Grammar & Usage
Literary Terms
Reading Comprehension
Writing Skills
Figurative Language
100

Choose the correct form of “they’re”, “their” and “there”:

“_________ going to the store.”

They’re going to the store.

100

What is the definition of a theme?

The underlying message of the story. 

100

What is the main idea?

The central and most important point the author is trying to make 

(This is different from theme as main ideas are usually specific to a story, and themes are universal lessons)

100

Which is a better topic sentence?

A) Students should be allowed to use cell phones in schools everywhere for multiple reasons.

B) Cellphone usage should be allowed in school for safety reasons.

B) Cellphone usage should be allowed in school for safety reasons.

100

What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?

Both are dramatic comparisons, but similes use “like”, “as”, or “than”.

200

What is the subject of this sentence:

The student asked the teacher a question.

Student

200

What is a protagonist?

The main character of the story.

200

What is the tone of this sentence:

“The rolled her eyes and walked away quickly, slamming the door behind her.”

angry/frustrated

200

What is a thesis statement?

A sentence or two that clearly states the main point of the essay. It should include the topic, the claim and the reason(s).

Ex: Social media has a negative impact on teenagers because it contributes to poor mental health and reduces face-to-face communication skills.


200

What figurative language is this an example of?

“The flowers danced in the wind.”

Personification

300

What does the word significance mean?

Importance 

300

What point of view uses “I” and “me”?

First-person 

300

What 2 things should you use when making an inference?

1. Clues from the text

2. What you already know 

300

What is the purpose of a transition word?

To help ideas and sentences flow smoothly from one to the next.

Examples: Therefore, In addition, Firstly, However, etc.

300

What is imagery?

The author uses descriptive language that appeals to the readers’ senses, and paints a picture for them.

400

Fix this sentence:

He don’t like scary movies.

He doesn’t like scary movies.

400

What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization?

Direct characterization is when the author tells the reader what a character is like (e.g., “She was kind and generous”), while indirect characterization shows the character’s traits through actions, dialogue, thoughts, or how other characters respond to them.


400

What does it mean to annotate a text?

To take notes while reading— marking important parts, questions, or reactions. 

400

Select the correct answer

A) The title of a novel should be in quotation marks, and the title of short stories/poems should be italicized.

B) The title of a novel should be italicized, and the title of short stories/poems should be in quotation marks.

B) The title of a novel should be italicized, and the title of short stories/poems should be in quotation marks.

400

What is a hyperbole?

An extreme exaggeration 

500

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence: 

A) She tutors for math, and ELA.

B) I am going to my friends, and we are going to play video games.


B) I am going to my friends, and we are going to play video games.

500

What is a motif

A motif is a recurring image, symbol, phrase, or idea that helps develop or reinforce the theme, which is the central message or underlying meaning of the story.

In Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, the recurring motif of light and darkness (e.g., “Juliet is the sun,” “more light and light, more dark and dark our woes”) helps reinforce the theme of love being beautiful but fleeting and often doomed in a world full of conflict.


500

Explain symbolism, and provide an example from a short story, book, or poem you have read. 

Authors represent ideas or concepts through objects, characters or events.

Examples will vary.

500

Revise this sentence:

because of the rain my flight to canada were delayed.

Because of the rain, my flight to Canada was delayed.

500

What type of figurative language are these words an example of:

Bing bop boom boom boom bop bam

Onomatopoeia