Language Arts Semester Exam Study Guide
How can these two independent clauses be combined to make one simple sentence? The sunset was dabbing the clouds with soft violet hues. It made me feel at peace.
Dabbing the clouds with soft violet hues, the sunset made me feel at peace.
What is one purpose for writing nonfiction text about historical events and issues?
Describing and analyzing history helps us learn from the past.
What makes the Japanese Relocation video in this lesson a primary source?
It gives a firsthand account of the assumptions behind the events of 1943.
What is the defining characteristic of narrative poetry?
It tells a story.
Why is it important to limit the length and complexity of an oral presentation?
Listeners can't go back and re-read if they become distracted or confused.
What is one way that the reasoning in Lt. Commander Ringle's letter differs from the reasoning in Dr. Herter's?
Lt. Commander Ringle discusses several different subgroups of Japanese Americans instead of lumping them all together and judging them as a one group.
How can these two sentences be combined into one compound sentence? The dog wanted to jump into the water. The owner wouldn't allow it.
The dog wanted to jump into the water, but the owner wouldn't allow it
Which statement would most likely appear in a historical essay?
The influences of the Ancient Greeks are everywhere in modern culture.
In "Bringing Jamie Home," how does the historical context relate to Jamie's death?
The lack of safety and child labor laws led to Jamie's death in the mine.
In the story "The Vampire Maid," what is one of the ways the author builds a feeling of dread?
The narrator gets progressively weaker while Ariadne gets stronger.
How do logical fallacies weaken a writer's argument?
They provide false reasons in support of a claim, making the writer seem less credible.
How can these two simple sentences be combined to create a complex sentence? The birds flew south for the winter. It was time to get out the sweaters.
When the birds flew south for the winter, it was time to get out the sweaters.
. How is analyzing historical fiction similar to analyzing other types of fiction?
You should focus on character development and theme.
Gabrielle is preparing a historical presentation about immigration during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her thesis is that the immigrants who came through Ellis Island were primarily families rather than individuals. Which of the following images would be most appropriate for her presentation?
a picture of a family waiting in the customs line at Ellis Island
Your history teacher has asked you to read excerpts from a journal of household activities, written by a woman who helped settle the plains of Montana in the mid-1800s. What have you been asked to read?
a primary source
Unlike a secondary source, a primary source document provides what?
a single firsthand perspective on an event
Rory wants to grab his listener's attention right from the start. Which of the following is most likely to help him achieve his goal?
a surprising detail
What organizational pattern is most appropriate for writing about history?
chronological order
What kind of logical fallacy appears in this passage? In The Metamorphosis, Gregor Samsa is a terrible and frightening person. We know this because all of the members of his family react to him with fear and horror.
circular argument
Which type of sentence is this one? Since she forgot the key to the lock, Andrea could not open the mailbox.
complex
What elements are important to consider when analyzing any type of fiction?
plot and character development
What kind of document would summarize and discuss eyewitness accounts of an event?
secondary source
Which type of source material would a writer of historical fiction most likely draw on to develop a character?
the diary of someone who lived in the time and place of the story
Which criteria would help you evaluate a work of poetry?
the use of compressed, vivid language and evocative imagery
What is the most appropriate point of view for narrating or describing a historical event?
third-person point of view
Which sentence best describes the purpose of a historical essay's conclusion?
to explain the significance of the historical event or issue
Which sentence best states the purpose of elaboration in historical writing?
to help readers understand and engage with historical texts
What was the purpose of Executive Order 9066?
to make it legal to move Japanese Americans to internment camps
What is the main purpose of a written argument?
to persuade readers to think in a certain way and/or to take action
Which phrase best describes an author's purpose for writing a reflective essay?
to share insights about personal experiences
Which element helps readers move easily from one section of a historical essay to another section?
transitional words and phrases
When you write a historical essay, which step should complete first?
Gather factual details from primary and/or secondary sources.
What is the persuasive message of "The Machine Stops"?
