Academic Vocabulary
Define "connotation." Give a short example (one word with positive connotation and one with negative connotation)
Connotation = the feelings or ideas associated with a word beyond its literal meaning. Example: "slim" (positive), "scrawny" (negative).
When a test asks for the meaning of a word "as used in the passage," what should you do first? Give one quick step students should take.
First, reread the sentence and surrounding sentences to find clues.
What is a stanza? How is it similar to and different from a paragraph?
Stanza = a grouped set of lines in a poem (like a paragraph but for verse); stanzas break ideas into sections.
List the three main types of writing students must recognize on the MAAP and give one key feature of each
Types: narrative (tells a story, includes characters/events), argumentative (claims with evidence), informative/explanatory (explains or informs with facts).
What is the difference between first-person and third-person point of view? Give a one-sentence example of each.
First-person uses "I"; third-person uses "he/she/they." First-person: "I walked to the shore." Third-person: "She walked to the shore."
Define "central idea" for informational text and name one strategy to find it when reading
Central idea = main point of an informational text. Strategy: identify repeated ideas and summarize them in one sentence.
Read this sentence: "The explorers trekked through the dense jungle, wary of hidden dangers." What does "wary" most likely mean in context? (A) joyful (B) cautious (C) hungry (D) curious
(B) cautious
Language that speaks to the senses, uses adjectives, and descriptive words.
Imagery
What should an effective thesis/claim include in an argumentative essay? Provide a short model claim about school uniforms.
Effective claim includes a clear position and main reasons. Model: "Schools should adopt uniforms because they reduce bullying and improve focus."
What does "theme" mean in a short story? Give a two-word theme and a one-sentence explanation of how a story might show it.
Theme = central message (e.g., "friendship"). A story might show friendship by characters helping each other through problems.
Explain the difference between "synonym" and "antonym." Give one pair of synonyms and one pair of antonyms appropriate for 7th grade
Synonym = words with similar meanings; Antonym = words with opposite meanings. Synonyms: "begin" / "start." Antonyms: "ascend" / "descend."
In a sentence where the word "objective" appears in a persuasive essay, what are two possible meanings and how can you tell which meaning is intended?
"Objective" could mean unbiased or a goal. Check surrounding words—if discussing evidence, likely "unbiased"; if discussing plans, likely "goal."
What is a metaphor? Write one sentence that uses a metaphor appropriate for a 7th-grade poem
Metaphor = a direct comparison. Example: "Her smile was sunrise."
Describe two organizational strategies for informative writing (e.g., compare/contrast). Give a one-sentence example prompt for each strategy.
Strategies: compare/contrast — "Explain how two energy sources differ and why one is more sustainable." Cause/effect — "Explain how deforestation affects local climates."
What does it mean to make an inference?
An educated guess based on background knowledge and information in the text.
What does "tone" mean in a text? Name two words that describe tone and give a one-sentence explanation of how word choice creates tone.
Tone = the author's attitude toward the subject. Examples: sarcastic, respectful. Word choice (formal vs. informal, word intensity) shapes tone.
Explain how context clues (definition, synonym, antonym, inference) help determine word meaning. Give a one-sentence example that uses an antonym clue.
Context clues help by providing synonyms, antonyms, definitions, or hints. Example antonym clue: "Unlike timid Leo, Marco was bold."
Explain the difference between "theme" and "mood" in a poem. Give a one-sentence example illustrating each.
Theme = the central idea or message; Mood = the feeling the poem evokes. Example: Theme — resilience; Mood — hopeful.
In narrative writing, what is "show, don't tell"? Rewrite this telling sentence to show instead: "She was nervous about the test."
"Show, don't tell" uses sensory detail and actions. Telling: "She was nervous." Showing: "Her hands trembled and her pencil left shallow gouges in the paper."
Explain how an author’s word choice can influence the reader’s perception of a character. Provide one short example (two sentences).
Word choice (diction) suggests traits: "He slouched" vs. "He strode" gives different impressions. Example: "He fumbled with his hat" makes him seem awkward; "He adjusted his hat with a practiced tilt" suggests confidence
Use context to explain the meaning of the academic word "contrast" and show how you would use it in a writing prompt comparing two characters.
Contrast = to show differences. Use: "Compare and contrast the protagonists' motivations in the two passages."
Read this short sentence: "After the scandal, the mayor’s reputation was irrevocable." Is "irrevocable" used correctly? If not, identify the error and supply the correct word and meaning.
Incorrect — "irrevocable" means cannot be changed; likely intended "irreputable" or "tarnished." Correct: "irreparable" if meaning can't be fixed, or "tarnished" for reputation harmed.
Identify and explain two poetic devices from this list: simile, personification, alliteration, onomatopoeia. Provide a one-line example for each device you choose.
Example devices: personification — "The wind whispered secrets." Alliteration — "Crunching cold leaves."
Identify two strong techniques to support an argumentative claim (one logical reason and one type of evidence). Then give a two-sentence example claim with the evidence type named.
Techniques: logical reason (cause/effect), evidence type (statistic, expert quote, example). Example: Claim — "Students need later start times because sleep improves learning." Evidence: cite sleep study statistics.
Read this short passage (student reads silently): "Although the old library smelled of dust and ink, its shelves held worlds that could mend lonely afternoons." Ask: Identify two literary devices in the sentence and explain how each device contributes to meaning.
Devices: personification ("library...held worlds") — shows library as active and comforting; imagery ("smelled of dust and ink") — creates sensory detail that evokes nostalgia.