Literary Elements
(1) Because the class was well-behaved, Mrs. Thomas handed out candy. (2) She encouraged her students to share it with students from other classes during lunch. (3) Mindy shared with Samantha and Sarah. (4) Andrew ate all his candy before lunch so he wouldn’t have to share it. (5) Keith shared with his friend, Ben.
What sentence contains information about someone who is greedy?
Sentence 4
Brenda couldn’t wait to start her summer job. She wanted one for years! Unfortunately, she didn’t like getting up early. She also didn’t like standing up all day. At the end of the summer, she realized she missed out on a lot of fun.
What is the theme of this story?
A. Work hard to reach your goals in life.
B. Be careful what you wish for.
C. A girl learns a lesson.
D. Be kind to others.
B. Be careful what you wish for.
The door opened with a bang.
“I know you are in there!” screamed Tim.
Silence filled the room. Ben was hiding under his bed.
“Gottcha!” yelled Tim as he looked under the bed.
“I like hide and seek!” laughed Ben.
Which is the point of view?
A. 1st person
B. 3rd person
B. 3rd person
As I walked past my bedroom, I could hear my bed calling my name. Why wouldn’t Mom let me sleep for ten more minutes?
What figurative language is in this text?
Personification
Although he didn’t want to admit it, Arthur’s report card was outstanding. He pulled up his grades in three classes. His sister, Anna, didn’t know what to say. She was used to getting better grades than him.
Which words make the BEST context clues for defining the word, “outstanding”?
A. didn’t want to admit
B. pulled up his grades
C. in three classes
D. what to say
B. pulled up his grades
An “outstanding” report card is an excellent one.
(1) Maribelle was running late. (2) She grabbed her books and ran to the car. (3) She started backing out of the driveway, and suddenly stopped. (4) She ran back inside and picked up her raincoat and umbrella. (5) She went back into the car and drove away.
What can you infer about this situation?
A. Maribelle arrived early.
B. Maribelle forgot her books.
C. Maribelle saw a squirrel in her driveway.
D. Maribelle noticed that it was going to rain.
D. Maribelle noticed that it was going to rain.
(4) She ran back inside and picked up her raincoat and umbrella.
Tina listened in math class every day. She took long notes. When she was unsure of something, she always asked the teacher to explain it to her. She studied every night, even on the weekends. At the end of the semester, she received an A.
Which sentence BEST summarizes this excerpt and shows how Tina responds to situations?
A. Tina always asked a question if she was unsure of something.
B. Tina got an A in her math class.
C. Tina spent many nights studying for math class.
D. Tina worked hard at math all semester, and got an A.
D. Tina worked hard at math all semester, and got an A.
Mr. Irvington happily called out the names of his students on the first day of school. Tommy made a joke when his name was called. Jill said “here”, but you could barely hear her voice, and she was looking at the ground. Samantha laughed when her name was called and asked if she could change her seat.
How is Jill’s perspective different from the narrator’s?
A. Jill is outgoing and enjoys school.
B. Jill is timid and a little afraid of school.
C. Jill is enthusiastic and ready to make an A.
D. Jill is short-tempered and will probably start a fight.
B. Jill is timid and a little afraid of school.
The sun was as big as a mountain while Jessica strolled along the South Carolina shoreline.
What figurative language is in this text?
Simile
This is the third time I asked you nicely. Please do not distract me from my math homework. You are preventing me from getting it done, and I really want to play outside.
Which word makes the BEST context clue for defining the word, “distract”?
A. Asked
B. Nicely
C. Preventing
D. Really
C. Preventing
To “distract” means to prevent someone from giving his or her full attention to something.
(1) The sign-up sheet for basketball tryouts was on the gym door. (2) Bob noticed it as he was walking back to class. (3) That night, he finished all his homework quickly.
(4) He spent two hours practicing basketball.
(5) Afterwards, he sat on his couch and watched a basketball game with his father for a few minutes.
What sentence contains the BEST proof that Bob wants to make the team?
C. Sentence 4
(4) He spent two hours practicing basketball.
Caryn was taught right from wrong. Unfortunately, she didn’t listen. When she went to the WaWa, she stole a Snickers bar. They caught her right away. She got in big trouble. She wishes she never did that.
What is the theme?