If we become too dependent on technology, we will lose our humanity.
In a literary analysis, what does textual evidence consist of?
quotes and paraphrased passages that help support your paper's claim
. Which revision strategy is helpful when trying to elaborate on your description of a historical even
Ask yourself questions that may help you generate more information.
Why is it important to analyze sources before drawing conclusions based on them?
Authors of sources sometimes include only the information that suits their purpose or supports their perspective.
How can you, as a writer, help readers visualize historical events more clearly and vividly?
Include concrete details that appeal to the senses.
What is the main difference between persuasive literature and persuasive informational writing?
Informational writing persuades with an explicit argument, while literature persuades indirectly.
How can you use direct quotes effectively in historical writing?
Introduce quotes rather than just dropping them on the page.
Why do writers often add more sensory details when they revise their reflective essays?
Sensory details help writers describe an incident more clearly for readers.
What should you accomplish in the conclusion of a reflective essay?
Suggest a meaning for the experience described in the essay.
What is the importance of the historical setting to Joshua's character development in "The Apprentice"?
The setting makes life difficult for a boy whose talents are more creative than physical.
What false cause argument led to the internment of Japanese American citizens during World War II?
Their Japanese ancestry would lead Japanese Americans to side with the enemy.
Read or re-read the two pieces below. "Julia's Garden" is a short short story and "How Does Technology Affect the World's Most Social Animal?" is a persuasive article. Julia's Garden How Does Technology Affect the World's Most Social Animal? What message do these two works share?
They are comparing things, and they both have a story to tell.
What is true about details of setting and plot in historical fiction?
They are sometimes factual.
How do poets create tension in a narrative poem?
They use imagery to foreshadow events.
Which is an essential question to ask when analyzing a source?
What is the author or creator's purpose and point of view?
For an author of historical fiction, what helpful information could secondary source material provide?
an overview of people's experiences in a particular time period
Which of the following is an example of a literary medium?
audio recording
Which poetic device might a writer use to help draw readers into the story of a narrative poem?
creating momentum through the use of rhythm
Which set of words gives an example of consonance?
dread, wished, spend
Which skill is most useful when writing expository texts about historical events?
gathering material from primary and/or secondary sources
Which event has the greatest consequences for the child Gail in "Child Waiting"?
her parents' divorce
What step in literary analysis helps you identify the work's big ideas?
highlight and annotate
Which elements should you focus on when analyzing poetry?
imagery and figurative language
Which persuasive technique is most effective in literary texts?
inspiring sympathy for a character's situation
Which of these is an example of a primary source?
original news footage
Which elements of a work of historical fiction would require the most research to develop?
setting and plot
What is one of the main functions of the chorus in Antigone?
to provide background information
Which of the following phrases is most likely to introduce evidence from a reliable source?
According to researchers . . .
Which passage from "Child Waiting" best highlights the story's theme?
During December a crate arrives and once pried loose reveals a doll glued to a stand. There's a butterfly in her tight black hair. The dress is sashed red to the waist, the limbs won't move, and the eyes won't close. Who wants a doll that can't be cuddled? Still, the child is forced to write her mother and, until I love and miss you, every word is what she's been warned against, a lie.
What is the FIRST step you should take when evaluating the credibility of an argument?
Identify the main claim that the author makes.
If a fiction writer aims to persuade, why might it be important to inspire sympathy or empathy for a character?
If a reader sympathizes or identifies with a character, then the effect of events on the character will have more meaning and impact.
Read this passage from the reflective essay "This Is Spinal Fusion." The product looked medieval: a portable, plastic iron maiden. Instead of spikes, though, the prosthetic was to use hard, round protuberances to torment me.
It helps readers understand the writer's negative feelings about wearing it.
Elizabeth videotaped a speech that she plans to send to the company that manages her apartment complex, arguing that snakes should be on the list of pets allowed in the complex. Elizabeth cited two pet owners, both of whom love their pet snakes. She concluded her speech with this statement: Based on the evidence, it is clear that snakes make wonderful pets. Which of the following is true of Elizabeth's conclusion?
