or paragraph that a reader can understand the meaning of unfamiliar words. Definition/description clue=word is defined later in the sentence Example clue=example is defined later in the sentence Synonym clue=word with the same meaning defined later in the sentence Antonym clue=word with opposite meaning defined later in the sentence
400
Placed dangerously
What is precariously?
400
Joking or jesting; often inappropriate
What is facetiousness?
500
The theme of maintaining one's honor and dignity manifests within both plays. Give an example from both texts.
Answers may vary. Examples: Romeo and Juliet: Romeo's fight with Tybalt for honor. Raisin in the Sun: Walter Lee refusing the money from Lindner.
500
1) Identify the neighborhood, city, and time period in which the play is set. 2) Give two characteristics of African American life during this time period.
1) What is Southside, Chicago, 1950s? 2) Answers may vary: Jim Crow laws, economic inequalities due to salary disparities, separate but equal facilities, rising middle class
500
How can you determine important details within a text?
Answers may vary. Acceptable responses may include: Determine which details are essential to understanding the text and which could be ignored without changing the meaning. Look for important details in first and last paragraphs of the text. Locate any signal words: most importantly, a major point, should be noted, most noteworthy, etc.
500
In a begging or pleading manner.
What is beseechingly?
500
Dream-like state
What is a reverie?
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