GHSGT ELA Cram Session
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Transcript of GHSGT ELA Cram Session
GHSGT ELA Cram Session
Taken from Burke County High School
Types of Literature
Prose: consists of a story written in sentences and paragraphs that come from the author’s own imagination.
Poetry is set up in groups of lines called stanzas which have a certain rhythm or beat as you read them. Poetry also contains vivid images in very compact language.
The two main types
of literature on this test are prose
and poetry.
Prose
Literary Elements in Fiction
CHARACTERA person(s), animal, or natural force
appearing in a literary work.PROTAGONIST
The main character or hero of a short story.
ANTAGONISTA rival or opponent of the hero.
Basic Story Elements
SettingWhen and where a story takes place
Point of ViewThe vantage point from which the story is told–
the relationship of the narrator to the story.Conflict
The struggle between different forces in a storyPlot
The sequence of events in a story that leads to the resolution
Plot Development
Exposition Resolution
Risin
g Ac
tion
Climax
Falling Action
Narrative Hook/Conflict Introduced
Point of View (POV)First-person is told by a character who
uses the first-person pronoun “I”.Third-person (Limited or Omniscient) is
the point of view where the narrator uses third-person pronouns such as “he” and “she” to refer to the characters.
LIMITED: this perspective is distinct from the omniscient mode in that the reader experiences the story through the senses and thoughts of just one character.
OMNISCIENT: this perspective is told from the point of view of a storyteller who plays no part in the story but knows all the facts, including the characters' thoughts.
Conflict
The struggle between different forces in a story.
Internal conflict is a mental or emotional struggle that occurs within a character(Man vs. Himself)
External conflict is a struggle that occurs between a character and outside forces, which could be another character or the environment.(Man vs. Man, Society, Nature, etc)
IRONY Verbal irony is when a speaker says one thing but
means another, or when a literal meaning is contrary to its intended effect. An example of this is sarcasm.
Dramatic irony is when words and actions possess a significance that the listener or audience understands, but the speaker or character does not.
Situational irony is when the result of an action is contrary to the desired or expected effect . . . what you expect to happen does not come to pass.
Writer’s TONE
Tone is a reflection of a writer’s or speaker’s attitude toward a subject of a poem, story, or other literary work. Tone may be communicated through words and details that express particular emotions and that evoke and emotional response from the reader. For example, word choice or phrasing may seem to convey respect, anger, lightheartedness, or sarcasm.
Flashback & Foreshadowing
Flashback is action that interrupts to
show an event that happened at an
earlier time which is necessary to better
understanding. Often flashbacks are
presented as a memory of the
narrator or of another character.
Foreshadowing is theuse of hints or clues to suggest what will happen later in literature. Writers use foreshadowing to build their readers’ expectations and to create suspense. This is used to help readers prepare for what is to come.
THEME
Theme is the general idea or insight about life that a writer wishes to express—sometimes referred to “a life lesson.” All of the elements of literary terms contribute to theme. A simple theme can often be stated in a single sentence.
Poetry
Poetry consists of imagery, rhythm and rhyme, and figures of speech.
Types of Poetry
LYRIC:An emotional writing focusing on
thought andemotion - can consist of a song-like
quality. Subdivisions include elegy, ode and
sonnet. Lyric poetry does not attempt to tell a
story.
Types of Lyric Poetry
ElegyAn elegy is a
mournful, melancholic or plaintive
poem, especially a funeral song or a lament
for the dead.
OdeAn ode is a
serious poem of a
meditative nature
written for a specific
occasion or on a particular
subject. They are often very
formal with elevated
language.
Sonnet
A fourteen-line poem
usually having conventional
rhyme schemes and
specific structure.
Types of Poetry
NARRATIVEA poem which tells a story. Includes
the subdivision epic, a long story which
tells of the heroic ideals of a particular society,
and ballad, which generally tell of an event of
interest such as a crime. Ballads were originally
intended to be sung while dancing.
Narrative Poetry EpicsEpics are long, complicated story-poems. They tell of extraordinary deeds by supernatural heroes and villains.
BalladsBallads are part of the oral tradition and tella story through song. Their subjects can be heroic, satirical, romantic, or political. They focus on the actions and dialogue of a story—not the characters.
Types of Poetry
DRAMATICAny drama written in verse which is
meant to be spoken, usually to tell a story or
portray a situation. The majority of dramatic
poetry is written in blank verse.
Imagery, Rhythm & Rhyme Imagery is words or phrases that
recreate an experience of a feeling. It usually appeals to one or more of the five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch.
