Parts of Speech
Find the NOUN:
The loud car woke me up last night.
The dog chased the ball
S = The dog
V = chased
O = the ballMany teenagers enjoy spending time on social media. They use it to chat with friends, share photos, and keep up with trends. While it can be entertaining, too much time online may be distracting.
Social media is popular with teenagers but can be distracting if overused.
Define "repetition." Create your own example of "repetition" for double points.
word, phrase, or sentence is repeated to add emphasis
Lila always shared her toys with the other children in her class. Even when she wanted to play alone, she made sure everyone had a turn. Her classmates loved spending time with her, and the teacher often praised her for being kind.
Question: What is the main theme of this passage?
A) Being kind to others makes the world a better place.
B) Children who share toys will always be popular.
C) Following teachers’ rules leads to rewards.
D) People should only consider their own happiness first.
A) Being kind to others makes the world a better place.
(B sounds plausible because popularity is mentioned, but the real theme is about kindness.)
This Netflix series features a group of kids fighting supernatural forces in Hawkins, Indiana.
Stranger Things
Identify the VERB:
I dreamed of pancakes and pho during class.
dreamed
The little girl read a book
S = The little girl
V = read
O = a book
Reading can expand a person’s imagination. Books allow readers to explore new worlds, experience different perspectives, and learn about cultures they might never encounter. People who read regularly often develop better critical thinking skills.
Reading broadens imagination and improves thinking skills.
Define "simile." Create your own example of "simile" for double points.
comparing two unlike things using "like" or "as"
During the summer, Miguel spent every day practicing soccer. At first, he often missed the ball or tripped over his own feet. But he kept going, determined to improve. By the end of the season, he had become one of the best players on the team.
Question: What is the main theme of this passage?
A) Persistence and effort can help you achieve your goals.
B) Only naturally talented people can succeed in sports.
C) Practicing every day guarantees success in everything.
D) Winning is more important than learning from mistakes.
A) Persistence and effort can help you achieve your goals.
(C is tempting, but “guarantees success in everything” is too extreme; the passage is about perseverance, not certainty.)
This 2020 album by a Canadian artist broke streaming records and features songs like “Blinding Lights.”
The Weeknd
Identify the ADVERB in the sentence:
Our team completely crushed the opposition.
completely
My brother and sister built a sandcastle.
S = My brother and sister
V = built
O = a sandcastle
Urban areas often face challenges with pollution and overcrowding. Cities attract many people for work and education, but heavy traffic, industrial waste, and noise can harm both the environment and residents’ health. Effective planning and green initiatives can help reduce these problems.
Cities face environmental and health challenges, but planning and green initiatives can help.
Define "personification." Create your own example of "personification" for double points.
giving something nonhuman human-like qualities.
Anna found an old diary in the attic. As she read through its pages, she realized the writer had faced many challenges but always found hope in the smallest things: a blooming flower, a kind smile, or a warm meal. The diary inspired Anna to appreciate the little joys in her own life.
Question: What is the main theme of this passage?
A) Appreciating small joys can help you find hope even during hard times.
B) Diaries are the best way to learn about history.
C) Life is full of challenges that cannot be overcome.
D) Learning about someone else’s life has no real value.
A) Appreciating small joys can help you find hope even during hard times.
(B might distract because a diary is mentioned, but it’s not the theme.)
The viral trend where users transform from “ugly” to “attractive” in one quick transition video is often tagged with this hashtag.
#GlowUp
Identify the PREPOSITIONS in the sentence:
Our cute dog slept on the bed after we left.
on, after
The incredible teacher explained the lesson to the intelligent students.
S = The incredible teacher
V = explained
O = the lessonThroughout history, literature has reflected society’s values and struggles. From the works of Shakespeare to contemporary novels, authors have used stories to question authority, challenge norms, and explore human behavior. By examining these texts, readers gain insight into both historical and modern social issues.
Literature reveals society’s values and challenges, helping readers understand social issues
Define "hyperbole." Create your own definition of "hyperbole" for double points.
intentional exaggeration to create an effect
In a town where everyone followed the same routine, Sam often felt out of place. He loved painting and making music while others focused solely on work and chores. At first, he tried to conform, but his creativity always drew him back. Eventually, the town began to admire Sam’s unique talents and realized the value of embracing individuality.
Question: What is the main theme of this passage?
A) Expressing your individuality can inspire others and be valuable.
B) Conforming to social norms is the safest way to succeed.
C) Creativity is only worthwhile if others appreciate it immediately.
D) Following routines is more important than pursuing personal interests.
A) Expressing your individuality can inspire others and be valuable.
(B and D sound reasonable at first glance, but the passage celebrates Sam’s uniqueness.)
In Pokémon games, this type is strong against Grass, Bug, and Ice types but weak against Water, Rock, and Ground types.
Fire-type
Identify the CONJUNCTION:
Should we go to the waterpark, or should we visit the space museum?or
After school, the curious students carefully completed their science project.
S = The curious students
V = completed
O = their science project
Scientific advancements have transformed human life in ways unimaginable just a century ago. Medical innovations, digital technology, and renewable energy developments have increased life expectancy, altered communication, and reshaped economies. However, these changes also raise ethical and environmental questions that societies must address.
Scientific progress has greatly improved life but also brings ethical and environmental challenges.
language that activates any of your five senses (sight, smell, taste, hearing, touch)
The forest had grown quiet over the decades. Where once animals thrived and rivers ran clear, there was now emptiness and broken branches. A group of villagers decided to plant trees and restore the land, teaching their children to care for it. Years later, life returned to the forest, proving that even the smallest efforts could heal what seemed lost.
Question: What is the main theme of this passage?
A) Caring for the environment can lead to positive changes over time.
B) Nature will always restore itself eventually without human effort.
C) Human intervention often makes things worse.
D) Teaching children about responsibility is more important than taking action.
A) Caring for the environment can lead to positive changes over time.
(B sounds plausible, but the passage emphasizes human action as the reason for restoration.)
What is the first and last name of Bruce Wayne's butler?
Alfred Pennyworth