Cumulative Exam Review English
Which topic would prompt an argumentative essay?
A Case for Gender Equity in the Workplace
Which best explains the symbolism behind Ahab's ivory leg, fashioned from the jaw of a whale in Chapter 28 of Moby-Dick?
Ahab hunts whales with the aim of conquering them like an enemy.
How does the form of "Song of Myself" help the poem communicate its theme?
By moving forward without formal restraints, the poet justifies expressions of freedom in the work
Read the third stanza of "Song of Myself."My tongue, every atom of my blood, form'd from this soil, this air,Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same,I, now thirty-seven years old in perfect health begin,Hoping to cease not till death.Which statement best describes the effect of the language in this stanza?
It establishes that the speaker of the poem will be frank and honest.
Read the excerpt from "The Adventure of the Mysterious Picture."The expression was that of agony—the agony of intense bodily pain; but a menace scowled upon the brow, and a few sprinklings of blood added to its ghastliness. Yet it was not all these characteristics—it was some horror of the mind, some inscrutable antipathy awakened by this picture, which harrowed up my feelings.What effect does the tone of the excerpt have on the reader?
It evokes a sense of anxiety as the narrator observes his surroundings.
Read the excerpt from a short story.The cave had offered a greater challenge than the group expected. This was not a tourist's cavern, and there was no stopping to photograph stalagmites—far from it. Each spelunker wore a headlamp, and each had gone so far as to belly crawl through a tight fissure at the urging of their guide. Riya had kept up all afternoon, ignoring her aching legs and the shadows of abundant bats. And now she awaited her turn to walk, legs splayed, across a yawning crevice. Even Old Dot had done it; she could hear the group clapping for her across the darkness. Finding footholds on the left and right, she advanced—one foot, then the other. Reaching ambitiously for jutting rock beyond her grasp, she heard a sickly crumble below and began to fall.How does the excerpt exemplify the ideas King describes in "Danse Macabre"?
It forces readers to "grapple" with their own mortality.
Read the excerpt from Walden.Sympathy with the fluttering alder and poplar leaves almost takes away my breath; yet, like the lake, my serenity is rippled but not ruffled. These small waves raised by the evening wind are as remote from storm as the smooth reflecting surface.How does the excerpt support Thoreau's view on solitude?
It indicates that when alone in nature, nothing can disturb his calm
How does the passionate tone adopted by Set'tainte (Satanta) within the speech "My Heart Is Bursting" most help him achieve his purpose?
It strengthens his ability to persuade through emotions.
What overall effect does Bradstreet achieve in "The Author to Her Book" through her use of hyperbole and metaphor?
She conveys the depth of care for her writing.
Which statement best describes one main idea of Of Plymouth Plantation?
The journey to Cape Cod was long and difficult for the colonists.
Based on the dialect used throughout The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which of the following statements about the characters within the story is most accurate?
The king's use of dialect suggests that he may not actually be a king and is simply posing as one.
Read the excerpt from "The Oval Portrait," by Edgar Allan Poe.The rays of the numerous candles (for there were many) now fell within a niche of the room which had hitherto been thrown into deep shade by one of the bed-posts. I thus saw in vivid light a picture all unnoticed before. It was the portrait of a young girl just ripening into womanhood. I glanced at the painting hurriedly, and then closed my eyes. Why I did this was not at first apparent even to my own perception. But while my lids remained thus shut, I ran over in my mind my reason for so shutting them. It was an impulsive movement to gain time for thought?—to make sure that my vision had not deceived me—to calm and subdue my fancy for a more sober and more certain gaze.Which statement best describes the effect of the narration on the story?
The narration imparts apprehension.
In "Because I Could Not Stop for Death," what is the significance of the phrase "[Death] knew no haste"?
The phrase characterizes Death as being removed from human concerns.
Read the third stanza of "Because I Could Not Stop for Death."We passed the School, where Children stroveAt Recess - in the Ring -We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain -We passed the Setting Sun -Why does Dickinson most likely repeat the word "passed" three times in this stanza?
The words convey a sense of steady motion
Based on Chapter 4 of The Scarlet Letter, what biased view do Hester Prynne and most of her fellow settlers hold of themselves in relation to the Indigenous population in the area?
They see themselves as more civilized.
Which best states the structure of the section entitled "Solitude" in Walden?
Thoreau describes a sequence of events he enjoys at night, and then compares himself to others who do not understand his pleasure in being alone in nature.
Read the excerpt relating to Reverend Mr. Wilson from Chapter 3 of The Scarlet Letter.He looked like the darkly engraved portraits which we see prefixed to old volumes of sermons; and had no more right than one of those portraits would have, to step forth, as he now did, and meddle with a question of human guilt, passion, and anguish.Which trait of Reverend Mr. Wilson does Hawthorne develop in this excerpt from the chapter?
arrogance
Read this excerpt from "The World on Turtle's Back."The animals thought that perhaps there was dirt at the depths of the ocean, but they had never tried to reach the bottom before. One by one they tried to swim down, but their attempts were futile. Finally, the muskrat disappeared into the cold depth of the ocean. After a lengthy amount of time, he drifted to the surface with a tiny speck of earth in his hand. He appeared to be dead, but the animals prayed and chanted, and finally he stirred. The Earth-Diver was successful in bringing forth the soil to make the earth grow.Based on this excerpt, which character trait was valued by the Iroquois?
courage
Read the excerpt from "Mending Wall," by Robert Frost.Something there is that doesn't love a wall,That sends the frozen-ground-swell under it,And spills the upper boulders in the sun;And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.What is Frost describing that "doesn't love a wall"?
ice
Miguel is taking notes of the mayor's speech. As he is taking notes, Miguel should
jot down main points and supporting details.
Read the excerpt from "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God."There will be no end to this exquisite horrible misery.In this excerpt, what does "exquisite" mean?
perfect
Read the excerpt from "Mending Wall."Spring is the mischief in me, and I wonderIf I could put a notion in his head:"Why do they make good neighbours? Isn't itWhere there are cows? But here there are no cows.Before I built a wall I'd ask to knowWhat I was walling in or walling out,And to whom I was like to give offence.Something there is that doesn't love a wall,That wants it down." I could say "Elves" to him,But it's not elves exactly, and I'd ratherHe said it for himself.What is the speaker's mood in this excerpt?
playful
Read the beginning of Divya's personal narrative, "The Graduation Speech.""There's no way I would ever volunteer to be our graduation speaker," I snapped. Jill [WOL] surprised. "I don't even like raising my hand in school," I continued. "Why on earth would I put myself in a position to speak in front of our entire class?"She smiled knowingly. "I think you have a lot to say, Divya, and it's time to finally let it out. You always give me great advice. Graduation is a major turning point, and everyone will be looking for a little advice and encouragement as they venture into the world. See? You [WOL] the perfect person to give this speech!"Fill in the blanks in order.
seemed . . . . are
Which element of Of Plymouth Plantation indicates that this is an excerpt from a larger work?
the title
Read the excerpt from "Ain't I a Woman?"I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?What is the primary purpose of the phrases "borne thirteen children" and "cried out with my mother's grief"?
to emphasize the pain and struggle that Truth has lived through
