Elements of Writing
Author's Craft
Grammar
Riddles/Brain Teasers
100
In fiction, a __________ is a universal idea, life lesson, or message explored throughout a work of literature. Unlike the plot, which is a sequence of events, the ___________ addresses the "why" and gives the story a deeper purpose and connection to universal human experiences, such as love, betrayal, or the struggle for survival.
theme
100
Identify the example of "structure craft" and explain its effect:
"He would never, ever be coming home."
This sentence stands alone as its own paragraph to add emphasis and importance to the fact that Jermaine has passed away.
100
Which sentence uses commas correctly?
- A. When I get older, I will be able to drive.
- B. When I get older I will be able to drive.
- C. When, I get older, I will be able to drive.
- D. When I get older I will be, able to drive.
- A. When I get older, I will be able to drive.
100
Which is heavier: a ton of bricks or a ton of feathers?
Neither; they both weigh the same... a ton!
200
Which is an example of a theme?
A) Jonas learns the importance of individuality and not just following others without questioning.
B) In The Giver, the society conforms completely to what the leaders want, and do not question anything, which negatively impacts their lives.
C) It is important to think for yourself and be an individual, rather than simply conform.
D) Individualism
C) It is important to think for yourself and be an individual, rather than simply conform.
200
Identify at least two examples of figurative language:
"The storm was fierce, and the wind howled like a wild beast. The trees bent under its power, and the rain hammered down like thousands of tiny drums. It felt as if the sky itself was angry, throwing a tantrum that threatened to destroy everything in its path".
wind howled like a wild beast = simile
the rain hammered down like thousands of tiny drums = simile
sky itself was angry, throwing a tantrum = personification
200
Which choice correctly uses correct capitalization and punctuation?
- A. i saw Ronny run like the wind.
- B. I saw Ronny run like the wind.
- C. I saw ronny run like the wind?
- D. i saw Ronny run like the Wind.
- B. I saw Ronny run like the wind.
200
In what location does Friday come before Thursday?
The dictionary
300
______________ refers to the literal dictionary definition of a word.
______________ refers to the emotional feelings or associations the word carries.
HINT: both words end with "-notation"
Denotation refers to the literal dictionary definition of a word.
Connotation refers to the emotional feelings or associations the word carries.
300
On your whiteboard, come up with a short passage (2-3 sentences) that uses figurative language and a unique example of punctuation that demonstrates craft.
Answers will vary.
300
Identify and correct the mistake(s):
Today is opening day the Mets are playing against the Pirates I hope they win.
It is a run on, with three independent clauses.
Today is opening day
the Mets are playing against the Pirates
I hope they win
300
What occurs once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?
The letter "M"
400
Come up with an idea for a plot that would demonstrate the following theme:
While loyalty is important, sometimes loyalty to the wrong people can be dangerous.
Answers will vary
400
Giving human qualities to inanimate objects is a type of figurative language called _______________.
Example: Lightning danced in the sky.
Personification
400
Which sentence uses commas correctly with an introductory phrase?
- A. To be honest I think we should go, to the park today.
- B. To be honest, I think we should go to the park today.
- C. To be honest I think, we should go to the park today.
- D. To be honest I think we should go to the park, today.
- B. To be honest, I think we should go to the park today.
400
A man is trapped in a room with only two possible exits: two glass doors. Through the first door, there is a magnifying glass that turns the sun’s rays into a lethal fire. Through the second door, there is a fire-breathing dragon. How does he escape?
He waits until nighttime.
500
Identify a theme, along with key words:
The heavy iron gates of the silent city loomed before Elara, colder and darker than she ever imagined. Her heart hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird, and every instinct screamed at her to turn back to the safety of the village. If she did, she was safe; if she went through, she risked everything. But she thought of the forgotten people inside, shivering without hope, and the small, rusted key in her pocket felt suddenly heavy with duty. Elara didn't feel brave. Her knees shook, and her breathing labored. Yet, she moved forward, turning the key, knowing that if she didn't act, no one would.
Theme Identification: True courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision that something else is more important.
Supporting Evidence: "Her knees shook" (physical fear) versus "she moved forward, turning the key" (action) to show how the theme is developed.
500
Find four examples of figurative language:
The hallway was a winding river of students, pushing and pulling Julian toward his next class. He felt like he had been walking for a thousand years just to reach the science wing. His backpack, stuffed with heavy textbooks, weighed a ton on his aching shoulders. He sighed, knowing that his upcoming exam was like a dark cloud hanging over his entire afternoon.
hallway was a winding river = metaphor
walking for a thousand years = hyperbole
weighed a ton = hyperbole
exam was like a dark cloud = simile
500
Identify all three mistakes (punctuation, capitalization, run-on)
Professor Sterling stared at the glowing green liquid in the beaker. it was the most important discovery of his career? If the formula worked, he would finally win the Nobel Prize. However, he had to be careful not to spill a single drop. He reached for his goggles his hands were shaking with excitement.
it = It
? = .
"He reached for his goggles his hands were shaking with excitement" is a run-on and should be split after "goggles"
500
I have cities, but no houses. I have mountains, but no trees. I have oceans, rivers and lakes, but no water. What am I?
A map