GRAMMAR
Which part of speech names a person, place, thing, or idea?
noun
This figure of speech compares two unlike things using the words "like" or "as."
simile
What is a theme in a story?
A theme is the moral or lesson of the story.
What does the prefix "un-" usually mean when added to a base word? Give an example.
Un means not or the opposite of. Examples: unable, untie, undo
What is a strong topic sentence supposed to do in a paragraph?
Introduce the main idea of the paragraph.
Correct this sentence: "me and my friend are going to the library."
My friend and I are going to the library.
Name the figure of speech that gives human traits to nonhuman things.
personification
What is one example of a theme?
trust, perseverance, greed, etc.
Define the word "context" as used in reading and give one way context helps determine word meaning.
"Context" is the words or sentences around an unfamiliar word that help show meaning; e.g., surrounding clues.
What is the purpose of a concluding sentence in a paragraph?
Restates or wraps up the main idea and may reflect or suggest next steps.
Identify the verb tense in this sentence: "She had finished her homework before dinner."
past tense
Identify the figure of speech in this sentence: "The thunder grumbled like an old man."
personification
Read this brief scenario: "A character keeps trying despite failing many times and finally succeeds." What theme might this illustrate?
Perseverance or determination
What is a synonym for "ancient"? Provide one example sentence using that synonym.
Synonym: "old" or "antique" or "aged"; Example: That mummy is ancient.
What must we do to the first sentence of each paragraph?
indent
How would we rewrite this run-on into two correct sentences: "The bell rang students ran out the door."
The bell rang. Students ran out the door.
Define "hyperbole" and give a short example a 6th grader might use.
Hyperbole is an extreme exaggeration; example: "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."
How is theme different from the plot of a story?
Plot is what happens; theme is the deeper message about life or people that emerges from those events.
Explain the difference between denotation and connotation.
Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word. Connotation is the literal meaning of a word.
How many sentences should be in a paragraph?
Each paragraph should have between 3-5 sentences.
Use a semicolon between two related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction. Example: "I finished my homework; I can watch TV now."
Explain the difference between metaphor and simile and give one original example of each.
Difference: Simile uses "like" or "as"; metaphor states something is another. Examples: Simile — "Her smile was bright like the sun." Metaphor — "Her smile was the sun."
How do we determine the theme of a text?
Read carefully to see what lesson the character or characters in the story learn.
If you are asked to analyze something, what does that mean?
Analyze means to look at something closely and to study it.
Before you submit an essay, what are at least two things you should check for?
Capitalization, punctuation, spelling, indent