Rhythm is a pattern of sound you hear as the poetry is spoken or read.
Rhyme refers to the repetition of sounds or words within lines (internal rhyme) or at the end of lines (end rhyme).
Iambic Pentamenter
The most common rhythm in English poetry.
Consists of a line ten syllables long that is accented on every second beat.
Poetry that Doesn’t RhymeBlank verse is written in unrhymed
iambic pentameter. Whereas, free verse (sometimes referred to free form) is not written in iambic pentameter. Blank Verse
Practitioners include Christopher Marlowe and William
Shakespeare
Free VersePractitioners include
Walt Whitman and TS Eliot
Types of Stanzas
Couplet = a two line stanza Triplet = a three line stanza Quatrain= a four line stanza Quintet = a five line stanza Sestet = a six line stanza Septet = a seven line stanza Octave = an eight line
stanza
Figures of Speech
Figures of Speech are images that depart from
standard wording to achieve a specialmeaning of effect.
Poetry Sounds
Assonance is the repetition of vowel-sounds within non-rhyming words.
Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within words.
Alliteration is the repetition of same sounds at the start of words.
There is an example of all three of these terms in one line of the poem, “The Raven,” written by Edgar Allan Poe:
And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtainAssonance is the repetition of the ur sound in "purple" and "curtain.“Consonance is the repetition of the s sound within "uncertain" and
"rustling.“Alliteration is the repetition of the s sound at the start of "silken" and
"sad.”
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is exaggeration or overstatement.
Example:I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.He's as big as a house.
Simile and Metaphor
Simile is the comparison of
two unlike things
using like or as.Example:He eats like a
pig. Vines like golden prisons.
Metaphor is the comparison of two unlike things using the verb "to be" and not using like or as as in a simile. Example:He is a pig.
Onomatopoeia & PersonificationOnomatopoei
a is a word that imitates the sound it represents.
Example:splash, wow, gush, kerplunk
Personification is giving human characteristics to something non-human.
Example:smiling moon
Oxymoron
Oxymoron is a combination of contradictory or opposite words.
Examples: “pretty ugly”
“jumbo shrimp”“legally drunk”
Paradox
Paradox is a statement that at first appears false but in reality is true.
Example:“Tis better to have loved and lost than
never to have loved at all.”
American LiteratureUnderstanding the Literary Periods
Native American LiteratureNative American (30,000BC-
1730AD): Characteristics—focus on the
common origin of all things, tribal traditions and rituals, respect for all nature.
Types of literature—mostly oral, some written, consisting of ceremonial songs and prayers, historical narratives, and poems.
The Colonial Period
Puritan/Colonial (1620-1730): Characteristics—focus on
predestination, plainness in all things.
Types of literature—sermons, diaries, journals, narratives, and poetry; fiction or drama was forbidden.
The Revolutionary PeriodRevolutionary (1750-1800): Characteristics—high regard for
reasoning and scientific observation; strong belief in human progress; freedom from restrictive laws and government; moderation and self-control in all things; stress on elegant, ornate style of writing.
Types of literature—political writings, almanacs, speeches, essays, and some poetry.
The Romantic Period
Romantic (1800-1840): Characteristics—high regard for
inner feelings and emotions; focus on the individual; reverence for the imagination; use of language of the common people.
Types of literature—poetry, novels, short stories, sketches, and folklore.
The Transcendentalist PeriodTranscendentalism & Anti-
Transcendentalism (1840-1860): Characteristics—(T) reverence for
nature; happiness comes from individualism and self-reliance; (AT) critical of optimistic views; human nature a mixture of good and evil.
Types of literature—essays, novels, short stories, and poetry.
Realism & Naturalism
Realism & Naturalism (1855-1918): Characteristics—(R) expression of life as it is
actually lived; factual description of ordinary characters and events; regionalism or local color; focus on dialect, customs, and characters of a particular region; (N) heredity, environment, and economics determine one’s destiny; nature as a brutal force; influence of scientific method.
Types of literature—stories, novels, poetry, travel books, songs, and spirituals.
The Modern Period
Modern Age (1918-present): Characteristics—opposition to
dehumanizing trends in modern life; short stories with a more open form that stress mood and character rather than plot; loss of idealism due to war; experimental forms of poetry--free verse, imagism, and confessional poetry; rise in African-American heritage, culture, and concerns.