It is based on biased evidence and probably does not address the audience's concerns.
After revising your reflective essay, what should you do next?
Proofread for errors.
Which statement describes how plays are organized?
Scenes are grouped together into acts.
Which statement describes the use of semicolons in the following sentence? On our vacation in San Antonio, Texas, we did the following: viewed the botanical gardens, a beautiful place with multicolored flowers; ate on the River Walk, a tourist site akin to the canals in Italy; visited the zoo, where we laughed at the antics of the monkeys; and shopped at the Mercado, a large building full of Mexican shops.
Semicolons are used correctly because the listed items include commas.
Which statement best describes the relationship between the events in a memoir and the memoir's theme?
The effects of events on the author help express a message about life in general.
In most modern novels, how do plot events help reveal theme?
The events cause an important change in the main character.
Why would you not find a subplot in a short story?
The length of a short story does not allow for secondary plots.
How does theme relate to a work of literature's ability to persuade?
The underlying message of a story may also be a call to action for the reader.
Mr. Green visited his local hunting club and made an impassioned speech about the importance of using the locks on guns. His speech included this statement: Two children I know were injured by guns in their own homes; unfortunately, these incidents were never reported. Which of the following is true of this part of Mr. Green's speech?
This piece of evidence is unreliable because it cannot be verified.
Which statement describes a way to use semicolons correctly?
Use semicolons to separate items in a list when some items contain commas.
What type of fallacy is represented by the passage below? The poem "Cautionary Tale of Girls and Birds of Prey" is not worth reading. The author clearly is a sick and morbid person who likes to write about death.
ad hominem attack
Most reflective essays describe a writer's observation of an experience or event. What organizational pattern are these reflective essays likely to use?
chronological
What persuasive technique does this passage use? What if we told you that you are helping to murder the planet--to choke the life out of it bit by bit? That's exactly what you're doing every time you pollute and every time you fail to recycle.
emotional wallop
Read this statement from the conclusion of "This Is Spinal Fusion." Now, I reflect on my surgery with gratitude, and, strangely, a touch of guilt...I wish I had done more then to make things easier for those coming after me, though writing about the disease and speaking about my surgery is all I can do, adding another voice to the choir of twisted sisters. What does the writer do here that all writers should do when writing a conclusion for a reflective essay?
expresses how the experience changed her
Unlike fictional narratives, reflective essays should always be written in what point of view?
first person
In "This Is Spinal Fusion," the author's feelings about her condition change from the time she learns she has scoliosis to her final thoughts on her surgery. Which phrase best describes the progression of the author's emotions?
from distress and isolation to gratitude
Films and graphic novels are examples of what?
media
Which of these elements is required to make a credible argument?
reasonable evidence that supports the author's claim
Which element would be the most important in an audio recording of a literary work?
the actors' tones of voice
What element of a written argument most directly expresses the author's purpose?
the claim
A state wants to raise the age at which a person can get a driver's license from 16 years old to 18. Which individual is likely to provide the most reliable oral argument on the subject?
the director of a driver education program
Which of these qualities is essential to an author's credibility?
trustworthiness
Which line best describes the narrative structure of "Cautionary Tale of Girls and Birds of Prey"?
two-line stanzas that slowly build suspense about the girl's fear of the hawk
During a speech to his school's parent-teacher organization, Gary made this statement: As president of the senior class, I can tell you that our school has one of the best-run student governments in the state. Based on the prior sentence, which of the following is true of Gary as a speaker?
Gary's view is biased because he is the president of the senior class.
