Language Arts - Module Exam

How do science writers tend to use analogies, especially when writing for a general (non-scientific) audience?

A good analogy can make an abstract or complex concept clear, compelling, and easy to visualize by connecting unfamiliar ideas to facts and concepts that readers already know about and understand. This approach, used skillfully, can make highly specialized scientific content more comprehensible to readers who are not scientists.

What would need to happen for the United States to become the America that Vonnegut imagines in "Harrison Bergeron"?

Additional constitutional amendments would gradually remove individual rights and freedoms.

Your partner on a project wants to create a scientific survey report to explore what it was like to live in Japanese internment camps during World War II. Do you agree that this media form would work best for this particular history presentation? Why or why not?

An informational report full of numbers and statistics would not be the best media form for conveying what it was like to be a Japanese person interned in a World War II camp. This form would lack the personal stories and emotional impact of this ordeal, which provide vital perspective. Instead, a documentary, a videotaped and edited interview, or an informational article would be more effective, since each would allow the audience to hear personal stories from authentic primary sources.

How does digital technology make it possible for just about anyone to create multimedia?

Because almost everyone has access to technology that can assist them with creating the multimedia

Regardless of the subject matter, what idea do most contemporary informational texts suggest is true?

Change almost always represents progress.

Which writing prompt would require you to synthesize new information?

Compare and contrast Huckleberry Finn and "Thank You, Ma'am" to find a common theme both works share.

How is TV news programming today different from news programs of the 20th century?

Fewer news programs include stories reported by journalists who are on the scene.

Describe the steps involved in synthesizing information from several texts.

First you read the texts carefully and identify each text's main ideas. Then you draw your own conclusions and come up with one idea that represents all you have learned.

Read this passage from "Lynch Law" by Ida B. Wells: A lynching equally as cold-blooded took place in Memphis, Tennessee, March 1892. Three young colored men in an altercation at their place of business fired on white men in self-defense. They were imprisoned for three days, then taken out by the mob and horribly shot to death. Thomas Moss, Will Stewart and Calvin McDowell were energetic businessmen who had built up a flourishing grocery business. Their business had prospered and that of a rival white grocer named Barrett had declined. Barrett led the attack on their grocery, which resulted in the wounding of three white men. Which words in this excerpt are meant to affect readers on an emotional level? What emotions do the words evoke?

I would say the words lynching, imprisoned, rival, and wounding affect readers on an emotional level. These make the reader realize the dangers of what is happening to the characters in the story.

Re-read this passage from the FBI's account of the capture of Baby Face Nelson. In less than five minutes, what came to be known as "The Battle of Barrington" would be over. In less than 12 hours, only one of the four would still be alive to talk about it. How does this type of foreshadowing added to a historical account affect readers?

It helps engage readers, because they want to know what happens in the story.

What is the effect of the gritty, dark, and indistinct imagery in John and Faith Hubley's animated short The Hole?

It mirrors the sense of fear and uncertainty surrounding current issues like nuclear disarmament.

Describe some of the features you're likely to encounter in informational text that tracks change or progress.

Some features that track change or progress include, the order of events, character growth, and where the story takes place.

In Kurt Vonnegut's short story "Harrison Bergeron," George is unable to think through an answer because he is forced to listen to loud sirens every few minutes. What does this detail suggest about the mechanisms that make Vonnegut's future America operate as it does?

The government has complete control--people aren't allowed to even think for themselves.

How do infographics, such as maps and charts, help readers grasp big ideas?

They present information in a visual way.

How do the research projects and assignments in college courses differ from what younger high school students are asked to do?

They require a greater degree of analysis.

How do the characters in Amy Tan's story "Rules of the Game" draw on ancient Chinese texts, such as The Art of War, to live life?

They use the strategies for playing chess and for interacting with others.

In Amy Tan's short story "Rules of the Game," Waverly's mother points out Waverly to strangers every chance she gets because she is proud of her; Waverly, on the other hand, is embarrassed by this. What does this conflict have to do with differences between American and Chinese culture?

This has to deal with the differences between the two cultures because meimei is used to Chinese culture and has to adapt to living in America, where her mother continues to try to continue with the old traditions which makes the adjustment more difficult.

If you're writing your own piece of literature, which strategy would make your work seem more Postmodern in character?

Use elements of popular culture to consider serious topics or themes.

In Amy Tan's short story "Rules of the Game," Waverly and her mother argue in the street and Waverly runs away. The story ends with Waverly, alone in her room, planning her next "move." What question should you ask about this ending to figure out what the author is trying to say?

What does the scene suggest about Waverly's future as a Chinese mother's daughter?

If you want to analyze multimedia representations of race throughout history, what is the best question for comparing the 1940s soundie Bubbling Over to the 1960s feature Winner by Decision?

