Grammar Gladiators
This type of noun is always capitalized and refers to a specific person, place, or thing.
Proper Noun
This technique uses facts, statistics, or expert opinions to support a claim and strengthen an argument.
Evidence
A character says, “This new rule is unfair and makes things harder for everyone.”
Is this perspective positive or negative?
negative
This refers to the author’s attitude toward a subject or audience.
tone
In a passage, the author explains how a bill becomes a law by listing steps in order from beginning to end. This text structure is being used.
Chronological/sequential order
In the sentence “The puppy was famished after skipping two meals,” what does famished most nearly mean?
Very hungry
This verb mood is used to express wishes, demands, or situations that are contrary to fact, such as in the sentence “If I were you…”
Subjunctive Mood
This technique involves comparing two unlike things using “like” or “as” to create vivid imagery.
simile
A story takes place during the Great Depression, where jobs are scarce and families struggle to survive. How does this context most likely affect the characters?
A. They become wealthy and successful
B. They face challenges in meeting their basic needs
C. They ignore their problems and feel happy
B. They face challenges in meeting their basic needs
In the sentence “I’m so proud of the effort you put into this project,” what is the author’s tone?
positive/encouraging
A passage explains how online learning and in-person learning are similar and different by discussing their benefits and challenges. This text structure is being used.
Compare and Contrast
In the sentence “She wore a radiant smile that lit up the entire room,” what does radiant most nearly mean?
bright/glowing/happy
This prefix means “not” or “the opposite of,” as seen in words like unhappy or unknown.
"un"
This technique addresses opposing viewpoints and explains why they are incorrect or less effective.
Counterclaim
This refers to the way a character or author views a situation or topic.
Perspective
In the sentence “Dark clouds covered the sky, and thunder rumbled in the distance,” what mood is created?
tense/suspenseful
An article describes how heavy rainfall led to flooding, which then caused road closures and property damage. This text structure is being used.
cause and effect
In the sentence “The abandoned house was dilapidated, with broken windows and a collapsing roof,” what does dilapidated most nearly mean?
Falling a part or in poor condition
In the sentence “Neither the teacher nor the students ___ going on the trip,” this verb correctly agrees with the subject closest to it.
Are
This narrative technique refers to the perspective from which a story is told, such as first person or third person.
point of view
In a passage, two characters describe the same event—one calls it exciting, while the other calls it dangerous. What does this show about their perspectives?
A. They both agree on what happened
B. Perspective does not affect how events are viewed
C. People can view the same event differently based on their feelings or experiences
C. People can view the same event differently based on their feelings or experiences
In a passage, the author uses words like “bright,” “joyful,” and “celebration,” making the reader feel happy. What is the mood of the passage?
happy or joyful
In a passage, the author discusses the rising number of students struggling with time management, then proposes strategies such as using planners, setting priorities, and limiting distractions to improve academic performance. This text structure is being used.
Problem and Solution
In the sentence “Although he tried to appear confident, his timid voice revealed his nervousness,” what does timid most nearly mean?
Shy or lack of confidence
In the sentence “If she had studied, she would have passed the test,” this verb mood is used to describe a situation that did not happen but could have under different circumstances.
Conditional Mood
In a story, the author describes a storm gathering as the main character makes a dangerous decision, hinting that something negative will happen later. This technique is being used to build tension and suggest future events.
foreshadowing
A story takes place during a school talent show. One student says, “This is my chance to shine!” while another says, “Everyone is going to judge me.”
Which student has a more positive perspective, and what detail from the context supports your answer?
A. The first student, because they see the event as an opportunity
B. The second student, because they feel nervous about the audience
A. The first student, because they see the event as an opportunity
In the sentence “The teacher spoke gently, using kind words to comfort the nervous student,” how does the author’s tone affect the mood of the passage?
a kind or caring tone that creates a calm or comforting mood?
In a passage, the author introduces the concept of resilience and elaborates on its characteristics by explaining how individuals respond to challenges, adapt to change, and recover from setbacks. This text structure is being used.
Definition and Description
In the sentence “The manager’s response was evasive; instead of answering directly, he kept changing the subject and avoiding the question,” what does evasive most nearly mean?
avoiding giving a clear or direct answer?