Test Strategies
Literary Elements 1
Literary Elements 2
Reading Comprehension
Essay Writing
100

What should you do if a question asks for the meaning of a word in context?

Look at the surrounding sentences to determine the meaning.

100
Define: Setting
What is the time and place in which events of a work of literature take place?
100
Define Personification. Provide an example.
What is nonhuman/ nonliving things that are given a human quality.
100
The United States has a vast amount of newly discovered clean geothermal (natural heat from the Earth’s crust) energy. Tapping into this energy source could provide at least 10 times the energy that can be obtained from the nation’s known coal reserves. What does “vast” mean? a. a large amount b. not enough c. dangerous d. having no known use
What is A
100

What is the first thing you should do when starting a writing task on the ELA exam?

Read the prompt carefully and determine what the question is asking.

200

If you are unsure about a multiple-choice answer, what is a good strategy to help you choose the best option?

Eliminate answers that are clearly incorrect.

200
Define Point of View and name the different types.
What is the vantage point at which the story is told. 1st person, 3rd person, limited omniscient and omniscient.
200
Define Mood.
What is the feeling a piece of literature is intended to create in the reader.
200
"She opened her eyes just in time to see a slight, plainly dressed woman collapse backward in a heap of brown muslin as Elizabeth’s chocolates exploded from the box and rolled off in a dozen directions." The use of the phrase “exploded from the box” is intended to — (A) add irony (B) understate the incident (C) create tension or (D) exaggerate the incident
What is D
200

What part of the essay introduces the topic, gives background information, and states the main claim or thesis?

The introduction paragraph

300

If two answer choices both seem correct on a multiple-choice question, which one should you choose?

The one that is most supported by evidence in the passage. 

Students often pick the one that sounds right instead of the one with proof.


300
Define characterization. What are the two different types?
What is the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character. This can be direct (description) and indirect (personality- insinuated).
300
Define Tone.
What is the author's attitude toward what he/she is writing. The feeling of the work.
300
1.No matter where you go, the Internet is following you. Almost every portable device is being made with an Internet connection. Most new TVs and many other appliances come with Internet connections as well. The Internet is truly ubiquitous. If something is ubiquitous, __________. a. it is dangerous b. it is everywhere c. it costs too much money d. it causes problems/ issues with others
What is B
300

Why is it important to include evidence from the text in an essay response?

Evidence supports your ideas and proves your argument or explanation.

400

When a question asks about tone, what should you look for in the text?

Words that show the author’s attitude or feelings.

400
Define Allusion.
What is a reference to a statement, person, place, or event in literature (Ex: historical person or event)
400
Define Imagery. Provide an example.
What is language that appeals to the senses.
400
Perhaps the most important factor in reducing the number of traumatic brain injuries, however, lies not with the players, the coaches, or the administrators, but with the media and fans. Sports media producers have become accustomed to showcasing the most aggressive tackles and the most intense plays. NFL broadcasts often replay especially violent collisions, while the commentators marvel at the physical prowess of the players involved. Some sports programs even feature weekly countdowns of the hardest hits. When the media exalts such hazardous behavior, professionals are rewarded for injuring each other on the field, and amateurs become more likely to try to imitate their favorite NFL athletes. Announcers, commentators, television producers, and sportswriters should engage in a collective effort to cease glorifying brutal plays. In turn, fans should stop expecting their favorite players to put their lives on the line for the purposes of entertainment. Players must stop being encouraged to trade their careers, health, happiness, and their lives for the sake of a game. The author's TONE is... A) apologetic B) depressed C) confused D) solemn
What is D
400

After including a quote or piece of evidence from the text, what should you always do next?

Explain how the evidence supports your claim or point.

500

If a question asks about the author’s purpose, what are three common purposes authors write for?

To inform, persuade, or entertain.

500
Define irony and provide an example.
What is the writer's meaning is different from what is actually stated or happening.
500
Define: 1. Foreshadowing 2. Flashback 3. Symbolism
What is 1. use of hints to suggest what will happen in the plot. 2. an interruption in the plot to tell what happened at an earlier time. 3. person, place, or event that stands for itself and an idea beyond itself.
500
Elizabeth knew well that this day had been nearly one hundred years in the making and that it had not come without a cost. The passage of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution granting women the right to vote was the culmination of years of struggle. Elizabeth’s mother had taught her about Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, suffragists whose life work had been devoted to gaining rights for women. When those two pioneers had died, the mantle was passed on to Alice Paul and Lucy Burns, who placed their very lives at risk on behalf of other women. IN THIS SELECTION, THE WORD "CULMINATION" MEANS WHICH OF THESE FOUR CHOICES: (A) conclusion or result, (B) beginning or cause, (C) unexpected consequence, or (D) unspoken purpose
What is A
500

Why is organization important in essay writing on the ELA exam?

It helps the reader clearly understand the writer’s argument and supporting ideas.

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