Reading ComprehensionLiteral & Inferential Understanding; Writer’s Purpose & Pattern
Literal Understanding Literal understanding refers to information that
is directly stated in a passage. A main idea is the basic topic of a passage. It is
often stated directly at the beginning of a passage. Sometimes it can be stated at the end, and, occasionally, it may not be stated at all.
A supporting detail expands or clarifies the main idea of a passage. Since the supporting details develop the main idea, there are usually several. They may explain the main idea by cause-effect examples, sequence, or comparing and contrasting.
Inferential Understanding Inferential understanding is information
not directly stated in a passage. You may be asked to make various types of inferences—reading between the lines, an educated guess—about a passage.
These inferences will take the form of (1) implied main idea—main idea that is not stated directly; (2) conclusion—forming a judgment or opinion based on what is stated; or (3) prediction—applying information from a passage to a new situation.
PropagandaPropaganda is information that tries
to falsely influence your opinions or feelings. It is found in television commercials, newspaper ads and editorials, political speeches, and everyday conversations too.
Continue for examples . . .
Propaganda: Testimonials
Example(s):
Michael Jordan eats Wheaties.
Sarah Jessica Parker states in a commercial that
Preference hair color has better conditioners.
(1) testimonials—a commonly
used technique in
which famous persons
endorse a product even though they may not be
qualified experts.
Propaganda:Plain Folks
Example(s):
Everyone is having sex before marriage so it
must be OK.
The cool kids wear Polo and Tommy Hilifiger.
(2) plain folks—a technique
which persuades us
to think or act a certain way
because other people are doing the
same thing.
Propaganda:Transfer
Example(s):
The Statue of Liberty represents Liberty Insurance so people will
respect the company’s products.
A political candidate gives a speech with the American flag in the background so people
will trust in what he is saying.
(3) transfer—a technique in
which we connect our
feelings about something to
another unrelated thing (often symbols
like flags, respected
leaders, or historical figures
are used).
Propaganda:Snob Appeal
Example(s):
Uncommon, unusual, unlike the rest – Avanti!
The height of fashion is a Coach purse.
(4) snob appeal—a high social
status is the reward for thinking or
acting a certain way.
Propaganda:Glittering Generality
Example(s):
New, improved Speed Hair Spray!
Vote for a future of progress and prosperity.
(5) glittering generality—a general claim with no proof to support it.
Writer’s PURPOSE Purpose refers to why an author
writes. Readers can better
understand written material
when they can determine the
reason an author writes.
Four common purposes for writing are: (1) narrative—tells a story through a series of unrelated events; (2) description—recreates a person, place, or thing through words that appeal to the five senses; (3) expository—presents information about a topic, usually through facts or examples; and (4) persuasion—urges an audience to do something or accept an opinion.
Types of WritingType of Writing Examples
Narration “The Time I Wrecked my New Car”“Falling in Love for the First Time”
Description “The Beach at Sunset”“My Grandmother’s Hands”
Exposition “Tips for Conserving Water at Home”“How to Change a Tire”
Persuasion “Homeless People Need Homes!”Why We Should Raise the Minimum Wage!”
Writer’s PATTERN Pattern
means how a writer
organizes the details of a
passage. These details
will follow a certain pattern
in explaining the main idea.
Four common patterns writers use are: (1) climactic—sometimes this pattern is called order of importance because the writer starts with the least important details and ends with the most important details to make a point; (2) comparison/contrast—shows similarities or differences between two ideas or things; (3) cause-effect—cause refers to the reason for an action whereas effect is the result of an action; and (4) subordination—helps us see the logical relationship between facts by using transitions.
Organization: Climatic
Key Words: First in
addition Second next Third then Finally most of all Also worst of
all
Least Important
MostImportant
MostImportant
LeastImportant
Examples:Ranking Household ExpensesMost/Least Favorite Class
Organization: Comparison/Contrast
Alike Different
Comparison ContrastAlike Differ
Compare ContrastSimilar UnlikeSame On the other
handEqually But
Resembles However
Examples:How My Mom and Dad are Alike (Comparison)How My Mom and Dad are Different (Contrast)
Organization: Cause/Effect
Cause
Effect
Effect
Effect
Effect
Cause EffectReason ResultBecause AffectSource Consequenc
eBasis Outcome
Examples:Why Earthquakes HappenHow Earthquakes Affect California
Organization: Subordination Subordination
helps us see logical
relationships between facts;
the relationship is made clearer
by subordinating
one idea to another.
Examples: Before we left for vacation, we asked out neighbors to watch the house. Americans want to lower taxes so that more of us can pay our bills. If you pass the final, you will pass your English class.
