Literary Elements
What point of view uses "I" and "we" to tell the story?
First-person
What is the difference between the main idea and supporting details?
The main idea is the central message, while supporting details provide evidence, examples, or explanations that develop the main idea.
What does the word "benevolent" mean based on the root "bene-"?
Kind, charitable, generous, since "bene-" means "good" or "well."
What is the purpose of an informational text?
To inform, explain, or teach the reader about a topic.
What is the main idea of a passage?
The main idea establishes the purpose and direction of the paragraph or passage.
The theme is what the author is trying to convey to the audience. (Theme would not be a correct answer for this question.)
Name one type of conflict in a story.
Man vs. Man, Man vs. Self, Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Society
Read this short passage: "Social media has changed the way people communicate. It allows instant messaging, video calls, and global connections. However, it can also lead to cyberbullying and misinformation." What is the main idea?
Social media has changed communication in both positive and negative ways.
Identify the type of figurative language: "The delicious smell of chocolate chip cookies followed me into the hallway."
Personification
"followed me"
What is the difference between fact and opinion?
A fact can be proven true, while an opinion is based on personal beliefs or feelings.
How can you tell if a detail in a passage is important?
It supports the main idea or the author's thesis statement and is repeated or emphasized.
What is a hyperbole? Provide an example.
Examples: School is prison. My cat is the devil. I have a mountain of homework to do tonight.
How is theme different from the main idea?
The main idea is specific to the story, while the theme is a universal message that applies beyond the text.
What are two different ways that we can determine the meaning of an unknown or unfamiliar word?
1. Use context clues
2. Look at the word parts (prefixes, roots, suffixes)
3. Look it up in a dictionary/online
What clue words help identify cause-and-effect relationships in nonfiction?
Words like "because," "therefore," "as a result," and "due to."
If an author never states something directly but hints at it, what is this called?
An inference
What are two different ways that a story's setting can affect a story's mood?
The time, place, and atmosphere can. . .
1. create emotions such as suspense, happiness, or sadness
2. influences the plot
3. influences the tone of of the story
4. may change a reader's engagement
5. changes how the character develops
What are three common themes in literature?
Examples:
Stand up for what you believe in.
Family and friends are the most important element in your life.
Be your true self.
Help others in their time of need.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Read the sentence: “The scientist postulated a new theory based on her research.” What does ‘postulated’ most likely mean?
Suggested or proposed
What role do the individual paragraphs, sentences, phrases, or words play?
Word order is an author's organization to support their main idea.
Summarize The Kite Runner in just three sentences!
The Kite Runner is about Amir, a Pashtun Muslim boy in Kabul, Afghanistan, and his Hassan, a Hazara boy; as they grow up, their friendship is tested by a traumatic event where Amir fails to protect Hassan. The Soviet-Afghan war separates Amir and Baba from Afghanistan, and Amir lives his young adult life in the United States where he meets his wife, Soraya. Years later, haunted by guilt, Amir travels back to Afghanistan to try to redeem himself by rescuing Hassan's son, Sohrab.
In The Kite Runner, the image of the kite plays a significant symbolic role throughout the story. Explain the symbolism of the kite.
The kites represent Amir's story of guilt and redemption. Amir’s relationship with kites reflects his personal journey — from betrayal and regret to the potential for healing and redemption, especially after winning the tournament and betraying Hassan. Kites represent Amir's childhood, and in the end, he shares a positive memory with Sohrab and the kite.
How can you determine the theme of a story?
Look at the conflicts, character development, and resolution. Ask, “What lesson does the character learn?” or “What message does this story send to the reader?”
Which of the following words has a negative connotation?
a) Determined
b) Stubborn
c) Persistent
d) Focused
Stubborn
What is the main idea:
Sleep plays a crucial role in a student’s ability to learn and retain information. Studies show that getting enough rest helps improve concentration, problem-solving skills, and memory. On the other hand, sleep deprivation can lead to difficulty focusing in class, lower test scores, and increased stress levels. Experts recommend that teenagers get at least 8–10 hours of sleep each night to function at their best. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule and reducing screen time before bed can help students improve their academic performance.
Sleep is important for academic success.
What are two things a reader can do to determine the tone of a passage?
1. Analyzing word choice
2. Analyzing sentence structure
3. Analyzing the author's attitude toward the subject
4. Determining the author's purpose