Theme/
Main Idea
Events/
Characterization
Elements of Plot
Author’s Craft and Structure
Integration of Knowledge and Ideas
100
Caryn became infuriated when her two-year old sister, Allie, accidently knocked over her science project. It took her two hours to make it, and now she has to start all over again. “I’m sorry,” said her mother. “This is all your fault!” Caryn screamed at her mother. With a sigh, her mother picked up Allie and walked away. Which is the BEST theme?
A. Friendship
B. A young girl knocks over her sister’s project.
C. People should be punished when they make mistakes.
D. It is important to control your temper, and be understanding of others.
D. It is important to control your temper, and be understanding of others.
100
(1) She started taking lessons when she was ten years old. (2) Marcia practices the piano every night. (3) Therefore, it is safe to say that practice makes perfect. (4) She is able to play Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, and Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 24.
These sentences are out of order. What is the correct order?
(2) Marcia practices the piano every night.
(1) She started taking lessons when she was ten years old.
(4) She is able to play Beethoven’s Symphony Number 5, and Mozart's Piano Concerto No. 24.
(3) Therefore, it is safe to say that practice makes perfect.
100
Which element of plot comes after the conflict has already been established, but before the outcome can be predicted?
A. Resolution
B. Conflict
C. Exposition
D. Falling Action
E. Rising Action
E. Rising Action
100
Adam Smith is a prominent member of Congress.
What does “prominent” mean?
A. Current
B. Important
C. Cooperative
D. Idealistic
B. Important
100
The class read two passages, a poem and a story. The poem was about the seashore. The story was written in 3rd person omniscient.
Which passage would most likely contain more information on the speaker’s or narrator’s thoughts and feelings? Explain.
The poem would most likely have more personal thoughts and feelings because the story is written in 3rd person omniscient point of view. This means the thoughts of several characters are revealed, instead of concentrating on the personal thoughts and feelings of one protagonist.
200
Life is like a bicycle, Left out in the storm. If it's not protected, Rust begins to form.
What is the main idea of this poem?
A. Life is a gift to be enjoyed.
B. Exercise is good for the soul.
C. Stormy weather enters everyone’s life once in a while.
D. Rust can be avoided if treated at the first sign.
A. Life is a gift to be enjoyed.
200
During math class, Angelina raised her hand to write the problem on the board. She painstakingly worked out the problem. While she was gone, Daniella went into Angelina’s desk, and stole three markers. Mrs. Henry called Daniella to the board to complete the next problem. She was pleased because both of the girls solved the problems correctly.
Which word BEST describes Daniella?
A. Intimidating
B. Desolate
C. Devious
D. Generous
C. Devious
(showing a skillful use of underhanded tactics to achieve goals)
200
During which element of plot are the characters introduced and the setting established?
A. Resolution
B. Conflict
C. Exposition
D. Falling Action
E. Rising Action
C. Exposition
200
(1) The tired old man stumbled down the street. (2) He walked as aimless as the path of a steel ball in a pinball machine. (3) He stared at the tall oak tree, hearing the wind whispering his name as the branches swayed back and forth. (4) Where was his time machine? (5) Would he ever make it back home to his family?
Which sentence has an example of personification?
Sentence 3 has personification: (3) He stared at the tall oak tree, hearing the wind whispering his name as the branches swayed back and forth.
Sentence 2 is a simile, and it is NOT personification:
(2) He walked as aimless as the path of a steel ball in a pinball machine.
200
“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” - Mark Twain
(1) Mark Twain was an American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer. (2) He wrote at least 23 novels. (3) He didn’t have much patience for ignorant people. (4) Although, it can be said that he had a good heart when it came to charity.
Which sentence from the excerpt BEST verifies the ideas behind the quote from Mark Twain?
(3) He didn’t have much patience for ignorant people.
300
Kevin looked back on his summer vacation with regret. He didn’t accomplish any of his summer goals. His intentions were good, especially in the beginning, but he never followed through with his plans. He didn’t spend enough time with his family or his friends. His video games received the most attention.
Which is an objective summary of the excerpt?
HINT: An objective summary is a summary without person opinions or judgements.
A. Kevin should never play video games again.
B. Kevin is irresponsible, and needs to make some changes.
C. Kevin regrets having so many goals to accomplish in the summer.
D. Kevin regrets spending too much time with video games, and too little time with friends and family.
D. Kevin regrets spending too much time with video games, and too little time with friends and family.
300
Mark grabbed his lunch and went to the back of the room. Charles sat down with him, hitting Ben on the head along the way. Kent wiped off the table, his seat, and his tray before sitting down. Alexander laughed about a joke that no one thought was funny.
Which boy can be considered “fastidious”?
(fastidious - very concerned about matters of cleanliness)
A. Mark
B. Charles
C. Kent
D. Alexander
C. Kent: Kent wiped off the table, his seat, and his tray before sitting down.
300
(1) Did you read Charlotte’s Web as a child? (2) The story takes place on a farm. (3) Wilbur the pig is worried because the family wants a ham dinner for Christmas. (4) Charlotte the spider tries to help him out by spinning words in her web. (5) He wins a prize at the fair, and it is decided that he will live. (6) Charlotte then lays her eggs. (7) Eventually, the eggs hatch and three baby spiders stay behind with Wilbur.
Which sentence represents the climax?
Hint: During the climax, the reader is able to predict the outcome of the conflict (problem) of the story.
