Plot/Character Development
What is the term for the sequence of events in a story that shows how the story moves from beginning to end?
Plot
What is the name for a comparison that uses “like” or “as”?
Simile
What is the definition of a theme in a literary text?
The lesson or message the author wants us to learn
What does the term “context clues” mean?
Using surrounding words/sentences to figure out an unknown word’s meaning
What is one test taking strategy you have learned in ELA?
Answers may vary
In a story, a small action of repeated detail that helps reveal a character's personality is called what?
Character trait
What does it mean when an author uses personification?
Personification gives human qualities to nonhuman things (example: “The wind whispered.”)
Which of these is most likely a theme: “Be careful with glass” or “Friendship can help people overcome challenges”? (Choose and explain briefly.)
Friendship can help people overcome challenges” ; the first is a literal rule or advice.
“The path was treacherous, filled with loose stones and hidden roots.” What does “treacherous” mean here?
“Dangerous” or “unsafe” — context: loose stones and roots make the path dangerous.
You have 40 minutes to take a test and after 10 minutes, you think you are done. What should you do?
Go back and review the answers!
Read this short example: "Maria stayed late to practice violin even when her friends went to the park." What does this event reveal about Maria's character?
Maria is dedicated/hardworking/committed
Read this line: “The sky was a quilt of clouds.” Identify the figurative language and explain how it affects the mood.
Metaphor; it creates a cozy mood or imagery.
Name two questions you can ask yourself to help you determine a story’s theme
What did the character learn? What problem did the character face?
Read: “Although many dismissed his idea as idealistic, Jenna refused to change course.” Using context, what does “idealistic” most likely mean?
Unrealistic or impractical” — context: others dismissed the idea, suggesting it was not practical
The timer for a quiz has started, and the person next to you asks you how you got to the quiz. What should you do?
Ignore, raise your hand to let the teacher know they need help.
Identify whether the following is an example of plot development, character development, or both: "After losing his job, Caleb learns new skills and becomes a teacher's aide"
Both! Losing his job is a plot event; learning skills and becoming teacher's aide shows character growth.
Explain how a repeated phrase can affect the meaning or feeling of a passage.
A repeated phrase makes the idea stronger and adds emphasis - it also makes it easier to "feel" or imagine.
"She was reticent at first, but the warm welcome made her speak freely.” What does “reticent” mean here and which words in the sentence support your answer?
A. Reserved
B. Brave
C. Happy
D. Angry
“Reserved" clue words: “at first” and “but the warm welcome made her speak freely.”
You get to a question on the quiz that asks you what happened in paragraph 3. What is the first thing you should do?
GO BACK TO PARAGRAPH 3 AND READ IT
Explain how a single pivotal event (for example: the main character finds a lost letter) can change both the plot and what we understand about that character.
Finding the lost letter could reveal the main characters honesty, the lost letter may include information that changes the plot!
Analyze this sentence: “Her anger was a storm that swallowed the room.” In one or two short sentences, say what the comparison (anger = storm) tells you about how strong the anger is and how others in the scene might feel.
The comparison says the anger is big and powerful (like a storm) and that it fills the room—others would feel scared or tense.
“A character keeps trying and failing but learns from mistakes and finally succeeds.” What theme might emerge from that storyline?
Possible theme: Perseverance leads to growth
“After weeks of drought, the parched fields cracked open like old paint.” What does "parched" mean & what words helped you decide?
“Very dry”; clue words: “drought,” “fields cracked.”
You are taking a quiz and you get to a multiple choice question. What is the first thing you should do before picking the right answer?