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.