Key Words for Subordinationafter so if becauseas since unless whichbefore whereas though althoughwhen that while until
Logic and FallaciesLogic refers to reasoning writers use to communicate their ideas. Unfortunately, writers can sometimes make errors in reasoning or fallacies.
Elements of Logic: Sequence
Certain questions on sequence will
ask you to organize a group
of sentences into a logical sequence of
events. These events would then
lead to a final concluding
sentence.
Example:Organize the following sentences into a sequence of events that will lead to this conclusion: All the animals sought refuge from the fury of the storm.
1. The pines swayed and branches feel from trees.
2. There was a sudden calm and the air was heavy.
3. Black, ominous clouds gathered overhead.4. Birds screeched and dogs barked as the
wind intensified.
A. 3, 2, 4, 1 C. 2, 3, 1, 4B. 2, 3, 4, 1 D. 3, 1, 2, 4
Since a storm usually begins quietly and then picks up strength, the best answer is B.
Elements of Logic: GeneralizationsA generalization
is a statement that
summarizes or ties together
information in a passage. It may
be stated directly or it
may be inferred from
evidence in the passage.
Example:Which of the following statements is the best generalization about this passage?
The blood carries oxygen from the lungs to each cell in the body. In addition, the blood carries carbon dioxide from the cells to the lings where it is expelled as a waste product. Nutrients like protein and glucose depend on the blood for their dispersal throughout the body.
1. The blood serves many functions in the body2. Protein and glucose provide food for the blood.3. No one can survive without a plentiful supply
of blood.4. The blood provides oxygen to every cell in the
body.Based on the evidence in the passage, the best answer is A. This generalization summaries what the passage is about.
Elements of Logic: Not Questions
Not questions require you to find irrelevant statements in
a selection. These
irrelevant statements are
examples, facts, or ideas
not mentioned in a passage.
Types of NOT Questions: Which statement would not be useful for establishing a new community center? Which sentence is irrelevant to the persuasive purpose of the writer? The American literary movement least influenced by the Industrial Revolution was… All of the following statements are necessary for supporting this argument except… Which statement is not an example of fallacious (erroneous) reasoning?
Tips for Answering “Not” Questions1. Read the question two or three times,
eliminating statements that are relevant.2. The one that is left is your irrelevant statement.3. Always verify your answer by going back
through the passage.
Elements of Logic: Argument
An argument is a method
of logic or reasoning. The writer
uses reasons to support a
claim or assertion
about a topic or
issue.
Tips for Analyzing an Argument1. Identify the assertion or claim of the
argument. Usually it is the first sentence of the passage. In some kinds or argument, it may appear at the end as the conclusion. Occasionally, you will have to arrive at your own conclusion based on the evidence.
2. Decide whether each reason supports the claim. Some reasons will strongly support the claim –they will be logical and relevant to the argument. However, other reasons may be weak and irrelevant to the argument, providing little support for the assertion or claim.
Logical Fallacies
Logical fallacies are errors in reasoning. They reveal unclear thinking that weakens an argument.
Sharp readers should be able to spot fallacies.
The four most common fallacies are (1) hasty generalizations, (2) false analogies, (3) circular reasoning, and (4) personal attacks.
Hasty Generalization
Hasty Generalizations – making an inference
or judgment based on insufficient evidence.Example:
You arrive to your English class. No one is there, so you decide the class has been cancelled.
This judgment is based on too little evidence. The class could be on a field trip, in another room, at a special assembly, etc.
False Analogy
False Analogy – a misleading comparison between two ideas that are not alike in all
aspects.
Example:High school students got along without cars in the 1940’s; therefore, they can get along without cars today as well.
Although there are high school students in both time periods, circumstances are different today. Cars are plentiful, more affordable, and, in most cases, a necessity because of greater distances between home, school, and work.
Circular Reasoning
Circular reasoning – part of a point is used as evidence to support it. This is also called
“begging the question”.
Example:Cheating on exams is wrong because looking at someone else’s test is bad.
No real reasons for cheating are given; the statement merely repeats itself.
Personal Attacks
Personal Attacks – attacking a person’s life
rather than his or her ideas.Example:Carla is always joking with her friends, so how could she run for student council president?!
Carla’s sense of humor has little connection with how she would lead students. In fact, it could turn into an asset.
Features of Printed MaterialsResearch
Reference Materials
Some of the questions on the test will test your ability to locate specific information found in features of printed materials. Reference Materials
Table of contents PrefaceIntroduction Titles and subtitlesGlossary IndexBibliography DictionaryAppendix EncyclopediaAlmanac
Online Research—Websites
Pay close
attention to the endings of web
addresses.