(5) He wins a prize at the fair, and it is decided that he will live.
300
Interactive Toys announced that their sales for video games are beginning to prosper.
What does “prosper” mean?
A. Decline
B. Advertise
C. Fail
D. Grow
D. Grow
300
Didn't want a battle,
Yet you declared war,
Each knock you gave me made me stronger than before,
I will not give up.
Amber was on the high honor roll, was a member of the debate team, and was the President of Student Council. But she would give them all up for a chance to be on the softball team. During the month before tryouts, she practiced hitting, catching, and running around the bases every day until she was ready to crash. She really wants to make the team!
Which adjective BEST describes both the speaker of the poem, and Amber from the excerpt?
A. Intelligent
B. Cooperative
C. Resilient
D. Revengeful
C. Resilient
400
Andrew did not make the basketball team. Although discouraged, he didn’t give up. He shot hoops every day after school. On the weekends, he joined neighborhood games. He also practiced dribbling and passing. The next year, his name was listed with those who made the team!
What is the theme?
A. Basketball is fun.
B. Work hard to reach goals in life.
C. Everyone should make the team.
D. Be careful what you wish for.
B. Work hard to reach goals in life.
400
While on the school bus, Kimberly looked out of the window and wished she were already home. Maria pulled hard on Anna’s braid, and laughed when she cried out in pain. Jessica missed what happened. She was too busy working on her math problems. She was determined to get them all done before she walked off of the bus. Carrie, on the other hand, saw Marie hurting Anna, and told her to stop.
Which word BEST describes Jessica?
A. Uncaring
B. Uncooperative
C. Diligent
D. Desperate
C. Diligent
(having or showing care and conscientiousness in one's work or duties)
400
(1) Have you read the Tragedy at Mountain Pass? (2) The story opens in Austria during World War II. (3) A young man, Liam, has to fight in the war, but does not want to leave his girlfriend, Elsa. (4) Liam and Elsa run away together. (5) They are only two miles away from Switzerland when they are captured. (6) Liam is taken away, and Elsa eventually makes her way back home. (7) Liam and Elsa meet again years later, but the spark has gone out of the flame.
Which sentence represents the conflict of the story?
Hint: The conflict of the story is the problem of the story.
(3) A young man, Liam, has to fight for the war, but does not want to leave his girlfriend, Elsa.
400
(1) Jennifer quickly handed out the math papers for Miss Rose. (2) Arthur frowned when he saw his lower-than-expected grade. (3) Sue smiled as wide as a river when she glanced at her grade. (4) The last paper was Jennifer’s. (5) She was a ray of sunshine when she left the classroom.
Which sentence reveals a metaphor, not a simile?
(5) She was a ray of sunshine when she left the classroom.
400
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.
This much we pledge--and more.
To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided there is little we can do--for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.
What two things is John F. Kennedy saying about the United States of America with his inauguration speech?
The United States will be tough with its enemies, yet supportive with its allies.
500
Life is like a fire. If you can't control your flame, You're bound to be burned. Which is the central idea of this poem?
Central Idea: a brief, overall summary of what the entire story is about
A. Energy
B. Self-Control
C. Revenge
D. Pity
B. Self-Control
500
“How many times have I told you to clean your room?” yelled Mrs. Jones. “I forgot, I’m sorry,” Jim replied with tears in his eyes. “Don’t worry Jim, it won’t take long,” whispered Mr. Jones.
“Get moving young man!” said Mrs. Jones. Jim slowly turned around, climbed the stairs, and went into his room.
Which of the following BEST describes how Mr. Jones is feeling about Jim?
A. He thinks Jim is irresponsible.
B. He doesn’t understand why Jim forgot to clean his room.
C. He feels sorry for Jim.
D. He thinks Jim moves too slowly.
C. He feels sorry for Jim.
“Don’t worry Jim, it won’t take long,” whispered Mr. Jones.
500
If you wrote a murder mystery, during which element of plot would the punishment for the murderer most likely be revealed?
A. Resolution (Falling Action)
B. Climax
C. Rising Action
D. Exposition
During the falling action or the resolution. The identity of the murderer would be revealed during the climax, so the punished would be explained after the climax.
500
(1) Brenda knocked on the door. (2) Alice opened it and let her in. (3) Brenda handed her a bouquet of flowers. (4) “I thought you would appreciate these,” she said with a smile. (5) Your thought process leaves much to be desired, thought Alice. (6) If you think this will make a difference, you’re nuts! (7) “Thank you,” said Alice as she accepted the flowers.
During which sentence does the tone begin to change?
(5) Your thought process leaves much to be desired, thought Alice.
Prior to this sentence, the tone is friendly/amiable. Sentence 5 begins the changeover to a sarcastic tone.
500
A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.
-William Shakespeare
(1) William Shakespeare was born on April 26, 1564. (2) He wrote 37 plays and 154 sonnets. (3) He wasn’t considered the most popular playwright during his lifetime. (4) But since the 17th century, he has been considered the supreme playwright and poet of the English language. (5) He enjoyed writing, but was mindful never to let his ego get the best of him.
Which sentence from the excerpt verifies the ideas behind the quote from William Shakespeare?
A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.
-William Shakespeare
(5) He enjoyed writing, but was mindful never to let his ego get the best of him.
This sentence verifies the idea that Shakespeare believes in humility.