What is the main idea of a passage?
The central point or message the author wants to convey
Define theme.
The underlying message or insight about life in a literary work.
What is ethos?
An appeal to the speaker’s credibility or character.
What makes a strong thesis statement?
It clearly states the claim and includes main supporting points.
What is a fragment?
An incomplete sentence missing a subject or verb.
Define inference in reading
A conclusion based on evidence and reasoning, not directly stated
What is symbolism?
Using an object or action to represent a deeper meaning.
What is pathos?
An appeal to the audience’s emotions.
Why is textual evidence important in writing?
It supports your ideas and strengthens your argument.
What is the correct form: "Their/There/They’re going to the library"?
They’re going to the library.
What should you look for to determine an author's tone?
Word choice, sentence structure, and attitude towards the subject
Define characterization.
The method an author uses to reveal a character’s traits.
What is logos?
An appeal to logic and reasoning.
What does it mean to revise for clarity?
To make your ideas more understandable and your writing more precise.
Fix the error: "The dog wagged it’s tail."
The dog wagged its tail.
When a question asks about the effect of a detail, what is it asking?
How a specific part contributes to the whole passage or meaning.
What is a motif?
A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story.
Define anaphora and give an example.
Repetition at the beginning of clauses (e.g., “I have a dream…”).
What is counterclaim and why include it?
An opposing viewpoint; including it shows awareness and strengthens your argument.
What is a run-on sentence?
Two or more complete sentences joined without proper punctuation.
What is the best strategy to understand a complex nonfiction text?
Annotate, reread, summarize, and identify structure and purpose.
What is the difference between simile and metaphor?
Simile uses “like” or “as”; metaphor makes a direct comparison.
What is the purpose of rhetorical questions?
To engage the reader and make them think without expecting an answer.
What are the steps in the writing process?
Prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.
Identify the error: "Each of the students have a pencil."
"Have" should be has to match the singular subject "Each."