.com Commercial site; usually selling something
.net Network
.org Non-profit organization
.gov Local or National Government
.edu Educational site
When you are looking at websites, it is useful have an understanding of implications of the common suffixes used in the addresses for websites (called URLs). Some suffixes give a clue about the nature of the organization which owns the website.
Types of Books
AUTOBIOGRAPHYA non-fictional account of a person's life--usually a
celebrity, an important historical figure, or a writer--written by
that actual person.BIOGRAPHY
A non-fictional account of a person's life written by someone other than who is being highlighted.
Primary & Secondary Sources
Primary Sources
Original article or book created by a person or group of people
Examples include letters, short stories, poems, novels, plays,
speeches, films, etc.
William Shakepeare’s playRomeo and Juliet
Secondary Sources
Sources that are written about primary sources
Examples include journal articles, periodicals, encyclopedias,
dictionaries, essays, reviews, etc.
Rachel Moore’s essay entitled “Courtly Love in William
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet”
Incorporating Source Materials
•Copying the information verbatim (word for word)•Using quotation marks to identify what has been copied•Providing a source citation
Direct Quotes
•Putting the information in your own words•Shortening the material by condensing it (accurately detail the main idea and supporting details) •Providing a source citation
Paraphrasing
•Putting the information in your own words•Shortening the material by condensing it; only providing an overview (omit the details & express only the most important details)•Providing a source citation
Summarizing
Fact vs. Opinion
What’s the Difference? A fact is a true statement that can be proven
through observations, research, or statistics. An opinion is a statement of judgment or
personal belief. It may or may not be true. Adjectives or the word “I” is often used.
Fact
Before he became president of the United States, Ronald Reagan was
governor of California.
Opinion
I think Ronald Reagan was a great president of the United States.
Problem SolvingProblem solving is a technique used to arrive at a solution to some difficulty.
Problem Solving Strategies
Brainstorming Generating ideas, often with others, to find new ways of solving a problem. Example: Discussing ways to build racial understanding.
Creating Metaphors Solving a problem by connecting it to a similar problem. Example: Visiting a recycling center in Macon to learn how to recycle waste in Waynesboro.
Constructing Models
Creating a chart or design to solve a problem. Example: Making a drawing of the new auditorium for a high school.
Role Playing Solving a problem by acting it out. Example: Rehearsing an upcoming job interview with a friend so you’ll know what to expect.
Analogy Finding pairs of words that are related in some way to a first pair of words. Both sets of words are separated by a double colon. Example:
writer : pen :: painter : brush
A Tip for Solving AnalogiesRemember: The first two words in an analogy are related to each other in some way. You have to figure out what the relationship is. Then look for a similar relationship in one of your choices.
1. Cause – effect cut : pain2. Size whale :
mouse3. Shape balloon : sphere4. Time Sunday :
Monday5. Similarities faith : belief6. Opposites day : night7. Part to a whole branch :
tree8. Purpose or use hammer :
nail9. Object to an action football :
kick10.Worker & tool farmer :
plow
Common Types of Analogies
Grammatical Conventions
Slang & Standard American English The English we use may be appropriate
in one situation but not in another. On the test, you may be asked specific
questions about language; make sure you can distinguish between (1) slang, (2) colloquial language, (3) inappropriate English, and (4) Standard American English.
The Categories & What they Mean
Slang Informal language that enjoys brief popularity then generally becomes obsolete. Examples: crib, dis, sike, yo’ mama, word, peace, my bad, etc.
Colloquial English
Words that are appropriate in dialogue and informal writing but inappropriate in formal writing [contractions, short words, or clichés]. Examples: You bet I’ll be there! He’s in so deep there’s no way out! The apple never falls far from the tree.
Inappropriate English
Contains grammar and usage that do not follow the standard rules for English. Example: I done really bad on that test yesterday! Ain’t no way I’m gonna pass that class.
Standard American English
English most widely accepted in the United States; it is the language of educated people. Example: I preformed really badly on yesterday’s test. Now there is no way I can pass the class.
Subject-Verb (S/V) Agreement
Grammar rules state that the subject of a sentence MUST agree with the corresponding verb of the sentence. The subject is the word performing the action (verb).The number of the verb is not affected by material that comes between the verb and subject. Determine the real subject of the verb; watch out for intervening words that might mislead you. Remember that the number of the verb is not altered when other nouns are attached to the subject by means of prepositions such as in addition to, together with, as well as, with, along with. Remember also that indefinite pronoun subjects like either, neither, each, one, everyone, no one, somebody take singular verbs. Examples:Immediate settlement of these problems is vital. The cost of replacing the asbestos shingles with cedar shakes was considerable.Mr. Shelton, together with several other division heads, has left.
