Literary Elements
A story's setting refers to these 3 elements
Where the story happens, when it happens, and the circumstances it happens in
These are the most common purposes an author might have for their writing
To persuade, entertain, or inform
BONUS: To reflect (+100 pts)
Theme in a text can best be defined as...
A complete message about life that runs through the entire text –not just a one word topic
The phrase 'Time is a thief' is an example of this type of figurative language
Metaphor
Central idea in a text can best be defined as...
The most important idea that the author wants you to understand
This term refers to who is telling the story (1st, 2nd, and 3rd)
Point of View (POV)
The term rhetorical appeals refers to these
Logos, pathos, ethos
Write a theme statement for the scenario below:
A story where two friends from rival groups learn to trust each other.
-Friendship over prejudice
-Don't Judge a book by its cover
-Learn to trust others, even if you may not like them
(I will accept other answers if they fit)
The phrase 'She sells sea shells by the sea shore' uses this type of figurative language.
Alliteration
List out at least 2 of the types of supports that an author can use to get their central idea across
-Facts and Statistics
-Anecdotes
-Examples
-Expert Testimony
This term refers to a character or individual's unique view of events, which is shaped by their thoughts, feelings, background, and relationships
Perspective
Identify and explain the author's purpose for writing this excerpt (be specific!!):
Honeybees do more than make honey. They play a critical role in pollinating crops like apples, almonds, and blueberries. Without them, many of the foods we eat would become harder to grow. In recent years, honeybee populations have declined due to habitat loss, pesticides, and disease. Scientists and farmers are working together to protect these important insects.
To inform readers about the importance of honeybees
Write a theme statement for the scenario below:
A girl moves to a new town, struggles to fit in, but learns to be herself.
-Finding your identity
-Be true to yourself
-You don't have to change who you are to make new friends
(I will accept other answers if they fit)
Identify the figurative language used below (there may be more than one):
Life is like a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams,
For when dreams go,
Life is a barren field frozen with snow.
—Langston Hughes, “Dreams”
-Simile: Life is like a broken-winged bird
-Metaphor: Life is a barren field frozen with snow
Identify the type of support being used for this central idea and explain if it is strong or weak:
"I’ve noticed that when I don’t get enough sleep, I feel cranky and tired the next day. I also remember my friend telling me that after she started sleeping more, she felt more energetic and was able to focus better. So, it’s clear that getting enough sleep is important for feeling good."
-Anecdotal evidence/personal experience
-Weak: Personal stories are generally considered weak because it only gives us one individual's experience, and may not apply to most people.
Identify the setting, characters, and plot points in the excerpt below:
The hallway of the old school was silent, lit only by the flickering overhead lights. Mia gripped the small bronze key in her palm, her heart pounding. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure no one was watching before slipping through the door marked "Storage – Do Not Enter."
Character(s): Mia
Setting: An old, dimly lit school hallway
Plot Point: Mia secretly enters a restricted room with a key.
Identify and explain the rhetorical appeals in the excerpt below (be specific!!):
Every year, over 8 million tons of plastic waste end up in our oceans, choking marine life and destroying ecosystems. Imagine a sea turtle swallowing a plastic bag, mistaking it for food. This isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a moral one. If we don’t act now, the damage may be irreversible.
Pathos – Emotional imagery like “a sea turtle swallowing a plastic bag” and “it’s a moral issue” appeals to the reader’s feelings
Logos – The statistic “over 8 million tons of plastic waste” is factual evidence supporting the argument
Write a theme statement for the excerpt below:
“But there’s a lot of ugly things in this world, son. I wish I could keep ‘em all away from you. That’s never possible. […] But do one thing for me, if you will: try to keep the same perspective that you had when you were a child. Don’t let the world make you bitter.” -To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee
-Loss of innocence
-Growing up can be harsh/brutal
Identify the figurative language used below (there may be more than one):
The wind stood up and gave a shout.
He whistled on his fingers and
Kicked the withered leaves about
And thumped the branches with his hand
And said he'd kill and kill and kill.
—James Stephens, “The Wind”
Personification - pretty much the entire poem
Identify the type of support being used for this central idea and explain if it is strong or weak:
"Research consistently shows that regular physical activity improves mental health. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in 2020 found that participants who exercised for at least 30 minutes a day for 6 weeks reported a significant decrease in symptoms of anxiety and depression. Experts agree that exercise can boost mood and reduce stress by releasing endorphins, which act as natural mood lifters."
-Statistical evidence
-Strong: it is based on reliable research, published studies, and expert consensus
Identify the setting, characters, and plot points in the excerpt below:
The sky darkened quickly over the wide Kansas fields. Jacob and his younger sister Lila raced to tie down the loose boards on the barn, the wind already tugging at their jackets. “We have to get inside before the storm hits,” Jacob shouted.
Setting: Open fields and a barn in Kansas just before a storm
Characters: Jacob and Lila
Plot Point: They are preparing for an approaching storm, racing against time
Identify both the rhetorical appeals used in the excerpt below, as well as the author's purpose:
As a school librarian for over 15 years, I’ve seen how access to books helps students grow as readers and thinkers. Studies show that schools with well-funded libraries see higher reading scores. Every student deserves that chance.
Rhetorical appeals
-Ethos: The author builds credibility by stating their experience as a librarian.
-Logos – Cites research showing higher reading scores in schools with good libraries.
Author's Purpose: To persuade us that well-funded libraries and access to books benefits students
Write a theme statement for the excerpt below:
"O, I am fortune's fool!
Why did I not go with the flow of things, and let things be as they were?
I have defied the stars.
Is it too late to fix what I have done?" -Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare
-Fate cannot be altered
-Actions have consequences
Identify the figurative language used below (there may be more than one):
The storm grumbled low across the hills,
Its fingers drumming on the windowpane.
Trees shivered in its breath,
And lightning flashed its silver smile.
Imagery and personification
Identify the central idea and type of support being used:
"Many experts agree that learning a second language at a young age can significantly improve brain development. Dr. Maria Gonzalez, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Barcelona, explains, 'Children who learn a second language before the age of 10 demonstrate improved problem-solving and multitasking abilities. This early exposure enhances their cognitive flexibility and overall brain function.'"
-Central idea: Learning a second language at a young age improves brain development.
-Support used: Expert testimony