Context Clues
What's the Theme?
Rhetorical Devices
Literary Devices
Subject-Verb Agreement
100

Question: In the sentence, "The forest  was verdant, lush and full of life," what does verdant most likely mean?

A) Quiet and peaceful

B) Green and vibrant

C) Dry and barren

D) Noisy and chaotic

B) Green and vibrant

100

Question: In a story where a young girl overcomes obstacles to achieve her dream, which theme is most likely being explored?

A) The importance of loyalty

B) The power of perseverance

C) Wealth leads to happiness

D) Friends are the key to success

B) The power of perseverance

100

Question: Which rhetorical device appeals to a reader's emotions?

Answer: Pathos

100

Which literary device involves giving human traits to non-human things?

A) Irony

B) Metaphor

C) Personification

D) Hyperbole

C) Personification

100

Question: Which sentence is correct?
A) The team of scientists are conducting experiments.
B) The team of scientists is conducting experiments.
C) The teams of scientists is conducting experiments.
D) The team of scientist are conducting experiments.

B) The team of scientists is conducting experiments.


200

Question: "His serene expression showed he was not worried about the outcome." Based on the context, what does serene mean?

A) Angry

B) Confused

C) Calm

D) Excited

C) Calm

200

In a fable where a lion spares a mouse’s life, only for the mouse to later save the lion, which theme is most evident?

A) Strength is everything

B) Bravery conquers all

C) Small acts of kindness can lead to big rewards

D) Nature is cruel

C) Small acts of kindness can lead to big rewards

200

DAILY DOUBLE (400 points) Question: "In a compelling speech delivered at a community rally, a speaker recounts a story about a friend who lost everything due to a sudden natural disaster. They say, 'Imagine the moment when you realize your entire life has been swept away in an instant. Think about the heartache, the memories lost, and the struggle to rebuild from the ashes. We must come together to support those facing this unimaginable pain.' Which rhetorical device is primarily used in this statement?"


Answer: Pathos

200

Question: What is an example of alliteration?
A) The wind whispered softly.
B) The cat sat on the mat.
C) Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
D) Time flies like an arrow.

C) Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

200

Choose the sentence that demonstrates correct subject-verb agreement.
A) The team are winning the game.
B) The student were excited.
C) The flock of birds is flying south.
D) The jury are deliberating the case.

C) The flock of birds is flying south.

300

Question: "Despite the arduous journey, the team pressed on with determination." What does arduous mean?

A) Easy

B) Long

C) Adventurous

D) Difficult and tiring

D) Difficult and tiring

300

Question: In a dystopian novel where the government controls every aspect of citizens' lives, what theme is being explored?

A) The pursuit of happiness

B) The dangers of totalitarianism

C) True love conquers all

D) Greed leads to downfall

B) The dangers of totalitarianism

300

Question: A political candidate says, "As a lifelong educator and former principal, I know the challenges schools face." Which rhetorical device is the candidate using?

Ethos

300

Question: What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

A simile makes a direct comparison using "like" or "as" while a metaphor makes an implicit comparison of two things.

300

Question: Choose the correct verb form:
"Ten dollars _______ not enough to buy a ticket."
A) is
B) are
C) have
D) be

A) is

400

Question: In the sentence, "She approached the task with trepidation, unsure of the outcome," what does trepidation mean?

A) Confidence

B) Fear or nervousness

C) Enthusiasm

D) Excitement

B) Fear or nervousness

400

Question: A group of friends drifts apart because of their individual ambitions, what theme does this represent?

A) Friendship is eternal

B) Success comes at a cost

C) Love is the key to happiness

D) Hard work always pays off

B) Success comes at a cost

400

Question: Which of the following statements best appeals to pathos?

A) "Data shows that communities with more parks have healthier residents."

B) "Imagine your children playing in safe, clean parks, enjoying nature and making memories."

C) "I have been a city planner for 20 years, and I know what works."

D) "This policy aligns with the state’s environmental goals."

Answer: B) "Imagine your children playing in safe, clean parks, enjoying nature and making memories."

400

Question: In literature, what does the term "foreshadowing" refer to?
A) A sudden revelation or insight
B) The use of humor to criticize or mock
C) Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story
D) A recurring theme throughout the work

C) Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story

400

Question: Rewrite the following sentence to correct the subject-verb agreement error:
"The list of items are on the table."

The list of items is on the table

500

Question: "After being stuck in traffic for hours, Mark launched into a tirade about the city's terrible road conditions, his voice growing louder with each complaint."

What does tirade most likely mean based on the sentence?


Long, angry speech.

500

Question: If a story revolves around characters learning to accept others' differences, what theme could this reflect?

possible answer: The value of diversity and acceptance

500

Question: A health ad states, "Studies show that people who exercise regularly reduce their risk of heart disease by 50%." Which rhetorical appeal is being used here?

Logos

500

Which sentence uses personification?

A) The mountain stood tall, defying the wind’s attempts to erode its surface.

B) The clock on the wall watched over the room, ticking patiently as the hours slipped by.

C) The rain poured down relentlessly, drenching everything in its path.

D) The car’s engine roared to life with a deafening growl.

Bonus +100 points if you come up with your own example

B) The clock on the wall watched over the room, ticking patiently as the hours slipped by.

500

Question: Carried away by enthusiasm for the communist party, the student were willing to go along with a brutal Bolshevik war against the peasants.

How should this sentence be changed?

(two possible answers accepted)

Option 1. Carried away by enthusiasm for the communist party, the students were willing to go along with a brutal Bolshevik war against the peasants.

Option 2. Carried away by enthusiasm for the communist party, the student was willing to go along with a brutal Bolshevik war against the peasants.