This is Grade School!
John (walks/walk) to school.
walks (Singular subject takes singular verb.)
This element of SOAPSTone identifies who is telling the story or delivering the message.
What is the Speaker?
What is abscond?
In the famine vignette (Bread, par. 2-3), why does the narrator focus on the piece of bread rather than a full loaf?
A. To emphasize how even the smallest piece becomes precious in desperation
B. To show the narrator’s distaste for the hardness of stale bread
C. To illustrate that bread always symbolizes luxury, regardless of amount
D. To suggest that imagination can transform scraps into abundance
A. To emphasize how even the smallest piece becomes precious in desperation
The boy pressed his face against the window, watching his friends play outside while he stayed inside to finish his chores. Though he longed to join them, he reminded himself that duty always came before desire.
In lines 1 to 2 (“The boy pressed … before desire”), which theme is most clearly developed through the details?
A. The idea that childhood is full of missed opportunities
B. The loneliness caused by being separated from friends
C. The satisfaction that comes from completing hard work
D. The struggle between responsibility and personal freedom
D. The struggle between responsibility and personal freedom
The dogs (barks/bark) loudly at night.
bark (Plural subject takes plural verb.)
This refers to the time, place, and situation in which a text was created.
What is the Occasion?
Embarrassing or degrading someone is the definition of this word.
abase
The team, along with its coach and manager, (was/were) honored at the ceremony.
was (The subject is “team,” singular; intervening phrase does not affect agreement.)
Maria clutched the crumpled letter in her hand, her knuckles turning white. A single tear slid down her cheek as she stared at the unopened envelope on the table.
In lines 1 to 2 (“Maria clutched … on the table”), what do the details of Maria’s actions suggest about her emotional state? (Choose the BEST answer.)
A. She is curious and impatient to finally read the letter.
B. She is calm but cautious about what the letter contains.
C. She is sad yet relieved that the letter has finally arrived.
D. She is nervous and emotionally burdened by its contents.
D. She is nervous and emotionally burdened by its contents.
She (has/have) a new bag.
has (Singular subject with irregular verb.)
This is the author’s reason for writing or speaking, such as to persuade, inform, or entertain.
What is the Purpose?
This word can be used as a replacement for "highlight" or "emphasize".
What is accentuate?
7. In the prison passage (Bread, par. 4), the narrator says, “It’s not the hunger or the pain that is killing you but the absence of the yellow bowl.” What does this detail suggest?
A. Physical survival is more important than emotional memory
B. Human beings often cling to symbols of home when stripped of freedom
C. The prisoner has lost the ability to distinguish fantasy from reality
D. Memory weakens resistance and inevitably leads to betrayal
B. Human beings often cling to symbols of home when stripped of freedom
The woman carefully folded the worn letter and placed it back in the box with dozens of others. Though the ink had faded, the words still gave her the strength to face each new day.
In lines 1 to 2 (“The woman carefully … each new day”), which theme is most clearly suggested by the details?
A. The persistence of grief that never fully fades away
B. The power of memory to provide comfort in the present
C. The importance of preserving history for future generations
D. The power of perseverance and finding something to hold on to
B. The power of memory to provide comfort in the present
The list of names (is/are) on the table.
is (Verb agrees with the main subject “list,” not “names.”)
The author’s attitude toward the subject, revealed through word choice, style, and details.
What is the Tone?
What is Absolution?
Not only the students but also the teacher (was/were) surprised by the sudden announcement.
was (When subjects are joined by “not only…but also,” the verb agrees with the nearer subject — “teacher.”)
"The old clock in the hallway ticked unevenly, its hands stuck between numbers. Dust gathered thick on its wooden frame, as though no one had passed by in years."
In lines 1 to 2 (“The old clock … in years”), what do the telling details about the clock in the hallway suggest? Choose the BEST answer.
A. It is broken and no longer reliable.
B. It has been neglected and forgotten over time.
C. It stands as a symbol of passing but stagnant time.
D. It reflects the emptiness and abandonment of the place.
D. It reflects the emptiness and abandonment of the place. (This covers all the details completely).
Either my brother or my sisters (is/are) coming to the party.
are (Verb agrees with the nearer subject, “sisters.”)
This element of SOAPSTone identifies the main topic, idea, or theme the author is discussing.
What is the Subject?
Someone who gives harsh criticism can be described as this word.
What is acerbic?
Throughout the passage (Bread, par. 1-7), Atwood’s use of the second-person “you” most effectively serves to ________.
A. make the reader feel directly implicated in each moral dilemma
B. distance the reader from the scenarios by assigning them to “someone else”
C. ensure the scenarios are interpreted as the narrator’s autobiography
D. confuse the reader by blending imagination with factual narration
A. make the reader feel directly implicated in each moral dilemma
The traveler paused at the crossroads, staring at the fading trail behind him and the unmarked path ahead. With a deep breath, he stepped forward, unsure if he was leaving something behind or finally moving toward what he sought.
In lines 1 to 2 (“The traveler paused … what he sought”), which theme is most strongly suggested?
A. The regret that lingers after abandoning a familiar past
B. The importance of courage when facing the unknown future
C. The tension between staying safe and seeking new horizons
D. The uncertainty that comes with making life-changing decisions
A. The uncertainty that comes with making life-changing decisions