Text Structure ELA.9.R.2.1.
Vocabulary
Reading Across Genres/Figurative Language
Universal Theme
Random
100

What text structure is used to create an instruction manual for a weed wacker?

a. Description

b. Problem / Solution 

c. Chronological

d. Sequence

d. Sequence

100

What does the word "eloquent" mean in the sentence: "The lawyer gave an eloquent argument in court, using clear and persuasive language that convinced the jury of her client's innocence"?

a) Confusing and unclear
b) Forceful and aggressive
c) Clear and persuasive
d) Simple and brief

c) Clear and persuasive

100

The evening sky was dark and painted with blues and pinks.  Brian looked up and felt a sense of amazement and wonder. 

What figurative language is used? 

a. Meiosis

b. Idiom

c. Imagery

d. Simile


c. Imagery

100

Tiny little secrets

Get buried in the dirt, 

And if they were dug up,

Someone would probably get hurt,

So, leave them safely there, 

To rot amongst the leaves,

Admiring instead, 

The truth in summer's green trees. 


What is the theme of the poem? 

a. Memories is an abstract concept

b. Keeping secrets is morally wrong

c. Forget about past regrets, and focus on the goodness of the present

c. Forget about past regrets, and focus on the goodness of the present

100

Excerpt:
"The scientist’s hypothesis was met with skepticism, but she remained resolute in defending her theory."

Etymology of “resolute”:
From Latin resolutus, past participle of resolvere meaning “to loosen, release.” Over time, it came to mean “determined” or “firm in purpose.”

What does “resolute” most likely mean in this context?

A) Confused and uncertain
B) Firm and determined
C) Easily persuaded
D) Quiet and reserved

B) Firm and determined

200

What text structure would be used to write a letter to the president of an HOA to complain about the algae growth in a community pond?

a. chronological

b. compare and contrast

c. cause and effect

d. sequence

c. cause and effect

The letter would emphasize that the algae growth causes a reduction in water clarity, inhibits the growth of other plants, and can lead to extensive oxygen depletion, accumulation of unsightly and decaying organic matter, unpleasant odors, and the death of fish.

200

In the sentence, "The scientist's meticulous notes helped him make an important discovery," what does the word "meticulous" most likely mean?

a) Careless
b) Detailed and precise
c) Quick
d) Incomplete

b) Detailed and precise

200

"The moon hung low in the sky, a silver coin tossed carelessly into the vast, inky sea of night. The air was thick with silence, broken only by the occasional whisper of wind, as though the world itself was holding its breath."

Which example of figurative language in this passage most contributes to the creation of a mysterious or tense mood?

A. "The moon hung low in the sky, a silver coin tossed carelessly"
B. "Inky sea of night"
C. "The occasional whisper of wind"
D. "The world itself was holding its breath"

D. "The world itself was holding its breath"

200

Read this excerpt:

No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contribution of half its citizens. - Michelle Obama

What theme comes to mind? 

a. The impact of the past on the present

b. The inevitability of fate

c. The struggle for equality

d. The loss of innocence

c. The struggle for equality

200

"The old house stood alone at the end of the road, its windows dark and empty, its paint peeling from years of neglect. The wind moaned as it swept through the cracked door, and the overgrown garden seemed to reach out like a forgotten memory. It was as if the house itself had been waiting, silently, for someone to return."

What mood is created in this passage, and how does it add layers of meaning?

A. Lonely and ominous
B. Joyful and hopeful
C. Relaxed and comforting
D. Energetic and lively

A. Lonely and ominous

300

The rainforest is a lush, vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. Towering trees form a dense canopy overhead, filtering sunlight onto the forest floor where exotic plants thrive. Animals like brightly colored parrots and agile monkeys swing through the branches, while jaguars stalk silently beneath the foliage. The rainforest is a delicate balance, where every organism plays a crucial role, making it a vital part of our planet's biodiversity 

1. Based on the passage, what text structure is the author using? 

a) Compare and Contrast        b) Problem/Solution

c) Description                         d) Cause and Effect

c) Description

300

In the sentence, "The teacher was reluctant to give a quiz so soon after the lesson, but she knew it was necessary for the students' progress," what context clues help determine the meaning of "reluctant"?

a) "She knew it was necessary for the students' progress"
b) "Give a quiz so soon after the lesson"
c) "The teacher"
d) "Necessary for the students' progress"

a) "She knew it was necessary for the students' progress"

300

Justice is blind and, at times, deaf.

Which type of figurative language is being used here?

a. Personification 

b. simile

c. imagery

d. Allusion

a. Personficiation

300

Do not go gentle into that good night, 

Old age should burn and rave at the close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.


What is the best summary of these lines? 

a. Do not give into old age and death calmly. Defy it!

b. Death and old age is inevitable, embrace it. 

c. Always stay in the moment and enjoy the time that you have in life.

a. Do not give into old age and death calmly. Defy it!

300

Though the storm raged outside, Clara sat quietly by the window, reflecting on the years she had spent trying to control everything around her. The more she tried to plan for every eventuality, the more unsettled she became. Gradually, she understood that life was unpredictable and beyond her control. What mattered most, she realized, was learning to find peace in the chaos and accepting that some things could not be changed.

