Break it Down!
Say What?
Name that Story
Super Lit Devices
Wild Card
100

The prefix meaning "away, from".

What is “a-, ab-, abs-” ?

100

A feeling of intense happiness or excitement.

Glib, Susceptible, or Euphoria

Euphoria

100

"But the freezing rain kept coming. Tree branches glistened like glass. Then broke like glass."


What story is this from? What literary device is being used?

"What Happened During the Ice Storm"

Figurative Language (simile)

100

Language that appeals to the five senses.

Imagery

100

What kind of dog does Mrs. Massengale have? Extra 100 if you remember her name.

Golden Retriever, Susan

200

The root “bas” means what?

Low

200

This word means to clearly recognize, notice, or distinguish something.

Susceptible, Discern, Euphoria, Pretentious, Glib, Syntax, Connotation

 

Discern

200

“The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger."

What story is this from and what literary device is the author using?

"The Gift of the Magi"

Allusion

200

The central message or insight about life.

Theme

200

What literary device is used when the reader knows something a character doesn’t?

Dramatic irony

300

What does the prefix “circum-” mean? AND give an example word.

Around (e.g., circumference)

300

How would you describe someone who is pretentious?

Trying to seem more important or cultured than they really are.

300

"...suddenly the impulse to go down on all fours and simply run was too strong, reincarnating her body, rediscovering her animal body;"

What story is this quote from? What is significant about the author's use of the word reincarnating as opposed to transforming

"The Red Fox Fur Coat"

  • “Transforming” would imply she’s becoming something new.

  • “Reincarnating” implies she’s returning to something old and instinctive — like tapping into a wild, animal nature that’s been inside her all along.

This word choice emphasizes the power and intensity of her emotional connection to the fur coat and how it awakens a more instinctual, liberated self within her.

300

A fire station burns down. What type of irony is that?

Situational irony

300

What does the prefix “bi-” or “bis-” mean?

Two

400

The prefix “ad-” means “to” or “toward.” Give an example of a word that uses this prefix.

e.g., admit, advance, adhere

400

Easily influenced or affected by something.

Susceptible

400

""It’s the old story," he said. "Get the weapon, and you’ve got the man.""

What story is this quote from? What literary device is being used?

"Lamb to the Slaughter"

Dramatic Irony

400

What’s the difference between tone and mood?

Tone = author’s attitude; Mood = reader’s feeling

400

Which story begins with a mother and daughter walking to a new school on the first day of class?

"The First Day"

500

What does the root word "cap, capt" mean? Give an example.

Means "to take, seize."

capture, captivate, capacity

500

What does "glib" mean? Give part of speech as well (noun, verb, adjective, etc.)

Speaking in a smooth but insincere way.

500

“He looked a moment at his "unsteadfast footing," then let his gaze wander to the swirling water of the stream racing madly beneath his feet. A piece of dancing driftwood caught his attention and his eyes followed it down the current. How slowly it appeared to move! What a sluggish stream!” 

What story is this from? Why is it significant?

"An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge"

This moment is significant because it shows a shift in perspective. Time appears to slow down for the character, showing how his perception of reality is warping as he faces death.

500

Name one way an author can build suspense.

Foreshadowing, pacing, sensory detail, withholding info, non-linear plot development etc.

500

What prefix means “with” or “together”?

com-, con-