What type of logical fallacy is contained in this passage? A highly respected local doctor has spoken out in support of this candidate for mayor. Why not trust the judgment of one of our smartest and most prominent citizens?
appeal to authority
What type of fallacy does this passage contain? Don't listen to my opponent when she claims to care about ordinary workers. She is independently wealthy, and we've all known rich people who cared only for their own wallets.
association
What poetic devices do writers of free verse use to create musical language?
assonance, consonance, internal rhyme, rhythm
Read this poem by Carl Sandburg:A FenceNow the stone house on the lake front is finished and the workmen are beginning the fence. The palings are made of iron bars with steel points that can stab the life out of any man who falls on them. As a fence, it is a masterpiece, and will shut off the rabble and all vagabonds and hungry men and all wandering children looking for a place to play. Passing through the bars and over the steel points will go nothing except Death and the Rain and To-morrow. What feeling about the fence does Sandburg create with his choice of words?
forbidding
Which sentence was revised to make its language more precise?
Ana's black ponytail hung to her waist.
How is the analysis of a memoir similar to the analysis of a fictional story?
Both should focus on character development and theme.
What question would most help you evaluate "The Old Man at the Bridge"?
Does it give you a realistic sense of the historical setting?
The writer of these sentences needed to revise his essay to make sure all of the facts he included were relevant. Which fact seems poorly chosen for a historical essay about the dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima?
Hiroshima means "wide island" in Japanese.
What should you consider when analyzing any video adaptation of a poem?
How does the video use sounds and images to help express the poem's meaning?
Which question should you ask when evaluating a work of literature?
How well has this author accomplished his or her purpose?
What is one possible benefit of a secondary source that is not available from a primary source?
It can provide an overview of a historical topic or event.
Read the passage below. Which statement best describes this passage?
It is a secondary source representing the perspective of Japanese detainees.
Read this passage from a historical document. Which statement best describes this passage?
It is a secondary source written for contemporary readers. (The passage is a primary source that addresses the detainees directly as "you.")
Which historically based details in "Bringing Jamie Home" show the reader the situation of impoverished mining families?
It was old news, her fight about Jamie taking to the mine, even if they needed the money and God knows, they did. It was an old, bitter story, her cleaning black dust off boots and backs and scrubbing clothes that never came clean. It was yesterday's sorrow that pinched her with worry about a boy with a mountain strapped to his back and a husband wheezing through the night.
Which of the following themes is explored in Antigone?
Moral law is more important than the laws of the state.
What is the difference between narrative and lyric poetry?
Narrative poetry tells a story, while lyric poetry mainly expresses feelings and thoughts.
Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?
The bus stopped to pick up the passengers; however, one passenger almost missed the bus.
The writer of "Bronx, New York" described an embarrassing moment that she experienced in school, which happened because of a language barrier. Why is her story an appropriate topic for a reflective essay?
Reflective essays should describe experiences that made a strong impression on the writer.
Which part of this sentence is a phrase that modifies the subject of the sentence? Showing his mischievous nature, Jerome played an unfortunate trick on his best friend Kurt.
Showing his mischievous nature
Cathy is writing a script for a presentation about the French Revolution. Which of the following sentences would be most appropriate for the body of her presentation?
The Reign of Terror lived up to its name.
Why is it important to identify an author's claim before evaluating an argument?
The claim tells you what the author is trying to convince you of.
Which sentence best states the purpose of the conclusion in reflective essays?
The conclusion should reveal the writer's insights or lessons learned from the incident.
How did the purpose of Executive Order 9066 affect the details that were included in it?
The details of the order included specific conditions and actions necessary for the relocation of people to internment camps.
Which passage from the story "The Apprentice" most likely would have required research to write?
The next morning Otis was down by the river at sunrise. As the logs came drifting downstream, he helped the yard sheppard pull his skiff ashore. He was an old friend who was familiar with all the ports up and down the New River. Joshua joined them with Otis' mule in tow. They began fishing the logs from the river and securing them to the harness to be hauled up to the barn.
How does the structure of "Cautionary Tale of Girls and Birds of Prey" help create suspense about the outcome?
The poem reveals small amounts of information at a time in two-line stanzas.
What is significant about the point of view of the Japanese Relocation film?
