Figurative Language
Define "simile" and write an example using "like" or "as."
A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as”; for example, “The student was as bright as the sun.”
Define "dynamic character" and give a single-sentence example of a character change (what changes and why).
A dynamic character is one who changes significantly over the course of a story; for example, a shy student becomes confident after successfully giving a presentation.
Define "imagery" and name one sensory detail writers use other than sight.
Imagery is descriptive language that appeals to the senses; one sensory detail writers use besides sight is sound.
Define "tone" in literature and give one word that describes a hopeful tone.
Tone is the author’s attitude toward a subject or audience; one word that describes a hopeful tone is “optimistic.”
Define "symbolism" and give a simple example (object + what it represents).
Symbolism is the use of objects, characters, or events to represent deeper meanings; for example, a dove can symbolize peace.
Identify the figurative device in this line and briefly explain its meaning: "The library was a beehive of activity."
This is a metaphor, meaning the library is very busy and full of movement, like a beehive full of active bees.
List two signs in a story that suggest a character is dynamic rather than static (brief bullet points).
The character’s behavior, beliefs, or attitude noticeably changes over time.
Key events or conflicts clearly influence the character’s decisions or growth.
Identify which senses are appealed to in this sentence: "The bread smelled of yeast and warmth, and steam fogged the window."
This sentence appeals to the senses of smell (“smelled of yeast”), touch (“warmth” and steam), and sight (“steam fogged the window”).
Read this line: "He shrugged and walked away without looking back." What tone does the line suggest? Explain in one sentence.
This line suggests a detached or indifferent tone, as the character’s lack of reaction and failure to look back shows emotional distance.
Identify the possible symbolic meaning of a recurring image of closed doors in a story (one paragraph answer).
A recurring image of closed doors may symbolize missed opportunities, emotional barriers, or a lack of freedom. Because the doors are repeatedly closed, it suggests the character is unable to move forward or access something important, reinforcing feelings of restriction or isolation throughout the story.
Distinguish between metaphor and personification. Give one original example of each in separate sentences.
A metaphor directly compares two unlike things, while personification gives human traits to nonhuman things; for example, “Time is a thief” (metaphor) and “The wind whispered through the trees” (personification).
Given a short description: "Tom is selfish at the start; after helping a friend, he begins to listen and act kindly." Identify the type of change and explain what event likely triggered it.
This is a positive internal (character) change from selfishness to kindness, likely triggered by the experience of helping a friend, which taught Tom empathy and the value of others.
Rewrite this bland sentence to add vivid imagery: "The garden looked nice." (Provide a one-sentence rewrite using at least two senses.)
The garden buzzed with bees as the sweet scent of roses drifted through the air and soft petals brushed against my hands.
List two textual clues readers use to determine an author's tone and illustrate each with a short quote-style example (1–2 words each).
Word choice: “harsh,” “gentle”
Punctuation/style: “!” or “…”
Explain how an author might use weather as a symbol; give one specific example and its likely meaning.
An author might use weather as a symbol to reflect emotions or events; for example, a violent storm could symbolize inner conflict or chaos, suggesting that a character is experiencing turmoil or a major turning point.
Find and explain the effect of an instance of verbal irony in dialogue (describe what to look for and how it changes meaning).
Verbal irony occurs when a speaker says the opposite of what they mean; for example, if a student says “Great job” after failing a test, it highlights disappointment or sarcasm and changes the meaning to criticism.
Describe how you would use dialogue and action to show a character’s internal change instead of telling the reader (give one concrete example line of dialogue)
A writer can show internal change through dialogue and actions by having the character speak or behave differently than before; for example, the character might say, “I used to only think about myself, but now I want to help—what can I do?”
Explain how imagery can develop theme or mood in a passage; give a short example (1–2 sentences) showing imagery that supports a gloomy mood.
Imagery develops mood by using sensory details to create a feeling for the reader; for example, “The cold wind howled through the empty streets, and the damp air clung to the crumbling walls,” creates a gloomy mood through harsh and desolate details.
Compare tone and mood in two sentences: Write one sentence that shows an angry tone and another sentence that shows a fearful mood; briefly explain the difference.
“I am furious that you ignored me!” shows an angry tone, while “She crept through the dark hallway, her heart pounding” creates a fearful mood; tone reflects the author’s attitude, while mood is the feeling created for the reader.
Read a short excerpt where an object appears repeatedly (teacher provides). Identify the object, propose two possible symbolic meanings, and choose the best one with a 2-sentence justification based on the text.
The object that appears repeatedly can symbolize more than one idea, such as hope or control, depending on how it is used in the text. The best interpretation is the one most supported by the context; for example, if the object appears during moments of struggle and change, it likely symbolizes growth or resilience.
Read this line: "Her voice was winter—cold, distant, and sharp." Name the figurative device(s) used and analyze how they contribute to characterization and mood (2–3 sentences).
This line uses a metaphor and imagery; comparing her voice to winter emphasizes that she is emotionally cold and unwelcoming, while the descriptive words create a harsh, distant mood that shapes how the reader perceives her character.
Read a short plot summary (teacher provides a 3–4 sentence passage). Write a two-sentence analysis explaining whether the main character is dynamic and cite one piece of textual evidence from the summary that supports your conclusion.
The main character is dynamic because they show a clear change in behavior or perspective over the course of the passage. For example, the summary states that the character changes in response to an event, which demonstrates growth and supports the conclusion that they are dynamic.
Analyze a brief descriptive paragraph (teacher supplies one). Identify at least three sensory images and explain how they work together to create a clear picture and support the text’s mood (2–3 sentences).
The paragraph includes at least three sensory images, such as descriptions of sights, sounds, and smells, which work together to make the scene vivid and realistic. These details combine to reinforce the mood by helping the reader feel the atmosphere, whether it is tense, peaceful, or eerie, based on the specific sensory language used.
Given a paragraph (teacher supplies), write a 3–4 sentence analysis naming the author’s tone, quoting one phrase that shows it, and explaining how word choice creates that tone.
The author’s tone is revealed through specific word choices that reflect their attitude toward the subject. For example, a phrase like “(insert quote from paragraph)” shows how the author feels, whether critical, playful, or serious. These carefully chosen words shape the tone by emphasizing certain emotions or perspectives, helping the reader understand the author’s viewpoint.
Write a brief mini-essay (3–4 sentences) analyzing a symbol from a known novel or short story (name the work). Explain what the symbol represents, how the author develops it, and provide one specific textual detail that supports your interpretation.
In Lord of the Flies, the conch shell is a powerful symbol of order and civilization. Golding develops this symbol by showing how it is used to maintain structure and give characters the right to speak. As the boys descend into chaos, the conch loses its power, and its eventual destruction reflects the complete breakdown of order. One key detail is when the boys stop respecting the conch, showing that their society has collapsed.