Definitions
Theme
Vocab in Context
Practice Questions
Just for fun
100
What is the difference between fate and free will?

Fate: Life is already decided for us and is controlled by something or someone else; everyone has a destiny  

Free will: We have the power to make choices and are in control of our lives.

100

True or False - Another word for the theme would be "life lesson".

True

100

How do we figure out what a word in a story means when we don't know the word? 

Look for context clues or other words in the sentence to guess what the word might mean

100

As he sighed heavily, Brad recapped the pen and stood up. He angrily trudged down the stairs and into the living room, clutching the pen in his fists. 

What mood is created by the use of “sighed heavily,” “trudged” and “clutching” in the last paragraph?

a. Hopeful

b. Distracted

c. Anxious

d. Calm

c. anxious 

100

What is Ms. Vair's favorite drink?

a. coffee

b. soda

c. tea

d. water gotta stay hydrated

a. COFFEE!

200

Recall: If a claim is making an argument, what is a counterclaim

The opposing viewpoint 

200

How do we identify a theme in a story?

Look at...

  • What is the story/author trying to teach us?
  • What are the most important events?
  • What do the characters think or learn?
200

What is author's purpose and how do we know what it is? 

The author's reason for writing something 

Think about: What the author wants us to learn, Look back at the text, what the characters do/learn. 

200

Roberta could not get over how ELEGANT the cruise ship was. The walls were paneled in maple colored wood, there were fresh flowers on every table, and the floors were made of gleaming stone.

What does the word elegant mean in these sentences?

a. beautiful 

b. ugly

c. mesmerizing

d. stylish

a. beautiful

200

What year did Netflix, previously a DVD rental business, introduce streaming services?

2007

300

What is textual evidence?

Direct quotes from the story that give examples or proof for a claim.

300

A theme in Romeo and Juliet is... 

Fate vs. free will, love at first sight, family loyalty/rivalry, violence leads to consequences

300

I pulled a notebook out of my bag and fluttered the pages open to the drawings I’d done of Kafka’s Metamorphosis. He gazed at these a while and then looked through the notebook for others, stopping at each drawing he found, giving each one such careful attention. 

As used in this passage, what is the meaning of the word "metamorphosis"? 


a. A gradual transformation of character or personality

b. A sudden change in appearance or form

c. A slow process of growth and development

d. A temporary state of confusion or disarray

b. A sudden change in appearance or form

300

Growing up, Sally was always in the shadow of her older sister Mary. Mary always got better grades, was better at sports, and seemed to even be prettier. Sally spent a lot of time in the family's garden feeling sorry for herself. Then one day Mary needed help on a science project about plants. Due to all of her time in the garden, Sally knew a lot about plants and was able help Mary with the project. Sally was shocked that she was better at something than her sister. What is the theme?
A. Accept yourself for who you are.
B. Sports are not important
C. You can learn a lot from plants.

A.) Accept yourself for who you are.

300

How many bones do Sharks have? 

They got no bones 

400

What is the tone or mood of a story?

The feelings that the author is portraying or how we feel while reading the story.

400

What is the difference between the main idea of a story and the theme of a story?

The main idea is what the story is about (summary). The theme is the life lesson or moral that the author wants us to remember.

400

Champions of coffee claim that consistent coffee consumption over years can slightly decrease the occurrence of liver cancer, Parkinson's Disease, and diabetes. While they may be loosely based on EMPIRICAL data, these claims do not make any guarantees.

What is the definition of empirical as it is used in these sentences? 

a. hypothetical

b. biased

c. noble

d. scientific

 

d. Scientific

400

A student makes a claim that coffee houses are beneficial and should continue to serve all varieties of coffee.  Which of the following is a counter-claim to the student’s claim? 

a. “In a country of millions of coffee houses, coffee has become a powerful entity in the U.S.”

b. “Champions of coffee...claim that consistent coffee consumption over years can slightly decrease the occurrence of liver cancer, Parkinson's Disease, and diabetes.” 

c. “Many who drink coffee claim that, without it, they would not be able to wake up in the morning.”

d. “However, many people are drinking specialty drinks which have incredible amounts of sugar and cream added to them.”

d. “However, many people are drinking specialty drinks which have incredible amounts of sugar and cream added to them.”

400

What is the deadliest animal in the world? 

The mosquito 

500

What is an inference? How do we make one?

Drawing conclusions about the story based on key details in the text. When something is implied and not stated directly. 

By looking at the main events, plot details, or characters we can make inferences about what the author is trying to say. 

500

All Roberto wanted for Christmas was a Nintendo Switch. Roberto's mom has been stressing out and working overtime at work to be able to afford any gifts for her children at all. On Christmas morning she got each of her children something she thought they would love. When Roberto opened his gift, he was angry that it was not exactly what he wanted. But when he saw how sad this made his mom, he felt guilty for feeling that way. 


What is the theme of this passage? 

A. You should have high expectations for people

B. Be grateful for what you have 

C. You should always be kind 

B.) Be grateful for what you have 

500

When I looked at many of those beloved comic books again, the stories seemed flat and empty, at least compared to the rich and startling worlds I had begun to encounter in so many novels. My own drawings, too—as much as I tried to force them to ELOQUENCE—remained little more than loud-mouthed cartoons, cavemen grunting and swinging clubs, devoid of language.  


What is the meaning of the word "eloquence"? (L.4)

a. The ability to express oneself clearly and persuasively

b. The use of exaggerated or extravagant language

c. The act of speaking in a formal or ceremonial manner

d. The skill of using artistic or creative expression effectively

a. The ability to express oneself clearly and persuasively

500

The last 400 feet of the hike is so steep that cables have been put in to help the hiker in climbing the slope. After much sweat and tears, the hiker will reach the peak of the dome. From this point, it is nothing but peaceful rest and hiker can relax and enjoy the view. 

What is the implied meaning of the phrase, "sweat and tears"?

a. Before reaching the summit, hikers need to stop at the falls and freshen up.

b. Before reaching the summit, hikers may experience much physical activity and pain.

c. Hikers will discover during the climb that the trails are not as difficult as they predicted.

d. Hikers typically become emotional and cry when seeing the view from the summit.

b. Before reaching the summit, hikers may experience much physical activity and pain.

500

What was famous author William Shakespeare's nickname? 

The Bard 

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