Pronoun-Antecedent (P/A) AgreementA pronoun is a word that substitutes for a noun or another pronoun. The word for which a pronoun stands is called its antecedent.
Examples: I called Harry, but he didn’t answer. [He substitutes for Harry. Harry is the antecedent of he.]
I will wash my car tomorrow.One of my friends is painting his house.
To use pronouns effectively and without confusing your reader, you must follow two basic principles: (1) You must establish a clear, easily identified relationship between a pronoun and its antecedent, and (2) You must make the pronoun and its antecedent agree in person, number, and gender.
Punctuationoffers signals showing the reader where ideas separate and where they blend together. Punctuation may signal contrasting elements or complimentary ones.
END PUNCTUATIONEnd punctuation signals when a sentence is complete. It also signals the type of sentence: statement, with period (.); question, with question mark (?); or exclamation, with an exclamation point (!).
Examples:1. When a tree falls in the
woods, it may land in the creek with a splash.
2. If a tree falls in the woods onto a moss bed, does it make a noise?
3. When that tree fell in the woods onto my car, it made a huge noise!
Punctuation continuedCOMMASThe use of commas is varied and valuable. Some comma functions are as follows: signaling restatement; separating two independent clauses when paired with a conjunction; or setting off direct address; and separating simple series items.
Examples:1. Plato, one of the creators of
philosophical thought, developed the image of reality as shadows on a cave wall.
2. Plato and Aristotle were philosophers in the same age, and they motivated each other to achieving ever greater insights.
3. The philosophy of the “winner takes all” in reality programs seems insane to me, Alexis.
4. Speaking of Plato’s reality as shadows on a wall, its banality is proven by reality shows like “Survivor,” “The Apprentice,” and “I Want to be a Hilton.”
Punctuation continuedSEMI COLONSSemi-colons signal stronger pause than commas but are used in similar situations. They are used to separate independent clauses (without conjunctions), and they separate complex items in a series.
Examples:1. Ms. Flores said that it was a
philosopher who first asked that if a tree falls in the woods does it make a sound if no one is there to hear; this kind of unsolvable question can be used as an ice breaker for people who are getting acquainted.
2. The membership of our philosophy club may surprise most people as it includes Troy Birch, a start basketball player; Jason Simpson, the high dive champion; and Penelope Weaver, our top tennis ace.
Punctuation continuedCOLONS
A colon is a definite break in the flow of a text. Some textual uses include signaling new information to be added or attaching a list of items to the sentence.
Examples:1. It is said that History repeats
itself: at least if it is not remembered and the lessons are not learned.
2. Spanish-born George Santayana wrote on many topics such as the following: life/death, individuality/society, and knowledge/faith.
PracticeLet’s apply what you’ve learned . . . .
Suppose you are writing an essay about the water quality for residents in your area. Which of the following is the best way to state your research question?
A. What is being done to make our environment cleaner?B. Is the water Americans drink becoming more polluted?C. Does the water in this community meet health and safety standards?D. What are the differences between bottled water and tap water?
Answer: C. Does the water in this community meet health and safety standards?
Which sentence would be best to include in a letter to the school board requesting more money for the school band?
A. The school band is horrible because the uniforms are out of fashion.B. You should have given us more money because our band is awesome.C. It isn’t our fault that the band is terrible, so you shouldn’t blame us.D. Please consider supporting the band, which is vital to our school.
Answer: D. Please consider supporting the band, which is vital to our school.
Which of the sentences below is written correctly?
A. Pat has the best grades in the school.B. Pat has the better grades in the school.C. Pat has like the best grades in the school.D. Pat has the more better grades in the school.
Answer: A. Pat has the best grades in the school.
Of the following, who MOST believed in working hard and living a strict life from the bible?
A. Benjamin FranklinB. Spanish ExplorersC. James OglethorpeD. Puritans
Answer: D. Puritans
How would you improve your understanding of Transcendentalism?
A. Read the works of Henry JamesB. Research the life of Samuel ClemensC. Read Thoreau’s WaldenD. Research Natty Bumppo’s adventures on the American frontier
Answer: C. Read Thoreau’s Walden
To whom did Gertrude Stein’s “The Lost Generation” refer?
