Narrative Techniques
Poetry Elements & Figurative Language
Argumentative Techniques
Theme & Message
Think Like the Author
100

This narrative technique explains characters’ thoughts and motivations in a story.

What is characterization?

100

This poetic device involves comparing two unlike things using “like” or “as.”

What is a simile?

100

A statement that expresses an author’s position or belief is called this.

What is a claim?

100

The lesson or message an author wants readers to understand is called this.

What is theme?


100

Why might Kipling choose an animal as the hero in Rikki‑Tikki‑Tavi?

What is to highlight instinct, courage, and natural duty?

200

In Rikki‑Tikki‑Tavi, the conflict between Rikki‑tikki and the cobras is an example of this type of conflict.

What is character vs. character?

200

Language that helps readers see, hear, smell, or feel what is happening is called this.

What is imagery?

200

Facts, examples, or quotations used to support a claim are known as this.

What is evidence?

200

In The Wise Old Woman, wisdom is portrayed as more powerful than this trait.

 What is physical strength?

200

Why does Rod Serling set The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street in an ordinary neighborhood?

 What is to show how fear can affect anyone?

300

The sequence of events leading to the final battle with Nagaina is an example of this narrative structure.

What is rising action?

300

A repeated sound at the beginning of words is called this poetic technique.

What is alliteration?

300

An explanation that connects evidence back to the claim is called this.

What is reasoning?

300

Which theme appears in The Hunger Games and The Skin I’m In?

What is identity or resilience?

300

Why does Suzanne Collins use a dystopian-future setting in The Hunger Games?

What is to warn readers about power and control?

400

How does the garden setting affect Rikki‑tikki’s actions in the story?

What is it gives him something important to protect?

400

Why might an author use imagery instead of direct explanation when conveying emotion?

What is to allow readers to experience the feeling rather than be told?

400

In The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street, what does the author suggest about fear?

What is fear can cause people to turn on each other?

400

How does conflict help reveal theme in Rikki‑Tikki‑Tavi?

What is it shows courage, duty, and protection of community?

400

Why does The Skin I’m In use first‑person narration?

What is to help readers understand the character’s feelings?

500

Which technique helps readers understand Rikki‑tikki’s bravery without the author saying “he is brave”?

What is showing through actions?

500

How does figurative language make a poem or story more interesting to read?

What is it helps readers connect more deeply to the text?

500

Which technique strengthens an argument by addressing opposing viewpoints?

What is a counterclaim?

500

Why don’t authors usually state the theme directly at the beginning of a story?

What is to let readers discover it through events?

500

Across all texts read this year, why do authors place characters in conflict with society?

What is to challenge norms and reveal values, growth, and change?