Question:

What is the universal theme of this passage?

A) The uselessness of trying to control everything in life
B) The strength in resisting change
C) The need to constantly prepare for the worst
D) The comfort of isolation during difficult times

A) The uselessness of trying to control everything in life

400

During the winter months, many trees lose their leaves, which is caused by the drop in temperature and the reduction of sunlight. As a result, trees enter a period of dormancy, conserving their energy to survive the harsh weather. This lack of leaves also reduces the amount of water the tree loses through transpiration. Without leaves, the tree can focus on staying alive until spring when the warmth returns, and it can begin to grow again.

1. Why does the author use a cause-and-effect text structure in the passage?

a) To show how trees grow during the winter.
b) To explain how the drop in temperature and reduction of sunlight lead to trees losing their leaves and entering dormancy.
c) To compare the effects of winter on different types of trees.
d) To describe the process of photosynthesis in trees.

b) To explain how the drop in temperature and reduction of sunlight lead to trees losing their leaves and entering dormancy.

400

Which pair of words has a relationship similar to "generous" and "charitable"?

a) Intelligent : Wise
b) Courageous : Brave
c) Honest : Trustworthy
d) Wealthy : Rich

c) Honest : Trustworthy
Both pairs consist of words that describe qualities that are closely related in meaning. "Generous" and "charitable" both refer to kindness and giving, just as "honest" and "trustworthy" refer to qualities of reliability and truthfulness.

400

Then leaf subsides to leaf. 

So Eden sank to grief,

so dawn goes down to day. 

Nothing gold can stay.

Which figurative language device is being used here? 

a. Simile

b. Imagery

c. Meiosis

d. Allusion

d. Allusion

400

Read this excerpt: 

My childhood had gone by without my knowing, and it seemed as if my heart had frozen. I knew that day and night came and went because of the presence of the moon and the sun, but I had no idea whether it was a Sunday or a Friday. 

What universal theme comes to mind? 

a. The conflict between human beings and advancements in science

b. A community's confrontation with nature

c. The struggle for equality

d. The loss of innocence

d. The loss of innocence

400

Excerpt:
"The monarch’s benevolence was evident in her generous donations to the orphanage and her kind treatment of all citizens."

Etymology of “benevolence”:
From Latin bene meaning “well” and velle meaning “to wish.” Literally, “to wish well.”

What does “benevolence” most likely mean in this context?

A) Harshness
B) Generosity
C) Authority
D) Intelligence

B) Generosity

500

Steps to Take Care of Your Houseplants

To ensure your houseplants thrive, follow these essential steps:

  • Water regularly: Most houseplants need water once a week, but check the soil to see if it’s dry.
  • Provide enough light: Place your plants near windows where they can get indirect sunlight.
  • Fertilize: Feed your plants with fertilizer during their growing season to promote healthy growth.
  • Prune dead leaves: Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to encourage new growth.

How does the use of a list structure in the passage help the reader understand the steps to care for houseplants?

a) It emphasizes the importance of each step by presenting them as separate actions.
b) It compares different methods for taking care of houseplants.
c) It organizes information by explaining the reasons behind each step.
d) It contrasts the benefits of houseplants with the consequences of neglect.

a) It emphasizes the importance of each step by presenting them as separate actions

500

In the sentence, "The manager's harsh criticism was a storm that tore through the team's morale," what does the phrase "a storm that tore through" most likely mean?

a) The criticism was mild and easily ignored
b) The criticism caused confusion and disruption
c) The criticism was welcomed and appreciated
d) The criticism was slow and ineffective

b) The criticism caused confusion and disruption
The phrase "a storm that tore through" is a metaphor, suggesting that the criticism was powerful and had a strong, negative impact on the team's morale.

500

"The sky was ablaze with hues of red and orange, the sun sinking slowly behind the mountains like a dying ember. The air grew heavy, thick with the promise of a storm, and the birds fell silent, as if they, too, were waiting for the storm to arrive."

What mood is created by the figurative language in this passage?

A. Suspenseful and foreboding
B. Reflective and nostalgic
C. Jubilant and carefree
D. Peaceful and tranquil

A. Suspenseful and foreboding

500

Through every trial, through every fight,
The heart learns strength, the soul takes flight.
Though storms may come and clouds may part,
Hope remains forever in the heart.

Question:

What is the universal theme of this poem?

A) The importance of avoiding challenges
B) The power of hope and inner strength
C) The inevitability of failure
D) The need for external help in tough times

B. The power of hope and inner strength

500

Excerpt:
"The lawyer’s argument was so cogent that even the opposing counsel had to acknowledge its strength."

Etymology of “cogent”:
From Latin cogere, meaning “to drive together” or “to compel,” formed from co- (“together”) + agere (“to drive”).

What does “cogent” most likely mean in this context?

A) Weak and confusing
B) Logical and convincing
C) Aggressive and forceful
D) Brief and vague

B) Logical and convincing

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