The point of view is limited to that of the United States government and non-Japanese citizens.
In which sentence is a semicolon used correctly?
They met at the restaurant before prom; they didn't want to be hungry at the dance.
Which words would a writer most likely use to transition between events in historical writing?
afterwards, during the same year, meanwhile
What poetic device does the poet use in these lines from "Cautionary Tale of Girls and Birds of Prey"?Soon, her father grew impatient with her fear and began to bait the bird with offerings of bloody chunks of beef.
alliteration
Which is NOT a way that a poet creates musical language in free verse?
by following a strict rhyme scheme
How might a limited point of view in a story increase its impact on the reader?
by helping the reader see through the main character's eyes
What elements are important to consider when analyzing a novel but not a short story?
parallel plots and subplots
Rhythm and assonance are two kinds of what?
poetic devices
Isabel created a digital story about her experiences singing with a jazz band. She wanted to include music in the soundtrack. Which of the following would be the best choice for music?
recordings of Isabel's band performing
Why should you first consider the author's purpose before evaluating a work?
so that you can decide if the work accomplishes that purpose
Which is most important to consider when analyzing historical fiction?
the author's overall message about the historical era
What makes "The Vampire Maid" a gripping story?
the building of suspense
What aspect of a novel should you focus on most when analyzing the novel's theme?
the main character's development as a result of the story's events
Which of the following details would be most appropriate in a presentation about the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center?
the number of people who died in the attacks
In historical fiction, which elements are most strongly influenced by the historical setting?
the plot events and the characters' perspectives
In the video adaptation of "Bigfoot and Me," what element draws a visual connection between the narrator's lost child and the presence of Bigfoot in her life?
the tattoo of a baby's footprint
A video adaptation of a poem most likely would represent the poem's metaphors and symbols using which of the following?
visual imagery
To evaluate a work effectively, you must first determine what?
what the author was trying to achieve
When would a secondary source be more useful to you than a primary source?
when you want a summary or analysis of historical events
In "How Does Technology Affect the World's Most Social Animal?" how does the author attempt to persuade you?
with facts and anecdotes
Why is it important to identify the genre of a work of literature before evaluating it?
Each genre has its own set of criteria for quality.
Why is it important to examine all statements of cause and effect with a skeptical eye?
False cause arguments may have dangerous consequences in the real world.
Which of the following bits of advice would be helpful to a student about to make her presentation?
Finish with a memorable statement that also summarizes your main idea.
Gary found a number of photos from his childhood and a recording of his dad playing guitar. He wrote a compelling script about growing up in his home. Who would be the best person to read and record the script?
Gary himself
Which passage from "Bringing Jamie Home" is NOT based on historical records or sources?
He opened his mouth, ready to say something but she put her hand up, fair warning. She wanted nothing but quiet now, some peace in the moment.
What does an analysis of the Japanese Relocation film in this module reveal?
The purpose of the film was to justify the actions of the United States government.
Why is an analysis of plot less important for a memoir than for a short story?
A memoir narrates real-life events, so its plot is not one that the writer created.
Which of these is a good strategy for revising a reflective essay?
Add sensory details to descriptions of important events.
What cause-and-effect relationship does Dr. Herter's letter try to establish?
Japanese Americans in Hawaii have kept their language and customs; therefore, they are more loyal to Japan than to the United States.
What type of fallacy does this passage contain? The Home Owners' Association says they only want to establish a few rules against nuisances like public noise and cluttered sidewalks. But if we give them power, soon we'll be oppressed by countless regulations and watched constantly. Our neighborhood will become like a police state.
slippery slope
When you're evaluating an argument, why is it important to identify any bias on the part of the author?
A biased author has extra reasons for arguing one side or another.
Which statement is a good rule to remember when deciding whether to use a semicolon?
A semicolon can be used where you might use a period.
What is the advantage of delivering a persuasive message through a fictional story?
A story engages us in others' lives and makes us care about what happens to them.
