Theme & Purpose
What is a theme in literature?
The message, idea, or lesson the author conveys.
In the sentence, “The comedian’s remark was so absurd that the audience burst into laughter,” what does absurd most likely mean?
A. Serious
B. Confusing
C. Ridiculous
D. Dangerous
Ridiculous
What is the conflict in a story?
The main problem or struggle faced by the character(s).
What is text structure?
The way information or events are organized in a text.
Which sentence uses the comma correctly?
A. After school we went to the store, and bought snacks.
B. After school, we went to the store and bought snacks.
C. After school we went, to the store and bought snacks.
B. After school, we went to the store and bought snacks.
How can an author’s purpose affect the tone of a story?
The purpose shapes tone—to inform, to persuade, or to entertain
Read the definitions of conduct and choose the one that fits the sentence:
“The students will conduct an experiment in science class today.”
A. (noun) a person’s behavior
B. (verb) to lead or carry out
C. (noun) a type of musical performance
To lead or carry out
Which part of the plot introduces the characters, setting, and basic situation?
A. Climax
B. Exposition
C. Resolution
D. Falling Action
Exposition
Name two common types of text structure.
Cause and effect, problem and solution, sequence (chronological order), and compare and contrast
What does textual evidence mean?
Specific quotes or details from the text that support an inference, claim, or answer.
A story about a boy who learns to tell the truth likely has what theme?
Honesty is important / The truth always comes out.
Which definition of range is used in the sentence below?
“The price of the shoes can range from $40 to $120, depending on the brand.”
A. A large open area for animals
B. The difference between two numbers
C. To vary between limits
D. A kitchen appliance
To vary between limits
In a story, the climax is—
A. The end of the story
B. The moment the conflict is introduced
C. The turning point or most intense moment
D. A flashback that explains earlier events
The turning point or most intense moment
An author organizes a text by showing how two ideas are similar and different.
Which text structure is being used?
A. Cause and Effect
B. Compare and Contrast
C. Chronological Order
D. Problem and Solution
Compare and Contrast
How can a story’s setting contribute to the conflict?
A. It only describes the weather
B. It can create challenges that the characters must face
C. It usually doesn’t affect the plot
D. It only shows where the story end
B. It can create challenges that the characters must face.
How can plot structure help reveal a theme?
The way conflicts and resolutions unfold show what message the author wants to emphasize.
Select the best meaning of stern in the sentence:
“Ms. Lopez gave the class a stern warning after several students talked during the test.”
A. The back part of a boat
B. Serious and strict
C. A type of facial expression
D. Feeling confused
Serious and strict
Read the description and identify the narrative technique:
A character suddenly remembers something important from their past that explains their current behavior.
What technique is this?
Flashback
How can text features (like headings or graphs) help a reader?
They guide understanding and highlight important information.
Choose the sentence that uses a semicolon correctly:
A. I wanted to go to the game; but it was raining.
B. I wanted to go to the game; it was raining.
C. I wanted; to go to the game it was raining.
B. I wanted to go to the game; it was raining.
Identify two different purposes an author might have in one text.
To inform and to persuade; to entertain and to teach a moral.
Read the following sentence and choose the correct definition of merit:
“Her essay showed great merit, which is why it won first place.”
A. (verb) to deserve something
B. (noun) a reward someone receives
C. (noun) excellence or value
D. (verb) to judge someone harshly
Excellence or value
Place these plot elements in the correct order from first to last:
Falling Action, Climax, Rising Action, Resolution, Exposition
Exposition → Rising Action → Climax → Falling Action → Resolution
Why might an author choose to break a chapter into shorter sections with subheadings?
A. To make the text look longer
B. To confuse the reader on purpose
C. To guide the reader through key ideas and improve clarity
D. To avoid using transitions
To guide the reader through key ideas and improve clarity
A student claims: “The theme of the story is that courage requires sacrifice.”
Which piece of evidence best supports this claim?
A. “The setting of the story is a large, bustling city.”
B. “Maria hesitated but stepped in front of her friend to protect him.”
C. “The author uses flashbacks to show Maria’s childhood.”
D. “The story is written in first-person point of view.”
B. “Maria hesitated but stepped in front of her friend to protect him.”