Terminologies
The feeling or vibe of a word.
Connotation
A speaker at a graduation says: "We must not see this as an end, but as a beginning; not as a closing of a chapter, but as the opening of a new volume." Which device is primarily used here?
"The detective remained scrupulous in his investigation, checking every fingerprint twice and refusing to ignore even the smallest, most insignificant piece of lint on the carpet."
Based on the context, what is the meaning of the word "scrupulous"?
“Well, when I was your age I had many dreams, as children do. One of my dreams was to fall in love and get married. I was lucky that one of my dreams came true... and that I met your father, who is a wonderful husband and father.” Yuki worried that she didn't sound strong enough, sure enough about the path that her life took.
Based on the excerpt, what can be inferred about Yuki’s feelings regarding her past dreams?
C. She feels a conflict between her personal happiness and her daughter's potential.
The old house stood at the end of the lane, its windows like hollow eyes watching the street. Dust motes danced in the single shaft of light that pierced the gloom of the foyer, as if the building itself were holding its breath."
What is the primary mood created by the author’s use of personification and imagery in this passage?
A. Joyful and energetic
B. Eerie and stagnant
C. Busy and chaotic
D. Academic and cold
B. Eerie and stagnant
Words that appeal to the five senses to create a "mental movie."
Imagery
Read this sentence from a speech on environmental protection: "Do we want our children to inherit a world of concrete and smog, or a world of green forests and clean water?" What is the author's purpose for using this rhetorical question?
"After the long drought, the once-vibrant garden had become arid. The soil was cracked and dusty, and the flowers that once bloomed in bright colors were now brittle and brown."
Which phrase from the text provides the best clue to the meaning of "arid"?
“Well, when I was your age I had many dreams, as children do. One of my dreams was to fall in love and get married. I was lucky that one of my dreams came true... and that I met your father, who is a wonderful husband and father.” Yuki worried that she didn't sound strong enough, sure enough about the path that her life took.
What does the phrase "sure enough about the path her life took" suggest about Yuki’s character?
Honeybees are often celebrated for their role in honey production, but their most critical contribution to the planet is pollination. One out of every three bites of food consumed by humans relies on the work of bees. Without them, staples like almonds, apples, and broccoli would disappear from our dinner tables."
What is the main idea of this passage?
A. Honey is a vital part of the human diet.
B. Bees are the only insects capable of pollination.
C. Bee populations are declining due to modern farming.
D. Bees are essential to the global food supply because of pollination.
D. Bees are essential to the global food supply because of pollination.
A question asked for effect, not to get an actual answer.
Rhetorical Question
In a political speech, a candidate states: "I have walked in your shoes, I have worked in your factories, and I have shared in your struggles." This use of parallelism is designed to:
"Although the teacher’s instructions were initially ambiguous, she clarified the assignment by providing a step-by-step rubric that cleared up everyone's confusion."
What does the word "ambiguous" mean in this sentence?
"The clock on the wall ticked with a heavy, metallic thud, echoing through the empty hallway like a heartbeat in a silent room. Elias reached for the doorknob, his fingers trembling, wondering if what lay behind it was worth the years of searching."
1. How does the author’s use of figurative language in the first sentence affect the tone of the passage?
Is it not our responsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves? Can we truly turn a blind eye to the suffering of our neighbors and still call ourselves a community?"
How does the author use rhetorical questions in this excerpt?
A. To ask for specific advice on how to help others.
B. To challenge the reader’s moral values and encourage action.
C. To provide a list of historical facts about communities.
D. To express confusion about the current state of the law.
B. To challenge the reader’s moral values and encourage action.
A short, personal story used to make a point more relatable.
Anecdote
An author writes: "The data is clear: 90% of local businesses reported a loss in revenue last quarter. We cannot ignore these numbers if we want to save our downtown." This is an example of which rhetorical appeal?
"The speaker’s voice was discordant, clashing harshly with the soft, melodic music playing in the background."
What is the meaning of the word "discordant"?
C. Lacking agreement; harsh or jarring in sound.
Passage B (Informational excerpt):
"While some argue that space exploration is a drain on national resources, the 'spinoff' technologies—such as GPS, water purification systems, and heart pumps—provide a return on investment that far outweighs the initial cost."
2. What is the author’s primary purpose for including the list of technologies?
"While the transition to renewable energy is often framed as a purely environmental necessity, it is equally an economic imperative. Modernizing the grid creates a 'multiplier effect': for every dollar invested in green infrastructure, local economies see nearly triple that in job creation and reduced healthcare costs due to lower pollution levels. Ignoring this shift doesn't just hurt the planet; it leaves a nation tethered to an expiring and increasingly expensive past."
Question: Which statement best describes the organizational structure the author uses to support their argument?
A. A chronological timeline of energy development from coal to solar.
B. A comparison of different types of renewable energy sources.
C. A cause-and-effect analysis of the economic benefits of green energy.
D. A series of anecdotes from workers in the renewable energy sector.
C. A cause-and-effect analysis of the economic benefits of green energy.
An educated guess based on text evidence + your brain power.
Inference
Read the following line from a persuasive essay: "To ignore the plight of the hungry is to leave a stain on the very fabric of our humanity." The use of the word "stain" is an example of:
"The judge’s impartial reputation was well-known; he never allowed his personal friendships or political beliefs to influence his rulings in the courtroom."
Based on the sentence, what is the meaning of "impartial"?
"Rats are nocturnal... out in the night the brown rat's eyes are small and black and shiny... Though it forages in darkness, the brown rat has poor eyesight. It makes up for this with, first of all, an excellent sense of smell."
How does the author develop the idea that rats are highly adapted survivors?
The rise of social media has fundamentally altered the 'social contract' of privacy. In exchange for the convenience of global connectivity, users have—perhaps unwittingly—traded the sanctity of their personal data. We find ourselves in a digital panopticon where the walls are made of glass and the observers are algorithms. To reclaim privacy now would require not just a change in settings, but a complete dismantling of the current digital ego."
Question: Based on the author’s use of the metaphor "digital panopticon," what can be inferred about the author's perspective on modern privacy?
A. They believe privacy is a minor concern that can be fixed with better passwords.
B. They feel that constant surveillance has become an inescapable part of the digital experience.
C. They are optimistic that new laws will soon protect all personal data.
D. They suggest that people actually enjoy being watched by others online.
B. They feel that constant surveillance has become an inescapable part of the digital experience.