What is different (or the same) about the way the films' actors play African American characters?

What are several close reading questions you could ask when performing a close reading of Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron"?

What is equality? What are the benefits of being equal? What are the disadvantages of being equal? Do you think Harrison would have made a large impact?

What should you look for when analyzing an argumentative/analytical text?

When analyzing an argumentative text you should closely read the argument, identify the claims, and how you could do a better job persuading the reader.

Which of the following would be the most likely first sentence of a news report?

Which of the following would be the most likely first sentence of a news report?

What media form would work best for a web page whose purpose is to increase general knowledge and interest in an era of history?

a virtual museum

Which phrase best describes an analytical research report?

an argument for a particular interpretation of the facts

What is the most likely source for a quote like the following?(1) to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities;

an official act or law

In Tim O'Brien's story "Where Have You Gone, Charming Billy?", why does Paul Berlin point out that no one gave him lessons for how to have courage?

because courage isn't something that is learned

What type of informational text is most likely to contain a passage like the following? Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Instagram, Pinterest, yada, yada, yada. Each of these social networking sites has something to offer and I have accounts on most of them. However, I think it may be time to streamline.

blog post

When editing a creative text for grammar and punctuation, what should be the two main reasons for making changes?

for clarity and emphasis

Look at the table below from the COSR Military Training Manual. Why is this information included in table form?

for readability

Which of these phrases does describes a characteristic of postmodern literature?

representations of confusion or chaos

What new phenomenon was made possible by the invention of radio and television?

simultaneous broadcasting of the day's news

Why is it important to paraphrase what has happened before you determine what the author wants you to understand, think, or feel?

so that you can look back and reevaluate what the author was trying to say

Which of these political situations most influenced the first or earliest postmodern writers?

the Cold War

What part of your research essay should you outline first?

the body paragraphs

Read this paragraph from an article about the movement that promoted equal rights for Americans with disabilities. The movement spurred changes in public mental health services and opportunities at the local, state, and national level over the next few decades. . .. Fueled by the successes of the Civil Rights and Women's Rights Movements, the momentum continued in the 1970s when disabled Americans began to speak for themselves. What concept or idea is most strongly suggested by the language in this excerpt?

the passage of time

In Alice Walker's short short story "The Flowers," what is the strongest indication that the story's events have changed the main character?

the story's last sentence stating that the summer was over

When is it better to use the passive voice in academic writing?

when you want to emphasize the action itself, not the person or event that caused it

Describe two strategies that can help you make better use of the revision stage of the writing process.

Ask for a peer to review your writing and read through your writing slowly.

Which research question is most appropriate for a research project that requires you to analyze information and draw your own conclusions?

How has the language used to describe childbirth changed since the early 20th century?

Which element of scientific knowledge do good science writers take care to emphasize?

Hypotheses must be tested and proven multiple times to be considered scientific fact.

What aspects of American history would provide important context for an informational article about the first black student to attend a desegregated school in the South?

Important context would include the laws related to segregation at the time, key aspects of the arguments on both sides of the debate, and knowledge of terms such as "Separate but Equal" and "Brown v. the Board of Education.

What features are typically associated with postmodern fiction?

It should not be an true story, should be logical, and it should be enjoyable to read.

Which statement describes the best way to integrate source information into your report?

Provide a direct quote from one source in each of your report's paragraphs.

Which annotation most closely supports this working thesis statement?

Theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking has argued that "the development of full artificial intelligence could spell the end of the human race."

What role do primary sources usually play in a research assignment that requires analysis?

They act as "artifacts," revealing key information about a time period or author.

Which of the following direct quotes is correctly integrated with the author's own words?

While the Internet provides access to unlimited information, "it's also a plagiarist's best friend," writes Dr. Kelly.

What question should you ask yourself when selecting sources for use in a research report?

Will this source help me answer my research question in a valid way?

What feature is unique to an annotated list of sources?

a brief paragraph describing the key or most relevant ideas in each source

Which domain-specific word would best fill in the blank in the following sentence?<br><br><span style="font-style: italic;">Previous patients have described how art therapy activities have improved their ___________ skills and ability to process trauma and confront issues relating to frustrations, transitions, and grief.</span>

cognitive

If you take the version of the new SAT that includes a writing prompt, what type of thinking and writing will you need to do?

exploring how well a text builds an argument

What is lacking in an argument that relies entirely on emotional appeals and personal stories?

focus and purpose

Which aspect of a trend or event are you likely to emphasize in a well-written analytical research report?

its impact on culture

What is jargon?

specialized language used by members of a group to talk about knowledge they share

Which of these thinking skills is most useful for generating a valid thesis statement based on the results of your research?

synthesizing