LITerary Terms
Getting Your Pre/Suff-FIX
We Are MCAS Prep
Misc. City
I Know Ball
100

A comparison between two things not using "like" or "as".

What is a metaphor?

100

The prefix that means "before".

What is "pre-"?

100

When writing your thesis statement, you should always do THIS with the prompt.

What is "TTQA" or "Turn The Question Around"?

100

The dates of the 2026 ELA MCAS exam.

What is "March 24th and 25th"?

100

This famous, iconic symbol of happiness was created in Worcester by Harvey Ball in 1963.

What is the "smiley face"?

200

Attributing human characteristics to non-human things.

What is personification?

200

The meaning of the suffix "-less".

What is "without"?

200

A "HOT" introductory paragraph has these three things.

What are a "hook", an "overview", and a "thesis"?
200

These are the three types of essays you may encounter on the MCAS exam.

What are "synthesis", "compare/contrast", and "argumentative/persuasive"?

200
This is the virtual currency used in one of the most popular games in 2026.

What is "robux"?

300

Using objects or actions to represent abstract ideas.

What is symbolism?

300

The root of the word "mistake".

What is "take"?

300

When writing a formal essay, one should always write in this perspective.

What is "third person"?

300

When referring to a short text title, one should do this. When referring to a long text title, one should do this.

What is "put it in quotes" and "italicize/underline"?

300

This is the school that Ms. Mattioli, Ms. Tavares, and Ms. Brown all graduated from.

What is "Clark University"?

400

The character in conflict with the main character.

What is an antagonist?

400

The prefix "inter-" means this.

What is "between"?

400

Before reading the passages, it is a good idea to do this.

What is "read the questions first"?

400

This is the difference between tone and mood.

What is "the author's voice/attitude" versus "the feeling created for the reader"?

400

This is the animated movie series that features a paternal villain and his small banana-colored followers.

What is "Despicable Me"?

500

An exaggerated statement not meant to be taken literally.

What is a hyperbole?

500

The meaning of the suffix "-ful".

What is "full of"?

500

This type of essay responds to non-fiction texts and asks you to take a side.

What is a "persuasive" or an "argumentative" essay?

500

A well-developed essay should have this many direct quotes and this many paragraphs.

What is "3" and "5"?

500

This is the year that the "School With No Walls" was renovated to have 40% more space, improved classroom soundproofing, a 750-seat auditorium, and specialized vocational areas.

What is "2021"?