There's Always a Problem
What is the main conflict in a story?
A. The lesson the author wants readers to learn
B. The struggle or problem a character faces
C. The setting where the story takes place
D. The order of events in the story
B. The struggle or problem a character faces
Which part of the plot usually introduces the characters, setting, and conflict?
A. Rising action
B. Climax
C. Exposition
D. Resolution
C. Exposition
Which reference material would you use to find the meaning of an unfamiliar word?
A. Atlas
B. Dictionary
C. Encyclopedia
D. Thesaurus
B. Dictionary
Which statement best describes the theme of a story?
A. The lesson or message the author wants readers to understand.
B. The place and time where the story happens.
C. The main conflict between characters.
D. The order of events in the story.
A. The lesson or message the author wants readers to understand.
A. The order of events in a story.
B. The way an author develops and reveals a character's personality.
C. The lesson the reader learns from a story.
D. The conflict between two characters.
B. The way an author develops and reveals a character's personality.
During a camping trip, a family must survive a powerful thunderstorm that destroys their tent. What type of conflict is shown?
A. Character vs. Self
B. Character vs. Nature
C. Character vs. Character
D. Character vs. Technology
B. Character vs. Nature
Which event is most likely the climax of a story?
A. The main character is introduced.
B. The main character decides to face her greatest fear during the championship game.
C. The characters celebrate after solving the problem.
D. The setting is described in detail.
B. The main character decides to face her greatest fear during the championship game.
While reading a science textbook, you come across the word photosynthesis. Which reference material is MOST likely to provide the definition found specifically in that textbook?
A. Atlas
B. Glossary
C. Database
D. Almanac
B. Glossary
A story is about a boy who learns to forgive a friend after an argument. Which is the best theme?
A. Friendship
B. Arguments
C. Forgiveness can strengthen relationships.
D. School
C. Forgiveness can strengthen relationships.
Theme is a sentence, not a topic.
Read the passage.
Lena's hands shook as she stepped onto the stage. "What if I forget every word?" she wondered.
Which character trait is most strongly revealed through Lena's thoughts?
A. Confident
B. Nervous
C. Curious
D. Angry
B. Nervous
A student wants to wear a hat in school, but the school rules do not allow it. The student argues that the rule is unfair. What type of conflict is this?
A. Character vs. Society
B. Character vs. Nature
C. Character vs. Self
D. Character vs. Character
A. Character vs. Society
A story ends with the main character apologizing to a friend after realizing she caused a misunderstanding. Which part of the plot is this most likely?
A. Exposition
B. Rising action
C. Climax
D. Resolution
D. Resolution
You are creating a report about Brazil and need to locate its capital city and surrounding countries. Which reference material would be MOST helpful?
A. Dictionary
B. Encyclopedia
C. Atlas
D. Thesaurus
C. Atlas
Which event would best support the theme, "Honesty builds trust"?
A. A student copies homework to earn a better grade.
B. A child admits to breaking a vase and helps replace it.
C. A runner wins a race after training every day.
D. A family moves to a new town.
B. A child admits to breaking a vase and helps replace it.
Read the passage.
"I'll help you finish the project," Carlos said. He stayed after school for an hour to help his classmates.
Which TWO parts of STEAL are used to develop Carlos's character?
A. Speech and Actions
B. Thoughts and Looks
C. Looks and Effect on Others
D. Thoughts and Speech
A. Speech and Actions
Which situation best represents an internal conflict?
A. A girl races against a coming snowstorm to get home.
B. A boy debates whether he should admit he broke his neighbor's window.
C. Two brothers compete to win a video game tournament.
D. A family protests a new law in their town.
B. A boy debates whether he should admit he broke his neighbor's window.
Why are the events in the rising action important to the overall plot?
A. They provide unnecessary details about the setting.
B. They build tension and lead to the climax.
C. They explain the author's biography.
D. They summarize the story after it ends.
B. They build tension and lead to the climax.
A student wants detailed information about the causes of World War II. Which reference material would provide the MOST complete overview?
A. Atlas
B. Encyclopedia
C. Dictionary
D. Glossary
B. Encyclopedia
After losing an important game, a soccer team blames one another. Eventually, they begin encouraging each other during practice and improve as a team.
Which theme is best supported by the summary?
A. Talent is more important than effort.
B. Cooperation helps overcome challenges.
C. Winning is the only goal in sports.
D. Mistakes should always be avoided.
B. Cooperation helps overcome challenges.
Read the passage.
Most students avoided sitting with Ava because they believed she was unfriendly. However, Ava quietly spent her lunch helping a new student find classes and introducing her to others.
Which statement best explains how the author develops Ava's character?
A. The author uses Ava's appearance to show she is confident.
B. The author uses others' opinions and Ava's actions to reveal that first impressions can be misleading.
C. The author uses Ava's speech to show she enjoys making friends.
D. The author uses Ava's thoughts to explain why she dislikes other students.
B. The author uses others' opinions and Ava's actions
What type of conflict is used more than any other?
Character v. Character
A character lies to avoid getting into trouble. As the story continues, the lie causes more problems until the truth is finally revealed. How does the lie contribute to the plot?
A. It creates the central conflict and drives the events leading to the climax.
B. It introduces the setting of the story.
C. It explains the story's resolution before the conflict begins.
D. It serves only to describe the main character's appearance.
A. It creates the central conflict and drives the events leading to the climax.
A student is writing a report about volcanoes. First, she needs the definition of the word magma. Then, she needs recent scientific studies about volcanic eruptions. Which combination of reference materials would BEST meet her needs?
A. Atlas, then glossary
B. Dictionary, then science database
C. Thesaurus, then encyclopedia
D. Encyclopedia, then atlas
B. Dictionary, then science database
A reader claims the theme of a story is "Never give up." Which piece of evidence best supports that claim?
A. The main character changes schools halfway through the story.
B. The main character fails several times but keeps practicing until reaching her goal.
C. The story takes place over one school year.
D. The main character enjoys spending time with friends after school.
B. The main character fails several times but keeps practicing until reaching her goal.
Read the passage.
At the beginning of the story, Eli refuses to admit when he makes mistakes. After accidentally damaging his neighbor's bicycle, he apologizes, offers to pay for the repairs, and works extra hours to earn the money.
Which statement best explains how the author's characterization develops Eli?
A. Eli changes from dishonest to responsible through his actions.
B. Eli changes from shy to outgoing through his speech.
C. Eli remains selfish throughout the story.
D. Eli becomes less confident because he works more.
A. Eli changes from dishonest to responsible through his actions.