A. American “ex patriots” who disappeared in EuropeB. Her parents’ generation of wealthy patriciansC. Unemployed young Americans living in EuropeD. World War I era artists whose experiences hurt themAnswer: A. American “ex patriots” who
disappeared in Europe
Read the following passage and answer the question below.Paula wants to go to the mall; however, she still has chores to finish. She must clean her room, do her laundry, and walk the dog before she will be permitted to go.A. Change the semicolon after mall to a colonB. Remove the comma after laundryC. Change permitted to permissionD. No correction is neededAnswer: D – No correction is needed.
Early American literature includes works by
A. Native AmericansB. ColonistsC. SettlersD. All of the above
Answer: D. All of the above
During the late 19th to early 20th century, _____ became a new force in American literature.
A. NovelistsB. DramatistsC. WomenD. Poets
Answer: C. Women
The purpose of a presentation can be to inform, to persuade, or to entertain. For each topic, choose the letter that best describes the purpose of the presentation.
How to operate a fire extinguisher.A. To informB. To persuadeC. To entertain
Why the movie version of The Color Purple is better than the book.A. To informB. To persuadeC. To entertain
Answer: A/B. To Inform/persuade
Your teacher asks you to use at least three primary sources in your research paper about an author. Which of the following would fulfill this requirement?
A. A novel by the author, an interview with the author, and a letter written to the authorB. A Web site about the author, an encyclopedia entry about the author, and a diary entry by the authorC. An encyclopedia entry about the author, an email mentioning the author, and a speech by the authorD. A survey about literature of the time, a journal article about the author’s work, and a textbook mentioning the author
Answer: A. A novel by the author, an interview with the author, and a letter written to the author
After reading a literary critic’s analysis of Hemingway’s use of bullfighting in his novel Death in the Afternoon, you restate her findings in your own words. Which technique are you using?
A. A direct quoteB. ParaphrasingC. SummarizingD. Anecdotal scripting
Answer: B. Paraphrasing
Ben Franklin once said, “early to bed early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” This is an example of _____.
A. A direct quoteB. ParaphrasingC. SummarizingD. Anecdotal scripting
Answer: A. A direct quote
Which of the following would make the MOST effective research question for a research paper about American literature?
A. What are molecules?B. During which years was Willa Cather alive?C. How did Henry David Thoreau’s friendships influence his writing?D. How many books did Flannery O’Connor write?
Answer: C. How did Henry David Thoreau’s friendships influence his writing?
Which of the following is an example of a secondary source?
A. An interviewB. A textbookC. A speechD. A poem
Answer: B. A textbook
Choose the sentence that uses the correct punctuation and capitalization.
A. Let’s go through the tunnel around the park and down Melcher Street to get home.B. Let’s go through the tunnel, around the park, and down Melcher Street to get home.C. Lets go through the tunnel, around the park, and down Melcher Street to get home.D. Lets go through the tunnel, around the park and down Melcher Street, to get home.
Answer: B. Let’s go through the tunnel, around the park, and down Melcher Street to get home.
Until this year, mathematics _____ my favorite subject.
A. IsB. AreC. WasD. Were
Answer: C. Was
What is the primary persuasive technique used in the following advertisement?
Everyone wants strong and shiny hair, and that’s why women across America are trying our new BelleVitamin Shampoo. Our shampoo has a fresh, clean scent that you’ll love. Don’t be left in the cold with dull, boring hair. Join the rest of us, and try BelleVitamin Shampoo. We promise others will notice!
A. StereotypingB. BandwagonC. Card stackingD. Rhetorical questions
Answer: B. Bandwagon
Maria wants to include a passage from Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn in her paper, but it is very long. She thinks she can cut out the middle of the passage and still keep the more important parts. What punctuation does she need to add to her excerpt so that the reader knows she omitted something?
A. ParenthesisB. A colonC. A hyphenD. An ellipsis
Answer: D. An ellipses
Which literary device is used in the following sentence?
I was so tired last night that I slept like a log.
A. OnomatopoeiaB. SimileC. MetaphorD. Hyperbole
Answer: B. Simile
The fact that a sweet carbonated drink has names like coke, pop, soda, and soft drink suggests differences in
A. DialectB. SpellingC. MeaningD. Pronunciation
Answer: A. Dialect
A literary movement emphasizing emotions and feelings that began in the late eighteenth century and ended during the Civil War was
A. TranscendentalismB. NaturalismC. Post-ModernismD. Romanticism
Answer: D - Romanticism
Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau represent authors from which literary movement?