Suppose an author wanted to persuade readers that animals have a right to be treated kindly. Which short story plot would best achieve this purpose?
A teen finds a puppy that has been badly injured in illegal dog fights. He and his family nurse the dog back to health, and he and the dog become inseparable.
Why might an author choose to deliver a persuasive message through a fictional story rather than an argumentative essay?
A well-crafted story is more effective at engaging readers' emotions than most argumentative essays.
The inventor of a new drug conducted several studies in his lab. He found that his drug was more effective than any other drug in curing a particular disease. The inventor spoke about his findings to a large audience. Which of the following would be the BEST advice for his listeners?
Ask the speaker for outside evidence that supports his claims.
Which should NOT be part of your checklist for revising a literary analysis essay?
Does my conclusion clearly indicate whether or not I liked the literary work?
In "Prayers of Steel," what imagery does Sandburg use to express the speaker's feelings and wishes?
He uses imagery of shaping a piece of steel to express his wish to be part of something new.
Identify the point of view represented by each of these sentences. Then select the sentence that is most likely to appear in a reflective essay, based on its point of view.
I now know the importance of telling truths even when they hurt.
In "The Machine Stops," which character serves as a mouthpiece or spokesperson for the author's point of view about a mechanized society?
Kuno
What is the most powerful advantage of using literature as a persuasive tool?
Persuasive literature rarely seems persuasive on the surface, so readers may be less guarded.
Re-read this passage from the story "Julia's Garden." They served her notice. In three days they would come to clear it away. It was dangerous, they said. A public nuisance, they said. People could trip and fall, they said.It had to go. More than once they said that.But she had watched them, these hapless pedestrians. Ambling down the street, minding their own business.They always appeared lost in their own little worlds until they reached her garden.And there they always stopped. No-one ever fell. No-one ever tripped. No-one was ever bothered by the nuisance of it all.She sat by the window and watched as they bent over her colorful pots, inhaling the perfume of lavender and roses.Often she heard laughter or caught snatches of cheery conversation as they stood there admiring the flowers or following the flight of a bee as it skittered from petal to petal.This is happiness, she thought. Why pull it apart? Why throw it away? How does the author create sympathy for Julia's situation?
She shows the joyful effect of Julia's garden on others, in contrast to the grim official verdict.
Hoping to receive sponsorship from a group of local business owners, Raul said this during a speech: My bicycle is brand new, so I know I'll be able to bike fifty miles with no problem. Which of the following is true of Raul's argument?
The second part of the argument does not follow logically from the first part.
How do the details about the history of scoliosis treatment in "This Is Spinal Fusion" relate to the memoir's theme?
They mirror the author's progression from fear and embarrassment to understanding and hope.
As you read this sentence from "Bronx, New York," think about the narrative techniques writers use in reflective essays. "The teacher will ask why you have been absent. You must tell her: 'I had estomek egg." What narrative technique does the writer use in this line to achieve an effect?
dialogue
What type of logical fallacy is an error in how the writer characterizes the relationship between two events?
false cause
What should the claim or thesis statement of a literary analysis do?
make a specific statement about the effect of one or more literary elements
What should the conclusion of a literary analysis essay do?
restate and expand upon the original claim statement
What is one possible consequence of people accepting a false cause argument as valid?
scapegoating of a group of people
Read these lines from the lyric poem "A Fence." The palings are made of iron bars with steel points that can stab the life out of any man who falls on them. What sound effect increases the impact of the imagery in these lines?
the alliteration of s, n, and b sounds
What elements serve similar purposes in "How Does Technology Affect the World's Most Social Animal?" and "The Machine Stops"?
the anecdote about a reclusive actress and the fictional life of the character Vashti
In the video adaptation of "Bigfoot and Me," what is the purpose of the narrator's journey on foot through the town?
to provide a visual backdrop that supports the story's meaning
What is the main purpose of a semicolon?
to separate two independent clauses that are closely related
