Character Conflict and Motivation
A character insists on doing something their family disagrees with. What is the term for the struggle (conflict) between a character and others?
External conflict (character vs. character)
When a speaker asks a question whose answer is already obvious, what technique are they using?
A rhetorical question, which can also be logos (appeal to logic).
In a sentence, the word “following” appears. If the sentence is about tradition, what is the most likely meaning of the word?
“Adopting” or "practicing/observing" traditions
Dialogue meant to lighten a tense moment usually serves what purpose?
To create humor, or to change the direction of conversation.
An inference consists of text evidence + (what?)
Background knowledge/context
A character repeatedly uses polite language to mask frustration. What might this reveal about their motivation?
They want to avoid conflict or preserve social harmony.
Someone tries to persuade another person by reminding them of past experiences together. Which persuasive appeal is this?
Pathos (appeal to emotion / relationship)
You read the word “adopting” in a passage describing someone taking up new habits. What is the general definition of the word in this context?
Taking on or accepting
When a character’s spoken words indirectly reveal their hidden intentions, this is called what literary technique?
Subtext
If a character suddenly agrees to something after resisting earlier, what can a reader infer about their emotional state?
They might be tired, resigned, or wanting peace.
If a character refuses to compromise in a story,
what inference can readers make about the character’s personality or priorities?
They value control, tradition, or their principles.
A character leaves out information because they know it would hurt their argument. Which persuasive strategy is this an example of?
Omission / Cherry Picking (Propaganda)
If a single word could mean “pursuing,” “chasing,” or “seeking” as the definition, what strategy should you use to choose the correct meaning in a sentence?
Use context clues
If a line of dialogue causes another character to change their behavior, what function has the dialogue served in the story?
It advances the plot and/or allows for a change in characterization.
A narrator compliments a character’s qualities, yet their actions contradict the praise. What can the reader infer about the narrator?
The narrator may be unreliable or biased
Two characters argue: one wants to protect something valuable, the other wants to use it. What may be the motivation of the person who wants to use it?
They may want to enjoy the present moment, and instead value function over protection.
When a speaker compliments someone to gain approval, which persuasive technique is being used?
Flattery/Glittering Generalities/Pathos (appeal to emotions)
When an unfamiliar word is being used, yet you understand the overall feeling of the passage, what type of context clue can you use to understand the word?
The clue of tone.
A character responds to a tense topic with a joke. What can this reveal about their feelings toward the situation?
They are uncomfortable within the situation or the character may lack depth.
Readers see a character react strongly to a minor inconvenience. What inference might readers draw about that character’s stress level or circumstances?
They are under pressure or emotionally overwhelmed.
A character finally gives in during a disagreement, even though their beliefs haven’t changed. What inference can be made about the outcome of the conflict?
The argument was resolved externally, not internally.
A character tries three different strategies: reassurance, flattery, and withholding information. What does this variety reveal about their goal?
They are highly motivated / strongly invested in achieving their goal.
If a narrator describes something as “portentous,” what quality is the word most likely suggesting about the thing or person?
Overly serious, pompous, or self-important
When a character’s question causes the reader to understand the character’s fears or priorities, what analysis skill is being demonstrated?
It reveals characterization
If a character feels relieved after someone’s reaction, what can this reveal about their expectations before the reaction occurred?
The character expected the other to have a negative or stressful response.