Parts of Plot
What is the part of the story that establishes the setting, characters, and situation?
A. Climax
B. Rising Action
C. Exposition
D. Resolution
C. Exposition
As the sun began to set over the campsite, Lily whispered to the group to “keep their voices down” as they gathered around the fire.
What is the meaning of the phrase “keep their voices down” as it is used in the sentence?
A) Sing loudly
B) Speak quietly
C) Laugh openly
D) Argue intensely
B) Speak quietly
“Jacob always remained calm during meetings, no matter how intense the discussions got.”
The word "calm" most likely suggests Jacob is:
A) Anxious
B) Uninterested
C) Relaxed
D) Impulsive
C) Relaxed
The benefits of daily exercise are undeniable. Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, boosts mental well-being, and increases overall life expectancy. While some may argue that exercise is too time-consuming, the long-term advantages far outweigh the initial time investment.
Question:
Which sentence from the passage presents the main claim?
A) "Regular physical activity improves cardiovascular health, boosts mental well-being, and increases overall life expectancy."
B) "While some may argue that exercise is too time-consuming, the long-term advantages far outweigh the initial time investment."
C) "The benefits of daily exercise are undeniable."
D) "Exercise can be difficult to incorporate into a busy schedule."
C) "The benefits of daily exercise are undeniable."
What is an author's main argument called?
The claim
What's the end of the story called? This is the final part of the plot diagram.
A. Exposition
B. Climax
C. Falling Action
D. Resolution
D. Resolution
During the soccer match, Coach Ramirez urged the team to "pick up the pace" after the opposing team scored a goal.
What is the meaning of the phrase "pick up the pace" as it is used in the sentence?
A) Slow down and take a break
B) Increase speed and effort
C) Argue with the referee
D) Celebrate the opponent’s goal
B) Increase speed and effort
Sophia’s determination and commitment to her art pushed her to practice for hours each day. She rarely took breaks, always striving to improve her skills.
Question:
What do the words "determination" and "commitment" suggest about Sophia?
A) A sudden inspiration
B) A strong dedication
C) A casual interest
D) A lack of motivation
B) A strong dedication
In recent years, the debate over the impact of social media on mental health has intensified. Some argue that platforms like Instagram and Twitter contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression, especially among younger users. However, others believe that when used responsibly, social media can foster meaningful connections and provide support networks. Despite differing opinions, the evidence increasingly points to a correlation between excessive social media use and mental health issues.
Question:
Which sentence from the passage presents the central claim?
A) "Some argue that platforms like Instagram and Twitter contribute to feelings of loneliness and depression, especially among younger users."
B) "However, others believe that when used responsibly, social media can foster meaningful connections and provide support networks."
C) "In recent years, the debate over the impact of social media on mental health has intensified."
D) "The evidence increasingly points to a correlation between excessive social media use and mental health issues."
D) "The evidence increasingly points to a correlation between excessive social media use and mental health issues."
What is the other side of an argument called?
The counterargument
What is the highest moment of tension in a story called? This is also called the turning point?
The Climax
Passage:
The mountain climbers knew they had to "weather the storm" if they wanted to reach the summit. Despite the howling winds and freezing temperatures, they remained steadfast and pushed forward.
Question:
Which sentence from the passage is most helpful for determining the meaning of the phrase "weather the storm" as it is used in the paragraph?
A) "The mountain climbers knew they had to 'weather the storm' if they wanted to reach the summit."
B) "Despite the howling winds and freezing temperatures, they remained steadfast and pushed forward."
C) "The climbers decided to turn back and wait for clearer weather."
D) "They celebrated once the storm finally cleared."
B) "Despite the howling winds and freezing temperatures, they remained steadfast and pushed forward."
Despite numerous setbacks and repeated failures, Marcus's resilience and perseverance never wavered. He continued refining his approach, convinced that success was within reach.
Question:
What do the words "resilience" and "perseverance" suggest about Marcus?
A) A tendency to give up easily
B) A relentless determination to overcome obstacles
C) A fear of making mistakes
D) A desire for immediate success
B) A relentless determination to overcome obstacles
The rise in global temperatures due to human activity has been a topic of scientific concern for decades. While some critics argue that climate change is part of a natural cycle, the overwhelming consensus among climate scientists is that human actions, such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels, have accelerated these changes. Addressing these issues through sustainable practices and policies is essential to mitigate further environmental damage.
Question:
Which sentence from the passage presents the main claim?
A) "While some critics argue that climate change is part of a natural cycle, the overwhelming consensus among climate scientists is that human actions, such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels, have accelerated these changes."
B) "The rise in global temperatures due to human activity has been a topic of scientific concern for decades."
C) "Addressing these issues through sustainable practices and policies is essential to mitigate further environmental damage."
D) "Some critics argue that climate change is part of a natural cycle."
A) "While some critics argue that climate change is part of a natural cycle, the overwhelming consensus among climate scientists is that human actions, such as deforestation and burning fossil fuels, have accelerated these changes."
What are the facts, statistics, and quotes used to support your reasons called?
The evidence
This part of the story builds tension and introduces minor conflicts that develop the characters. It leads to the story's climax.
The rising action.