A. Be careful what you wish for.
B. Crime doesn’t pay.
C. Work hard to succeed in life.
D. Love conquers all.
B. Crime doesn’t pay.
Stan said something to Juan that hurt his feelings. Juan moved his tray to another table, pretending not to show his emotions. Anna saw it all but didn’t hear what was said. She moved her tray to Juan’s table. Before long, they were laughing and joking. Stan walked by and said something else. Anna and Juan put their hands over their mouths to keep from laughing. Stan walked away; his mission was not accomplished this time!
How did Juan’s perspective change?
A. He gained intimidation.
B. He learned to be sad.
C. He learned to be angry.
D. He gained tolerance.
D. He gained tolerance.
He learned not to let Stan’s negative comments bother him.
What figurative language is in this text?
Mother became angry because my room was such a mess. “I told you a million times to keep it clean,” she said with authority.
Hyperbole
The trophy was on a shelf in Gene’s room. He was very modest when he talked about winning the race. He didn’t want to brag. His mother was very proud of him.
Which words make the BEST context clues for defining the word, “modest”.
A. On a shelf
B. When he talked
C. About winning the race
D. Didn’t want to brag
D. Didn’t want to brag
(1) I had so much fun with Holly last night! (2) We met on the corner near the gas station. (3) We bought tickets and some popcorn. (4) Afterwards, we made plans to see each other soon. (5) I was home and in my bed by 10 o’clock.
What sentence shows where they spent the evening, revealing the setting?
(Using an inference)
Sentence 3
3) We bought tickets and some popcorn.
Mother was upset because the house was a mess, and company was arriving soon. Melanie picked up all the toys. James dusted the dining room table and vacuumed the rugs. Kim cleaned the bathrooms. Mother smiled with relief.
What is the theme of this story?
A. Children should pick up their own toys.
B. James did most of the work.
C. Mother expected too much from her children.
D. Much can be accomplished if everyone works together.
D. Much can be accomplished if everyone works together.
Miss Brown went from row to row handing back the essays. Tanya obviously got an A, since she did a fist pump when she saw her paper. Alex quickly put the paper away, so no one could see it. I hope I get a good grade. Here she comes!
What is the point of view?
1st person
Flowers are fun, They make me smile.
Buy them for me, once in a while!
The red rose is the most popular flower to buy for a loved one. Florists sell millions of them on Valentine’s Day.
How can the structure of these two writings be compared?
A. The first one is a poem, and the second a story.
B The first one is an advertisement, and the second a poem.
C. The first one is a poem, and the second is informational text.
D. They are both considered informational text.
C. The first one is a poem, and the second is informational text.
The new Spiderman movie will be released soon.
Based on the context clues in this sentence, what does “released” mean?
A. To play the same movie again
B. To cost only a few dollars
C. To make available to the public
D. To set free from employment
C. To make available to the public
(1) Nora called in sick. (2) She wasn’t sick. (3) Nora no longer likes her job and wants to quit. (4) Instead of going to work, Nora went to the beach.
Which sentence reveals Nora’s conflict?
(3) Nora no longer likes her job and wants to quit.
Mark got a 2,500 piece puzzle for his birthday. He worked on it every night. At first, he only had the corners done. But after a few weeks, he was able to fit all the pieces together to form the puzzle. He was very pleased with his success.
What is the best summary of this passage?
A. Mark got a puzzle for his birthday.
B. Building puzzles is impossible.
C. Mark worked very hard to complete his puzzle.
D. Building a puzzle takes two weeks.
C. Mark worked very hard to complete his puzzle.
Jessica never really thought about her grades before. But now, she wants to be a good student like her older sister, Jenna. Jenna always got A’s. Jessica asked her sister for help. Jenna taught her how to take good notes, and what to study every night. By the end of the year, Jessica had mostly A’s!
How did Jessica’s perspective change?
Jessica gained determination. She was determined to succeed, and she did!
Dear Andrew,
We need you to come over and trim our lawn. It is getting out of control. Thanks!
Sincerely,
Mr. and Mrs. Connor
Andrew Billingsworth is a diligent young man, who is always willing to help others. He lives in a sleepy little town, in Rhode Island. Our story begins on a sunny, August afternoon.
How can the structure of these two writings be compared?
The first one is a letter and the second one is a story
Annette became frantic when the phone rang. She thought it was her brother, and she became afraid. She knew he was angry at her.
What word is the BEST context clue to define the word, “frantic”?
A. Phone
B. Thought
C. Afraid
D. Knew
C. Afraid