Reading Literature
What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?
A simile uses "like" or "as" to compare two unlike things, while a metaphor directly states that one thing is another.
What is the purpose of a heading or subheading in a non-fiction text?
To organize information and give the reader a preview of what the section will be about.
What is an antonym for the word "joyful"?
Sad, sorrowful, unhappy, miserable.
What are the three parts of a complete sentence?
Subject, verb (or predicate), and a complete thought.
What is active listening?
Paying full attention to what someone is saying, both verbally and nonverbally.
In a story, what is the climax?
The turning point of the story; the moment of greatest tension or excitement.
If you're reading an article about the history of the internet, and you come across a word you don't know, what text feature might help you understand it?
A glossary or footnotes.
What does the idiom "raining cats and dogs" mean?
It's raining very heavily.
What is the purpose of a topic sentence in a paragraph?
It states the main idea of the paragraph.
When giving a presentation, why is eye contact important?
It shows engagement, helps connect with the audience, and makes you appear more confident.
Explain the difference between first-person and third-person point of view
First-person uses "I" and the narrator is a character in the story. Third-person uses "he," "she," "they," and the narrator is outside the story.
What is the main difference between fact and opinion?
A fact can be proven true, while an opinion is a belief or feeling that cannot be proven.
Give an example of personification
(Any example where a non-human thing is given human qualities, e.g., "The wind howled," "The sun smiled.")
Correct the following sentence: "Me and him went to the store."
"He and I went to the store."
What is the purpose of asking clarifying questions during a discussion?
To ensure you understand what someone means or to get more specific information.
What is a theme in literature, and how is it different from the main idea?
A theme is the universal message or lesson of a story (e.g., friendship, courage). The main idea is what the text is mostly about (e.g., a summary of the plot).
What does it mean to summarize an informational text, and what should a good summary include?
To give a brief statement of the main points. It should include the main idea and key supporting details, but not every single detail.
What is a hyperbole? Give an example.
An extreme exaggeration. (e.g., "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.")
What are transition words, and why are they important in writing? Give two examples.
Words or phrases that connect ideas and help writing flow smoothly (e.g., however, therefore, in addition, first, next).
You're working on a group project. What are two ways you can contribute constructively to the discussion?
Share ideas, listen respectfully, ask questions, offer solutions, stay on topic, encourage others.
Describe how a character's actions, thoughts, and dialogue can help you understand their traits.
Their actions show what they do. Their thoughts reveal their inner feelings and motivations. Their dialogue shows how they interact with others and what they say.
How can a reader determine an author's purpose for writing an informational text (e.g., to inform, persuade, entertain)?
By analyzing the language, tone, types of evidence used, and what the author is trying to achieve with the text.
Using context clues, what does the word benevolent likely mean in this sentence: "The benevolent principal donated money to help students buy new books."
Kind, generous, charitable.
Explain the difference between show, don't tell in writing, and give an example.
Instead of directly stating something (telling), you use vivid details and actions to allow the reader to infer it (showing).
What is the difference between verbal communication and nonverbal communication? Give an example of each.
Verbal communication uses words (e.g., speaking, writing). Nonverbal communication uses body language, facial expressions, gestures (e.g., nodding, smiling, crossing arms).