Passage:
The detective knew he had to "connect the dots" to solve the mystery. He carefully examined the clues and looked for patterns that would reveal the truth. Despite his efforts, the case remained unsolved for months.
Question:
Which sentence from the passage is most helpful for determining the meaning of the phrase "connect the dots" as it is used in the paragraph?
A) "The detective knew he had to 'connect the dots' to solve the mystery."
B) "He carefully examined the clues and looked for patterns that would reveal the truth."
C) "The suspect refused to answer any more questions."
D) "The case had remained unsolved for months."
B) "He carefully examined the clues and looked for patterns that would reveal the truth."
Passage:
Elena’s unwavering dedication and meticulous attention to detail allowed her to overcome the complexities of the project. Even when the tasks seemed insurmountable, she persisted with a focused determination, knowing that every small effort would contribute to the larger goal.
Question:
What do the words "unwavering dedication" and "meticulous attention to detail" suggest about Elena?
A) She is easily distracted by small obstacles.
B) She takes a cautious, overly careful approach to tasks.
C) She remains steadfast and methodical in her pursuit of success.
D) She avoids challenges that might disrupt her routine.
C) She remains steadfast and methodical in her pursuit of success.
Many cities around the world are facing water shortages due to overuse and climate change. While some argue that technology can solve these issues through innovations like desalination, experts warn that conservation and better management of existing water resources are more effective long-term solutions. Investing in water-saving infrastructure and promoting responsible usage will help preserve this vital resource for future generations.
Question:
Which sentence from the passage presents the main claim?
A) "Many cities around the world are facing water shortages due to overuse and climate change."
B) "Investing in water-saving infrastructure and promoting responsible usage will help preserve this vital resource for future generations."
C) "While some argue that technology can solve these issues through innovations like desalination, experts warn that conservation and better management of existing water resources are more effective long-term solutions."
D) "Technology can solve water shortage problems with innovations like desalination."
C) "While some argue that technology can solve these issues through innovations like desalination, experts warn that conservation and better management of existing water resources are more effective long-term solutions."
Which of the following must you use when using someone else's information?
A. In-text summaries
B. In-text signal
C. In-text citations
D. In-text quotations
C. In-text citations
This occurs immediately after the climax and begins to resolve the story.
The falling action
Passage:
As the company faced financial challenges, the CEO emphasized the need to "tighten their belts" and make strategic cuts to stay afloat. Department heads were instructed to reduce spending and focus on essential operations only.
Question:
Which sentence from the passage is most helpful for determining the meaning of the phrase "tighten their belts" as it is used in the paragraph?
A) "As the company faced financial challenges, the CEO emphasized the need to 'tighten their belts' and make strategic cuts to stay afloat."
B) "The board of directors remained optimistic despite the setbacks."
C) "Department heads were instructed to reduce spending and focus on essential operations only."
D) "Employee morale remained high, even with the budget cuts."
C) "Department heads were instructed to reduce spending and focus on essential operations only."
Passage:
Despite facing constant challenges and criticism, Arthur's tenacity and intellectual curiosity drove him to delve deeper into his research. He refused to be discouraged by setbacks, believing that every failure was merely a stepping stone toward a greater discovery.
Question:
What do the words "tenacity" and "intellectual curiosity" suggest about Arthur?
A) He is quick to abandon projects that don't show immediate results.
B) He approaches challenges with determination and a thirst for knowledge.
C) He is indifferent to the outcomes of his work as long as it is easy.
D) He avoids conflict and prefers to follow established paths.
B) He approaches challenges with determination and a thirst for knowledge.
The debate over the effectiveness of online education has been ongoing for years. Proponents highlight its flexibility and accessibility, arguing that students can learn at their own pace, regardless of location. However, critics argue that online education lacks the personal interaction and hands-on experiences found in traditional classroom settings. Despite these differing views, research increasingly shows that when implemented with proper resources and support, online learning can be as effective, if not more so, than in-person instruction.
Question:
Which sentence from the passage presents the central claim?
A) "Proponents highlight its flexibility and accessibility, arguing that students can learn at their own pace, regardless of location."
B) "Critics argue that online education lacks the personal interaction and hands-on experiences found in traditional classroom settings."
C) "Despite these differing views, research increasingly shows that when implemented with proper resources and support, online learning can be as effective, if not more so, than in-person instruction."
D) "The debate over the effectiveness of online education has been ongoing for years."
C) "Despite these differing views, research increasingly shows that when implemented with proper resources and support, online learning can be as effective, if not more so, than in-person instruction."
Some people believe that renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, are too expensive to implement on a large scale. However, proponents of green energy argue that the long-term environmental and economic benefits far outweigh the initial costs, and that the technology is improving rapidly, making it more affordable every year.
Question:
What is the rebuttal in this passage?
A) "Some people believe that renewable energy sources, like solar and wind power, are too expensive to implement on a large scale."
B) "The long-term environmental and economic benefits far outweigh the initial costs."
C) "Proponents of green energy argue that the technology is improving rapidly, making it more affordable every year."
D) "Renewable energy sources are too expensive."
C) "Proponents of green energy argue that the technology is improving rapidly, making it more affordable every year."