The Outsiders
Argument Writing
Context Clues
Active/Passive Voice
Identify the Theme
100

This character is from the mean streets of New York.

Dallas Winston

100

An author's main argument is called...

The claim

100

The basketball coach's demeanor was stern, and he rarely smiled during practice. His serious attitude made the players work harder.

What does the word demeanor mean in this sentence?

A) Skill
B) Appearance
C) Behavior
D) Age

B) Appearance

100

Is the following sentence written in active of passive voice?

The book was read by the students in class.


The book was read by the students in class.

In this sentence, the focus is on the book being read, rather than on the students who are doing the reading.

100

Jake sat quietly at the table, his hands folded neatly in front of him. He glanced at the clock every few seconds, his foot tapping anxiously. When the door finally opened, he looked up, his face lighting up with a smile. "I’m so glad you’re here," he said, standing to greet the newcomer. 

What can be inferred about Jake from the passage?

A) He is excited and waiting for someone.
B) He is upset and doesn't want to see the person.
C) He is angry about something that happened earlier.
D) He is bored and uninterested in the situation.

A) He is excited and waiting for someone.

200

This was the object that cut Johnny's face.

Bob's class ring

200

This is what an author uses to support their claim...

Evidence

200

The artist’s work was filled with intricate patterns and details, which made it difficult to appreciate all at once. Each piece required close inspection to fully understand its beauty.

What does the word intricate mean in this sentence?

A) Simple
B) Complex
C) Bright
D) Large

B) Complex

200

Is the following sentence written in active or passive voice?

The homework was completed by the students before the deadline.

Passive

In this sentence, the focus is on the homework being completed, rather than on the students doing the work.

200

Sophia walked into the room, her eyes quickly scanning the faces of her classmates. She sat down at the back, keeping her head down and avoiding eye contact with anyone. The whispers that followed her arrival made her wish she had stayed home. 

What can be inferred about Sophia's feelings?

A) She feels comfortable and accepted in the class.
B) She is excited to see her classmates.
C) She feels anxious and self-conscious about being there.
D) She is confident and eager to participate.

C) She feels anxious and self-conscious about being there.

300

In The Outsiders, sunsets symbolize...

Equality or the "basic sameness" Ponyboy talks about at the beginning of chapter three.

300

This is the other side of the argument, or what someone might say to argue against you.

The counterclaim

300

The politician’s rhetoric was powerful, persuading many citizens to support her ideas. However, some critics argued that her speech was full of empty promises rather than concrete plans.

What does the word rhetoric mean in this sentence?

A) Actions
B) Silence
C) Language
D) Conflict

C) Language

300

Is the following sentence written in active or passive voice?

The class discussed the novel during the literature session.

Active

In this sentence, the subject (the class) is actively performing the action (discussing the novel).

300

The city’s streets were lined with advertisements, each one competing for attention. Despite the flashing lights and vibrant colors, John couldn’t help but notice how little he had seen of nature during his walk. He hadn’t realized how much he missed the sight of trees or the sound of birds until he left the park behind.

What can be inferred about John’s feelings in the passage?

A) He feels overwhelmed by the constant noise of the city.
B) He is indifferent to the city environment and enjoys it.
C) He prefers the fast-paced energy of the urban landscape.
D) He is nostalgic for the peace and beauty of nature.

 

D) He is nostalgic for the peace and beauty of nature.

400

Ponyboy hates that he has this physical feature...

Green eyes

400

This is the name for the reason you use to prove your opponent's counterclaim wrong.

The rebuttal

400

The ephemeral nature of fame is often overlooked. Celebrities may enjoy their moment in the spotlight, but in time, they are often replaced by newer faces, quickly fading into obscurity.

What does the word ephemeral mean in this sentence?

A) Eternal
B) Timeless
C) Unpredictable
D) Short-lived

D) Short-lived

400

Is the following sentence written in active or passive voice?

The scientist presented her groundbreaking research at the international conference.


The scientist presented her groundbreaking research at the international conference.

Active

In this sentence, the subject (the scientist) is actively performing the action (presenting the research).




400

The planet's surface was barren, a vast expanse of cracked earth and dust. In the distance, a massive structure loomed, its silhouette stark against the orange sky. Despite the desolation, the lights from the outpost flickered steadily, signaling that life still endured in this forsaken world.

What can be inferred about the setting in the passage?

A) The planet is rich in resources and thriving.
B) The planet is uninhabited, with no signs of life.
C) The planet is desolate, but human presence remains.
D) The planet is in the process of being colonized by settlers.

C) The planet is desolate, but human presence remains.

500

This character's real name is Keith Mathews.

Two-Bit

500

This is the part of your conclusion paragraph where you ask your reader to do something to support your cause.

The call to action

500

The author’s sardonic remarks throughout the novel made it clear that he had a deep cynicism about human nature, often mocking the characters' flaws and failures with biting humor.

What does the word sardonic mean in this sentence?

A) Sarcastic
B) Optimistic
C) Compassionate
D) Supportive

A) Sarcastic

500

Is the following sentence written in active or passive voice?

The final draft of the paper was reviewed by the professor before it was submitted.

Passive

In this sentence, the focus is on the paper being reviewed, rather than on the professor doing the reviewing.

500

The ancient manuscript was written in a language that had long been forgotten, its symbols unfamiliar to even the most experienced linguists. After months of analysis, the team finally deciphered a portion of the text, revealing startling new insights into ancient civilizations. 

What can be inferred about the manuscript?

A) Modern scholars easily understand the manuscript.
B) The manuscript provides valuable historical information that had been previously unknown.
C) The manuscript contains primarily fictional content.
D) The manuscript was written in a language that has been widely studied.

 

B) The manuscript provides valuable historical information that had been previously unknown.