Reading Comprehension
What is the main idea of a text?
The central point or most important concept of a text.
What does "infer" mean?
To figure out something that isn't directly stated using evidence and reasoning.
What three elements make up a strong argument? (Hint: C-E-R.)
Claim, Evidence, Reasoning.
Choose the correctly punctuated sentence:
a) I went to the store, and bought milk.
b) I went to the store and bought milk.
b) I went to the store and bought milk.
Name three possible author's purposes.
To inform, persuade, or entertain.
Name two types of conflict in a story.
Internal (character vs. self) and External (character vs. character, society, nature, etc.).
In the sentence, "The girl's retort was sharp and biting," what does "retort" most likely mean?
A quick, sharp reply.
What is the author's purpose if they are trying to convince you of something?
To persuade.
What is a run-on sentence?
Two or more independent clauses incorrectly joined without proper punctuation or conjunction.
What word best describes the tone of a horror story? (Give one example.)
Ominous, eerie, suspenseful, etc.
In an informational text, what feature helps you quickly find key points? (Hint: Think about the layout.)
Headings, subheadings, bolded text, or bullet points.
Find the meaning of "melancholy" based on this sentence:
"After losing the championship, the team walked off the field with melancholy expressions."
Sadness or sorrow.
Define "counterclaim" in an argument.
A viewpoint that opposes the writer’s main claim.
Fix this sentence:
"she dont like apples but he do"
"She doesn't like apples, but he does."
If an author uses sarcastic tone, how does that affect the meaning of the text?
Sarcastic tone can make the writing seem mocking or humorous but can also show criticism.
Explain how the setting can influence the plot of a story.
Setting affects plot by influencing characters' actions, mood, and available choices (e.g., a war setting may cause danger and urgency).
Identify the meaning of "elusive" in this sentence:
"Success remained elusive, no matter how hard she tried."
Hard to catch, find, or achieve.
What makes evidence in an argument "credible"?
Comes from trustworthy, reliable, unbiased sources.
When do you use a semicolon (;) instead of a comma?
Use a semicolon to join two related independent clauses without a conjunction.
Example: I love pizza; it's my favorite food.
Identify the author’s purpose:
"An article detailing the effects of smoking on lung health."
To inform.
Stop people from smoking
In literary analysis, what is the difference between a theme and a central idea?
Theme = the underlying message or lesson.
Central idea = what the text is mainly about.
Explain the difference between a word's denotation and connotation.
Denotation = Dictionary definition. Direct
Connotation = Emotional or cultural meaning beyond the literal. Implied
In an argumentative essay, how can an emotional appeal (pathos) strengthen or weaken an argument?
Pathos (emotional appeal) can strengthen by creating sympathy or urgency, but it can weaken if it seems manipulative or lacks facts.
Identify the subject-verb agreement error:
"Neither the players nor the coach are ready for the game."
Subject-verb agreement error =
Correction:
"Neither the players nor the coach is ready for the game."
How can an author's word choice create a positive or negative tone?
Positive words create a cheerful tone; negative words create a sad or angry tone.