Figurative Language
Punctuation
Verbals
Sentence Structure
Essay Prep
100

The electric thimble moved like a praying mantis on the pillow, touched by her hand.

What is a simile?

100

"I pledge allegiance to the flag...with liberty and justice for all."

What is an ellipsis?

100

Honoring all members of the armed services is the purpose of Veterans Day.

What is a gerund?

Honoring is the subject of the sentence.

100

The police did not arrive until the thieves had left.

What is a complex sentence?

100

This is the type of essay eighth graders write on the ACT Aspire writing test.

What is an argumentative essay?

200

The train radio vomited upon Montag, in retaliation, a great ton-load of music made of tin, copper, silver, chromium, and brass.

What is personification?

200

"Wait for me - I'm running as fast as I can!"

What is a dash?

200

June 14th is Flag Day, a day for remembering the first American flag.

What is a gerund?

200

Although it rained all day, we still enjoyed our trip.

What is a complex sentence?

200

These words/phrases link ideas and help your essay flow.

What are transitions?

300

 A book alighted, almost obediently, like a white pigeon, in his hands, wings fluttering.

What is a simile?

300

This punctuation mark is used in a compound sentence to separate two independent clauses instead of using a FANBOYS word.

What is a semi-colon?

Fiona went to the store; she came home with three bags of groceries.

300

Do you like to eat ice cream?

What is an infinitive? 

To eat.

300

for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so 

What are coordinating conjunctions?

What are FANBOYS?

What words divide two independent clauses in a compound sentence?


300

In this essay, you must present why others may not agree with you. It may be used as your hook, or be placed between/following your body paragraphs. 

What is a counterclaim or counterargument?

400

John's suggestion was just a band-aid for the real problem.

What is a metaphor?

400

This punctuation mark is used in a compound sentence to separate two independent clauses when a FANBOYS word is used.

What is a comma?

She went to the store, but he stayed home.

400

Let's get together to watch old movies tonight.

What is an infinitive?

To watch.

400

words such as: (hint: time and place)

because, since, when, although, after, unless

What are subordinating conjunctions?

What are words that begin dependent clauses in complex sentences?

400

logical evidence, examples, details, background knowledge, anecdotes (stories)

What supports your reasons (body paragraphs)?

500

Out of the black wall before him, a whisper. A shape. In the shape, two eyes. The night looking at him. The forest, seeing him.

What is personification?

500

When a complex sentence begins with a subordinating conjunction, the sentence requires this punctuation mark after the first clause.

What is a comma?

When it is foggy, driving is very dangerous.

500

Jo uncovered the missing final clue.

What is a participle?

missing - used to describe the clue.

500

TJ has a great interest in volcanoes; he hopes to become a volcanologist one day.

What is a compound sentence?

500

After the counterclaim is presented, it is essential that you do this.

What is a rebuttal?

What is - provide your best reason to support your claim?

What is - to explain why you are still right with another reason!