A. TranscendentalismB. NaturalismC. RealismD. Modernism
Answer: A – Transcendentalism
In Anna Karenina, the story is told by an all-knowing narrator, allowing the reader to see the world through the eyes of many characters, not just Anna's.
This is an example of which point of view?
A. First person point of viewB. Second person point of viewC. Third person-limited point of viewD. Third person-omniscient point of view
Answer: D - Third person omniscient point of view
In what literary era did writers begin to break with tradition and rebel against the sentimentality of the Romantics?
A. RealismB. NaturalismC. TranscendentalismD. Modernism
Answer: A - Realism
Members of the high school student body decided to make a presentation to the administration for support and funds to form a marching band. Some students decided to pretend to be the principal and vice principal arguing against the idea. Other students responded to their comments.
What problem-solving technique were these students using?A. constructing models B. creating metaphorsC. brainstorming D. role-playing
Answer: D – role-playing
As per your request, I am enclosing a xerox copy of your account. This statement lists all of your activities from the last twelve months. If we may provide any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
This excerpt would most likely come from:A. Personal Writing C. Social WritingB. Academic Writing D. Business Writing
Answer: D – Business Writing
The correct contraction of they are is which of the following?
A. theirB. they’reC. thereD. they’r
Answer: B – They’re
Use the context clues in the sentence to decide the best meaning of the underlined word.
They tried to ameliorate the hostage crisis with negotiations, but the terrorists were unreasonable and the situation worsened.
A. worsen B. hideC. calm D. improve
Answer: D - improve
Which of the following sentences has a subject-verb agreement error?
A. Everything is the same as it was when we left.B. No one is going to join us for a drink.C. None wanted to go to the beach.D. None of the guys is going to the movie.
Answer: D – guys/is Corrected – guys/are
Which sentence has the correct apostrophe usage?
A. Its going to rain.B. Its’ going to rain.C. It’s going to rain.D. I’ts going to rain.
Answer: C – It’s - (It is) going to rain.
Authors who tell a story using I or we such as JD Salinger in Catcher In the Rye are using
A. objective point of viewB. first-person point of viewC. third-person point of viewD. omniscient point of view
Answer: B – First-person
Clear, direct language and ordinary, everyday events characterize
A. RealismB. ModernismC. TranscendentalismD. Naturalism
Answer: A - Realism
Puritan writing is characterized by
A. fictionB. dramaC. sermonsD. humor
Answer: C - Sermons
Native American literature was characterized by which of the following?
A. poetryB. dramaC. symbolic writingD. oral tradition
Answer: D – Oral Tradition
Complete the analogy:
Doctor : Patient :: Lawyer :
A. JudgeB. CriminalC. ClientD. Bailiff
Answer: C - Client
During what time period was there the first significant movement of black writers and artists?
A. the Colonial PeriodB. the Harlem RenaissanceC. ModernismD. Post-Modernism
Answer: B – Harlem Renaissance
Choose the following word that matches the definition:
A way of speaking that is characteristic of a social group or of a certain geographical area is called ___.
A. EpithetB. AssonanceC. DialectD. Diction
Answer: C - Dialect
An expository passage is most likely written to ___.
A. narrateB. entertainC. informD. persuade
Answer: C - inform
All of the following are examples of facts except
A. Mt. Rainier, in Washington State, is 14,410 feet.B. Vermont is the state with the smallest black population.C. Franklin Roosevelt was the first president to use the radio as a communication device.D. Women firefighters are more capable in their work than male firefighters.
Answer: D
Place the following events in their proper order:1. Finally, results are analyzed and interpreted with respect to the perceived “correctness” of the hypothesis.2. Predictions are made based on the hypothesis, and methods are designed for testing those predictions.3. The experiment is conducted and data are collected.4. Experimental design begins with asking a question and forming a testable hypothesis. A. 1,3,2,4 B. 1,3,4,2C. 3,2,1,4 D. 4,2,3,1
Answer: D
Which statement expresses an opinion rather than a fact?
A. Patrick Henry delivered his “Give me liberty or give me death” speech in 1775.B. Jacqueline Kennedy was the wife of President John F. Kennedy.C. George Washington was the most admired president of all time.D. “The Gift of the Magi” was written by O. Henry.Answer: C
Resources The following resources were used in the creation of this PowerPoint:
1. AMC’s Passing the Georgia High School Graduation Test in English Language Arts (2007).
2. CPC’s Passing the Georgia High School Graduation Test in Mathematics, Writing, and English Language Arts (1995).
3. Miscellaneous Internet sites.