Grammar
What is grammar?
The rules of a language.
What's the difference between fiction and nonfiction?
DOUBLE: Give examples of something we've read that's fiction, and something that's nonfiction.
Fiction = fake / not real / etc [Fever 1793,House on Mango St, Canterbury Tales]
Nonfiction = real [An American Plague]
What makes a poem a poem?
Anything. It's like asking what makes art art? If the person who made it says it is, it is.
What makes an essay an essay?
Structure! Specifically: an introduction, body paragraph(s), and a conclusion.
How many essays will you have?
DOUBLE: How much can you expect to write, assuming you're getting proficient or higher?
Two!
If you're aiming for proficient, you're writing *at least* 2 pages each, meaning 4+ pages total. Probably more.
What is the purpose of a semicolon (;)?
Double: Give an example of a sentence with a semicolon (;).
Semicolons (;) connect two independent clauses without using a conjunction or period.
What is an example of author's purpose? Hint: there are three big ones.
To persuade, to inform, to entertain
(PIE)
What acronym do we use to analyze poetry?
DOUBLE: What does each letter stand for?
SMILE
S - Structure
M - Meaning
I - Imagery
L - Language
E - Effect/Emotion
What are the three elements of an introduction?
DOUBLE: Where do you find your sentence starter for the third element?
Hook, context, thesis
Thesis = prompt!
What are you allowed to do if you finish the test early?
Read... ponder the meaning of life... that's it.
NOT sleep, draw, doodle, cell, etc.
What is the purpose of a colon (:)?
Double: Give an example of a sentence with a colon (:).
Colons introduce quotes, introduce examples, and introduce lists.
What are the six types of text structure?
Double: Which one means "by time"?
Chronological, Description, Process, Compare/Contrast, Cause/Effect, Problem/Solution
What are two types of figurative language?
DOUBLE: Define both.
Metaphor, simile, hyperbole, alliteration, paradox, onomatopoeia, etc.
What are the three elements of a conclusion?
DOUBLE: What is the purpose of the third element?
Restate, summarize, final takeaway
Final takeaway = the overall lesson or most important thing from your essay
About how many multiple choice questions are on the ELA test?
DOUBLE: How many of those are grammar questions?
About 50.
About 10 are grammar.
What is an antecedent?
Double: What do pronouns and antecedents need to agree on?
Pronouns and antecedents need to agree on number and gender (singular, female antecedent = singular, female pronoun; plural, indefinite antecedent = plural, indefinite pronoun)
1) Inside
2) Outside
3) Connotation
4) Guess / plug it in
What are two reasons poems often (BUT NOT ALWAYS) include rhyme?
To emphasize a point, meaning, or detail.
To add rhythm.
What is the highest score (Below Basic, Basic, Proficient, or Advanced) you can get on an essay, even if you don't actually know what they're asking?
DOUBLE: What do you do to get this?
Basic (2/4)
You write a full essay! You still do the same thing and support your answer (even if it's the wrong answer or BS) in the same way.
What are two reasons why the PSSA matters so much?
Be specific (no "because it shows what we've learned" - yeah, cool, so does every test!)
It helps determine which high schools you get into.
It helps determine which classes you get placed in (honors vs regular vs small group).
What are the most common types of grammar questions on the PSSA?
DOUBLE: What is the trick to solving these questions, even if you don't know what it's asking?
"Find/fix the mistake"
Read it out loud to yourself (in your head). You can usually tell what sounds right/wrong.
What are three+ things you should always annotate when reading/analyzing fiction *or* nonfiction?
Double: Why for each?
Title/headers (previews/helps you quickly find info)
Key details (helps with questions, etc)
Unknown words (often important)
Central idea (tells you the main point)
What is the point of poetry?
DOUBLE: Why learn poetry?
The point of poetry is expression (much like any art).
The point of you learning poetry, aside from learning how people express themselves, is because it will be on the PSSA.
What is the most important part of your essay?
DOUBLE: How do you do well at that part?
Your body paragraphs; specifically, your commentary.
Strong body paragraphs = strong commentary = literal meaning, zoom in, importance (zoom out).
How many hours will you spend testing (for ELA)?
DOUBLE: What are two ways someone can help themselves stay focused and on-point for that amount of time?
About three hours a day for three days = nine hours total. Ish.
You can stay focused by getting a good night's sleep, eating a solid breakfast, having plenty of water, pacing yourself and not rushing, having teacher-provided candy, etc.