Literary Terms
Testing, 1-2-3
Strategize!
Remember?
100

In an informational passage, this can be supported with key details and evidence. 

What is CENTRAL IDEA?

100

8th grade scholars are the only students at MSA who have to take this test.

What is the SCIENCE PSSA?

100

Doing this before you start reading will give you a purpose for reading the text.

What is READ THE QUESTIONS FIRST?

100

A game we've played in ELA during Brain Break.

1. What is SPOT THE DIFFERENCE?

2. What is HIDDEN OBJECTS?

3. What is NAME THAT SONG?

200

An author writes in order to inform readers about something, persuade them to act, entertain them with humor, etc.

What is AUTHOR'S PURPOSE?

200
During the week of April 25, everyone is taking the PSSA in this subject.

What is ELA?

200

When you're sure an answer choice is incorrect, you can do this.

What is PROCESS OF ELIMINATION?

200

Name a character from All American Boys.

*answers vary

300

No story can exist without this, which drives the plot of a story. 

What is CONFLICT?

300
The arrival time for 6th and 8th grade students during PSSAs.

What is 12:30 PM?

300

As you read a passage, doing this helps identify important information, make connections, note main ideas, etc.

What is ANNOTATING THE TEXT?

300

Name of an Expressive Arts teacher.

*answers vary

400

A general, often universal message about life that an author wants readers to take away from a literary text. 

What is THEME?

400
This is on the list of things you CAN do after you turn in your PSSA test materials.

1. What is SIT QUIETLY?

2. What is READ FOR PLEASURE?

400

If you're not sure where to begin in a TDA essay, you can always start by doing this.

What is RESTATING THE PROMPT?

400

The color  and brand of the performer's tracksuit at the PSSA Pep Rally.

What is RED, ADIDAS?

500

This is considered the author's attitude toward a subject or the audience. It is often revealed through the words he/she uses.

What is TONE?

500

Everyone in the room has to turn these items in before test materials are distributed.

1. What is SMARTWATCH/APPLE WATCH?

2. What is CELL PHONE?

3. What is ELECTRONIC DEVICE?

500

A helpful tip for writing a paragraph is to ACE it. Some students struggle with E, which is doing this.

What is EXPLAIN HOW THE EVIDENCE SUPPORTS YOUR ANSWER?

500

Mrs. Lisa's office is in this room (#). 

What is Room 308?