Central Idea
What is central idea?
The main idea or what the text is mainly talking about.
What is theme?
The life lesson learned. Cannot include settings or characters, and must be a complete sentence.
What is a metaphor?
A comparison between two unlike things where one thing is said to be the other.
What is the purpose of stanzas in a poem?
A) To list the poem’s rhyming words
B) To separate the poem into sections of meaning or thought
C) To count the number of lines in the poem
D) To explain the title of the poem
B) To separate the poem into sections of meaning or thought
Even after three warnings, Marcus remained defiant, refusing to apologize or admit he was wrong.
Based on the sentence, what does the word defiant most likely mean?
A) Quiet and thoughtful
B) Angry and violent
C) Disobedient and resistant
D) Nervous and unsure
C) Disobedient and resistant
Sunlight is important for plants because it helps them make food through a process called photosynthesis. Without sunlight, most plants cannot grow properly.
What is the central idea of this paragraph?
A) Photosynthesis happens at night.
B) Plants can survive without sunlight.
C) Sunlight helps plants grow by providing energy.
D) Most plants live in the shade.
C) Sunlight helps plants grow by providing energy.
The classroom was a beehive, buzzing with energy, each student a busy worker building something new.
What does the extended metaphor suggest about the students?
A) They are being lazy and distracted.
B) They are loud and disorganized.
C) They are working together and actively learning.
D) They are tired and ready to leave.
C) They are working together and actively learning.
What does the word “rebuild” most likely mean?
A) To build something for the first time
B) To take something apart
C) To build something again
D) To decorate something
Hint: The base word is "build".
C) To build something again
Why might a poet choose to capitalize words that aren’t at the beginning of a sentence?
A) To follow the rules of writing essays
B) To confuse the reader
C) To highlight important words or ideas
D) To make the poem look longer
C) To highlight important words or ideas
“This revolutionary product will change your life—order now and experience the future!”
What is the author’s most likely purpose for this sentence based on the diction?
A) To entertain with a funny story
B) To explain how a product works
C) To persuade the reader to buy something
D) To describe a historical event
C) To persuade the reader to buy something
Dogs have been loyal companions to humans for thousands of years. They have helped with hunting, provided protection, and even offered emotional support. Today, dogs continue to be important as service animals and beloved pets.
What is the central idea of this paragraph?
A) Dogs have always been useful in hunting.
B) Service dogs are better than regular pets.
C) Dogs are important to humans in many ways.
D) People should train their dogs properly.
C) Dogs are important to humans in many ways.
The playground was a ghost town, empty swings swaying in the wind.
How does the metaphor “a ghost town” affect the mood of the sentence?
A) It makes the scene feel joyful and lively.
B) It gives the scene a mysterious, deserted feeling.
C) It suggests there are ghosts haunting the playground.
D) It creates a humorous tone.
B) It gives the scene a mysterious, deserted feeling.
Write a synonym and an antonym for the following word: "Kind".
Synonym: nice
Antonym: mean
What is the most likely reason a poet ends a line before the sentence is finished?
A) To make the poem harder to understand
B) To follow proper grammar rules
C) To create rhythm or emphasize a certain word
D) To separate every sentence into its own line
C) To create rhythm or emphasize a certain word
“This isn’t what we planned,” Daniel said, glancing at the crumpled map and the storm clouds rolling in.
What do we learn about the situation from the dialogue and description?
A) Daniel is excited about the adventure ahead.
B) The characters are lost and facing bad weather.
C) The characters are relaxing at home.
D) Daniel is asking for directions.
B) The characters are lost and facing bad weather.
Elena missed the bus again. She had stayed up late scrolling through her phone, and when her alarm went off, she hit snooze three times. She rushed through getting dressed, barely grabbed breakfast, and ran to the bus stop—just in time to see the bus pull away.
What is the central idea that is implied in this paragraph?
A) Elena needs to buy a new alarm clock.
B) Staying up late can lead to problems in the morning.
C) Buses always arrive too early.
D) Elena eats breakfast every morning.
B) Staying up late can lead to problems in the morning.
“Time is a thief,” he whispered, staring at the old photographs.
What theme does the metaphor "Time is a thief" best support?
A) There is joy in remembering the past.
B) The fear of losing material things.
C) Time takes away moments and memories.
D) The importance of catching criminals.
C) Time takes away moments and memories.
The word “portable” comes from the Latin root “port”, meaning “to carry.” Based on this root, what does “portable” most likely mean?
A) Easy to clean
B) Easy to carry or move
C) Made of plastic
D) Full of energy
B) Easy to carry or move
How does punctuation affect a poem?
A) It has no effect at all
B) It tells the reader when to pause or stop, affecting the poem’s flow
C) It makes the poem easier to rhyme
D) It only matters in long poems
B) It tells the reader when to pause or stop, affecting the poem’s flow
“The calm, glassy surface of the lake reflected the golden sky as the sun dipped behind the trees.”
What is the author’s most likely purpose based on the word choice in this sentence?
A) To inform the reader about lakes
B) To persuade the reader to visit the lake
C) To describe a peaceful setting
D) To argue that sunsets are important
C) To describe a peaceful setting
Some people think of video games as just a form of entertainment, but research shows they can also improve problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. In one study, students who played strategy games performed better in math. Other studies have shown that certain games may help with memory and focus, especially in older adults.
Which statement best expresses the central idea of this paragraph?
A) Video games are bad for your health.
B) Strategy games are more fun than action games.
C) Video games can have educational and cognitive benefits.
D) Only older adults benefit from video games.
C) Video games can have educational and cognitive benefits.
Despite being mocked for bringing books to recess, Julian kept reading, lost in the worlds he loved.
What theme is best revealed through Julian’s actions?
A) The value of popularity
B) The importance of following rules
C) The joy of being outside
D) Staying true to yourself despite others’ opinions
D) Staying true to yourself despite others’ opinions
Write an example of a metaphor. Underline the two things being compared.
Needs to say that one thing is another (key words: is, was).
Ex: Her hair was silk.
How can line length affect the way a poem is read or understood?
A) Short lines always make the poem funnier
B) Long lines are easier to memorize
C) Line length can affect the rhythm and pace of the poem
D) Line length is only important in poems that rhyme
C) Line length can affect the rhythm and pace of the poem
“I’m fine,” Mia muttered, her eyes fixed on the floor and her hands clenched into fists.
What can the reader infer about Mia based on the dialogue and description?
A) She is excited and can’t wait to share good news.
B) She is nervous about taking a test.
C) She says she’s fine, but her body language shows she’s upset.
D) She is practicing lines for a school play.
C) She says she’s fine, but her body language shows she’s upset.