Lexical Field
Words that share a common topic or idea belong to the same what?
What is a lexical field?
What do we call the categories that words belong to based on their function in a sentence?
What are word classes?
What do we call the literal or dictionary meaning of a word?
What is denotation?
Name the four main sentence types in English.
Simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex.
What is it called when two unlike things are compared using “like” or “as”?
What is a simile?
The words “doctor,” “nurse,” and “hospital” belong to the lexical field of what?
What is medicine or healthcare?
Give one example of a noun and one example of a verb.
Dog (noun) and run (verb). (or any other CORRECT answer)
What is the term for the emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning?
What is connotation?
What makes up the structure of a compound sentence?
What is two clauses connected with a conjunction?
What is a metaphor?
A direct comparison saying one thing is another to create a strong image or idea.
If a text includes the words “goal,” “team,” and “score,” what can identifying this lexical field help a reader understand about the topic or context?
It shows the text is related to sports or competition.
Which word class describes or modifies a noun?
What is an adjective?
How can tone influence the way meaning is interpreted in a text?
Tone guides the reader’s emotional response—for example, sarcasm or sincerity can completely change how a message is understood. (or any other CORRECT answer)
What is the function of an imperative sentence?
To give a command, instruction, or request.
What does personification do in a text?
It gives human qualities to non-human things to make descriptions more vivid or emotional
Explain how identifying a lexical field can help reveal an author’s attitude or tone in a text.
It shows word choice patterns that reflect emotion, perspective, or bias—for example, a lexical field of “light,” “hope,” and “growth” suggests a positive tone. (or any other CORRECT answer)
In the sentence “She quickly finished her homework,” what word class is quickly?
What is an adverb?
When a writer uses ambiguous language, how might that affect interpretation?
It allows multiple possible meanings, encouraging readers to think critically about the writer’s intent.
What is the difference between a declarative and an interrogative sentence?
A declarative makes a statement, while an interrogative asks a question.
How does symbolism deepen meaning in a text?
Symbols represent abstract ideas or themes—for example, a rose might symbolize love or fragility.
In analyzing language, why might an author use a specific lexical field such as “battle,” “weapon,” and “victory” when describing a debate?
To create metaphorical imagery and emphasize conflict or struggle in the argument.
How can identifying word classes help in analyzing a writer’s style or purpose?
It reveals how the writer structures meaning—for example, heavy use of verbs can create action and urgency, while many adjectives can build imagery or emotion. (or any other CORRECT answer)
How does context—such as audience, culture, or time period—shape the interpretation of a text?
It influences how words and ideas are understood, since meanings shift with social values, historical background, and reader expectations.
How can varying sentence types and functions affect the tone and rhythm of a text?
Mixing sentence types creates emphasis, pacing, and mood—for example, short imperatives add urgency, while long complex sentences build sophistication or reflection.
Explain how pathetic fallacy differs from personification and why a writer might use it.
Pathetic fallacy gives human emotions to nature or the environment to reflect a character’s mood—unlike personification, which gives human traits to any object or idea. Writers use it to mirror emotion through setting.