Signposts
Word Study
Writing
Reading
100

Read the excerpt AND identify the signpost and its effect:
"Grandpa leaned forward in his rocking chair and looked directly into my eyes. 'Remember, son,' he said quietly, 'sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk away from a fight.'"
HINT: "Effects" mean either theme, character motivation, conflict, plot progression, character relationships, or character development

Words of the Wiser / Theme

100

What does -meta mean?

Beyond / change

100

Write a COMPOUND sentence that uses the coordinative conjunction (FANBOYS), "so."

Sentence must have 2 subjects (actors) and 2 verbs. Sentence must also have a comma before "so." EXAMPLE: I was tired, so I went home and took a nap.

100

Provide an example of "theme."

EX: Try your best, quitters never win, cherish your friends and family, be grateful for what you have, etc.

200

Read the excerpt AND identify the signpost and its effect:
"Marcus had always been afraid of dogs, so when he volunteered at the animal shelter, his friends couldn't believe it."
HINT: "Effects" mean either theme, character motivation, conflict, plot progression, character relationships, or character development

Contrasts and Contradictions / Character Development

200

What does viv / vit mean?

Life

200

Write a COMPOUND sentence that uses the coordinative conjunction (FANBOYS), "but."

Sentence must have 2 subjects (actors) and 2 verbs. Sentence must also have a comma before "but." EXAMPLE: I was tired, but I still had work to do.

200

Jake is Cassie's older brother. One day they are walking home from school when a cold front rolls in and the temperature drops 20 degrees. Jake is dressed more appropriately for the weather than Cassie. He takes off his hooded sweatshirt and offers it to her. She gratefully accepts. Jake is now colder, but he is happier.

What character trait does Jake demonstrate?

Considerate / Loving / Kind

300

Read the excerpt AND identify the signpost and its effect:
"Marcus had always been afraid of dogs, so when he volunteered at the animal shelter, his friends couldn't believe it."
HINT: "Effects" mean either theme, character motivation, conflict, plot progression, character relationships, or character development

Contrasts and Contradictions / Character Relationships

300

What does -nav mean?

ship / boat

300

Write a COMPOUND sentence that uses the coordinative conjunction (FANBOYS), "and."

Sentence must have 2 subjects (actors) and 2 verbs. Sentence must also have a comma before "but." EXAMPLE: I am tired, and I am hungry.

300

Craig is a football player training over the summer for next season. The coach demands that all players come in at 6:00 AM and lift weights until 8:00 AM, when practice begins. Craig gets there at 5:00 AM to begin his training.

What character trait does Craig demonstrate?

Dedicated / hard working / overachiever

400

Read the excerpt AND identify the signpost and its effect:
"Every time Carlos heard thunder, he would hide under his bed. Every storm brought back the same fear, the same racing heart, the same sweaty palms."
HINT: "Effects" mean either theme, character motivation, conflict, plot progression, character relationships, character traits, or character development

Memory Moment / Character Motivation or Conflict

400

What does -mar mean?

sea

400

Make the following sentence active: The athletes were yelled at by their coach.

The coach yelled at his/her athletes.

400

Jonathan invited a bunch of friends over to his house. He then talked to them for hours about all the trophies that he had won, his rare comic book collection, and how much money his dad makes. His friends did not enjoy their time at Jonathan's.

What character trait does Jonathan demonstrate?

Boastful / Cocky / Self-absorved / Oblivious

500

Read the excerpt AND identify the signpost and its effect:
"Coach Rivera pulled me aside after practice. 'Talent is just the beginning,' she told me. 'It's the hours nobody sees that make a champion.'"
HINT: "Effects" mean either theme, character motivation, conflict, plot progression, character relationships, character traits, or character development

Words of the Wiser / Theme

500

What does -sur / -super mean?

Above

500

Make the following passive sentence active: We can be defined by our actions.

Our actions define us.

500

What is the author's purpose in writing an advertisement for Doritos.

To persuade

600

Read the excerpt AND identify the signpost and its effect:
"Every day, I check the mailbox hoping for a letter. Every day, I'm disappointed. Every day, I tell myself tomorrow will be different."
HINT: "Effects" mean either theme, character motivation, conflict, plot progression, character relationships, character traits, or character development

Again and Again / Character traits (determination)

600

What part of speech does the suffix, -ity / -ty make a word? (verb / noun / adjective)

Noun

600

Which is the subject and which is the object in the following sentence? My mouth was burned by the hot soup.

Subject: Soup / Object: My mouth

600

What connotation does the word "frolick" have? (as in, to "frolic through a field of daisies")

Positive

700

Why do you think Superman is called "Superman?" Use the root word's meaning in your answer.

He is a man ABOVE all men

700

What is the adjective clause in the following sentence? My friend, who owns a pool, invited me over to her house.

Who has the pool

700

What is the author's purpose in writing an article recapping a tragic event?

To inform

800

Define metacognition using the word "beyond."

Thinking that goes beyond normal thinking.

800

What is the adjective clause in the following sentence? She is the woman whose dog is the friendliest.

Whose dog is the friendliest

800

Rocky's cousin brought him to a party. Rocky didn't know anyone at the party. Shortly after getting there, Rocky's cousin disappeared. Rocky made a lot of new friends at this party and had a great time.


What character trait does Rocky demonstrate?

Friendly / outgoing / sociable

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