Analyzing Author’s Choices
I couldn’t believe what I was seeing as I stepped onto the stage.
How does the point of view affect the reader’s understanding of the event?
A. It provides an outside perspective
B. It allows the reader to experience the narrator’s thoughts and feelings directly
C. It shows multiple characters’ thoughts
D. It focuses only on actions
B. It allows the reader to experience the narrator’s thoughts and feelings directly
The instructions were clear and precise, leaving no room for confusion.
Which word is a synonym for precise as it is used in the sentence?
A. Confusing
B. Rough
C. Exact
D. Random
C. Exact
Ozark Mountain Memories
Apples hung heavy on the trees
And littered the ground beneath
Gnawed to cores by hungry deer
Though I did not see any near
When I wandered up to pick my fill
Of our Spring harvest on the hill
My grandfather just shook his head
And hung bars of soap as he tread
They mistake the scent for humans
He said, sharing with me his acumen
So I might one day do the same
When the orchard is mine to tame
Read the line from the poem:
He said, sharing with me his acumen
What can you infer about the narrator's feelings toward his grandfather?
A. The narrator respects his grandfather’s knowledge and wisdom
B. The narrator is confused by his grandfather’s actions
C. The narrator questions whether his grandfather is correct
D. The narrator ignores his grandfather’s advice
A. The narrator respects his grandfather’s knowledge and wisdom.
Which example BEST demonstrates a text-to-text connection?
A. You relate to a character’s emotions
B. A story reminds you of another story you have read
C. The story connects to a current event
D. The author shares personal experiences
B. A story reminds you of another story you have read
Read the sentence.
The teachers decided to consolidate their math teams so they would have enough participants for the competition.
What does consolidate most nearly mean as it is used in the sentence?
A. Divide
B. Combine
C. Ignore
D. Delay
B. Combine
Read the sentence:
The city stretched endlessly, a jungle of steel and glass.
What type of figurative language is used, and what does it suggest?
She watched quietly from the doorway as the others celebrated.
Which statement BEST describes the point of view?
A. First person
B. Second person
C. Third person limited
D. Third person omniscient
C. Third person limited
Read the passage.
Tourists often rush through the museum, stopping only briefly at each exhibit. However, those who take time to observe closely tend to discover details and meanings others miss.
Which statement BEST expresses the central idea?
A. Careful observation leads to deeper understanding
B. Visitors should spend more time at exhibits
C. Museums are often crowded
D. Tourists enjoy museums
Careful observation leads to deeper understanding
"His poem captures joy,
Great love, and some strife"
From these two lines, we can determine that:
A. He has experienced only hardship.
B. He has lived a completely peaceful life.
C. He has experienced both happiness and challenges.
D. He has avoided emotional experiences.
C He has experienced both happiness and challenges.
As Mom pulled the car into the driveway, I stepped out and heard the sizzle of barbecue. I walked towards the backyard and smelled the delicious scent of grilled chicken. The sun was getting ready for its nightly rest and the moon prepared to take its place. The picnic table felt as hot as a frying pan, but I sat down anyway. I looked around the yard and realized that the grass was freshly mowed. Poised next to the barbecue pit, Dad looked more dreamy than Tom Cruise. Soon, Dad carried to the table a mountain of food stacked a mile high. Not caring what anyone thought, I pigged out on chicken, hot dogs, and hamburgers. I savored the sweet, sour, and salty flavors as they danced on my taste buds. Dad is the best barbecue chef in the entire world!
What theme do the vivid images of this story help convey?
A. Spending time with family can create meaningful and enjoyable experiences.
B. Barbecued food is the best type of meal.
C. Lawns should always be freshly cut before guests arrive.
D. Cooking outdoors is difficult but rewarding.
A. Spending time with family can create meaningful and enjoyable experiences.
Read the passage.
After weeks of preparation, the team finally competed in the championship game and won.
Which term BEST describes the sequence of events in a story?
A. Tone
B. Theme
C. Plot
D. Setting
C. Plot
Although his response was brief, it was meaningful and carefully chosen.
What does brief most nearly mean, and what detail helps you determine that?
short
The word "Although" tells you meaningful and carefully chosen responses are the opposite of brief, which is lengthier.
For days, Mia searched for the missing necklace, growing more anxious with each passing hour. Just as she was about to give up, she spotted it beneath the couch cushions. Relieved, she rushed to get ready for the party.
Which event BEST represents the climax of the passage?
A. Mia searches for the necklace
B. Mia becomes anxious
C. Mia gets ready for the party
D. Mia finds the necklace beneath the couch cushions
Mia finds the necklace beneath the couch cushions
The rain tapped gently against the window as she sat alone, watching the world blur beyond the glass.
How does the imagery in the sentence MOST affect the reader’s understanding of the speaker’s emotional state?
DOUBLE JEOPARDY*~*~*~*~*~*~
Part 1 (Regular Points):
What mood is created? HINT: DON'T USE THE WORD SAD.
Part 2 (Double Points):
Explain your answer using one detail from the sentence.
maggie and millie and molly and may
e.e. cummings
1maggie and milly and molly and may
went down to the beach (to play one day)
3and maggie discovered a shell that sang
so sweetly she couldn't remember her troubles, and
5milly befriended a stranded star
whose rays five languid fingers were;
7and molly was chased by a horrible thing
which raced sideways while blowing bubbles: and
9may came home with a smooth round stone
as small as a world and as large as alone.
11For whatever we lose (like a you or a me)
it's always ourselves we find in the sea
A. It explains how each character’s experience reflects a deeper personal realization
B. It introduces new characters
C. It describes the setting
D. It adds conflict
A. It explains how each character’s experience reflects a deeper personal realization
She Walks in Beauty
George Gordon Byron
SHE walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light5
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;10
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow,
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,15
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!
Which two themes are covered in this poem?
A beauty and evil
B beauty and virtue
C beauty and brains
D beauty and ugliness
B beauty and virtue
Which situation BEST demonstrates irony?
A. A student studies hard and earns a high grade
B. A runner wins a race
C. A chef prepares a meal for guests
D. A lifeguard struggles to swim and needs to be rescued
D. A lifeguard struggles to swim and needs to be rescued
The trophy sat on the shelf, collecting dust as the years passed. Once a symbol of victory, it now served as a quiet reminder of what had been lost.
What does the trophy MOST likely symbolize, and how does it contribute to the overall meaning?
Use one detail in your answer.
The hallway was as silent as a deserted street at midnight.
How does the simile MOST contribute to the tone of the sentence?
A. It creates a peaceful tone
B. It explains the setting
C. It shows excitement
D. It creates a tense or eerie tone
D. It creates a tense or eerie tone
The old lighthouse had stood for decades, guiding ships safely to shore. Even after storms battered its walls and the paint began to peel, it continued to shine each night, unwavering in its purpose.
Which statement BEST expresses the central idea of the passage?
A. Lighthouses are important for ships
B. The lighthouse is old and damaged
C. Storms can damage buildings
D. The lighthouse represents resilience and dedication despite challenges
D. The lighthouse represents resilience and dedication despite challenges
Adrift in the sea of thoughts,
I was lost in my mind.
Not knowing where to turn,
I was sure to find
5 the troubles, the woes
that came with the grind.
I was lost in my mind.
The day turned to darkness,
and the darkness declined
10 for it couldn’t be praised nor maligned.
And it seemed certain to be resigned
to the fate that was once signed
and sealed by the unkind.
I was lost in my mind
How does stanza 2 MOST contribute to the development of the theme?
A. It introduces a new setting
B. It shows that the speaker’s struggles continue over time
C. It shows the speaker becomes happy
D. It explains the actions of others
B It shows that the speaker’s struggles continue over time
When it comes to jellyfish, most people think of the strong and sometimes dangerous stings that jellyfish can deliver. These people might be surprised, however, to learn about the jellyfish that live on the Pacific island of Palau. The jellyfish that live in Jellyfish Lake are not harmful to humans. The sting of these jellyfish is so weak that, in most cases, humans do not feel it. Those who travel to Palau can swim in Jellyfish Lake, which teems with these creatures. Jellyfish Lake gives tourists the opportunity to observe these amazing creatures without the risk of being harmed.
Which BEST summarizes the paragraph?
A Not all jellyfish sting people; in fact, some jellyfish don't sting.
B When many people think of jellyfish, they think that jellyfish are dangerous creatures indeed.
C Many people wish to have the opportunity to observe a lot of sea creatures, especially jellyfish.
D Although the sting of most jellyfish is painful to humans, the jellyfish that live on the island of Palau have an extremely weak sting.
D Although the sting of most jellyfish is painful to humans, the jellyfish that live on the island of Palau have an extremely weak sting.
Read the passage.
James felt nervous as he stepped onto the stage, while Maria remained calm, confident she would perform well.
Which statement BEST describes the point of view?
A. First person
B. Second person
C. Third person limited
D. Third person omniscient
D. Third person omniscient
The clock ticked louder with every passing second as he waited for the results.
How does the author’s word choice affect the mood?
anxiety/suspense
How does the author’s use of second-person point of view MOST influence the reader’s experience?
When the music stopped, the room fell silent. One by one, people drifted away, leaving her alone in the empty space where laughter had once echoed. She stayed a moment longer, holding onto what had already passed.
What theme is MOST strongly suggested by the passage?
Provide one theme AND one detail from the passage to support your answer.
Superheart
Marion Shore
Like Superman with all his super powers,
Cruising at lightning speed around the Earth,
Or leaping from Metropolis’s towers,
Or soaring toward his fortress in the north,
His mighty prowess never falling victim
To any weapon save for (strangely enough)
A fragment of his long-lost planet Krypton,
Wounded by what he could not help but love,
So I too had lately come to feel
Invulnerable, the enemy subdued,
The bullets bouncing off my heart of steel,
Safe in its artic fortress of solitude,
Or rising up in solitary flight—
And then you came along: my kryptonite.
A. Strength prevents emotional pain
B. Love is always harmful
C. Love can make even the strongest person vulnerable
D. Superheroes cannot be defeated
C Love can make even the strongest person vulnerable
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Which statement is NOT considered one of the main ideas?
A. The product allows people to lose weight without strict dieting or exercise.
B. The product is affordable and cost-effective for most consumers.
C. The product is designed for people who want to lose a large amount of weight.
D. The product works quickly to produce noticeable results.
B. The product is affordable and cost-effective for most consumers.
Read the situation.
A fire station burns down while the firefighters are away responding to a call.
Explain how this situation is an example of irony.
Include how the outcome contradicts expectations.
The letter sat unopened on the table for days. Each time she passed it, she slowed, her hand hovering just above it before pulling away. Whatever it contained, she wasn’t ready to know.
DOUBLE JEOPARDY~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Part 1 (Regular Points):
What can you infer about the character’s feelings?
Part 2 (Double Points):
Explain how the author builds this feeling using one specific detail.
Evidence: