9th Grade Pre-AP English I: Literary, Poetic, and Analysis Skills Review

What is the main focus of the semester exam?

Mastery of literary and poetic analysis.

How many multiple-choice questions are on the exam?

30 multiple-choice questions.

What types of texts will be analyzed in the exam?

A passage, a poem, a dramatic excerpt, and three sample student literary analyses.

What is characterization?

The representation of characters in a story, including their traits and development.

Define imagery in literature.

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates visual representations.

What do tone and mood refer to in literature?

Tone refers to the author's attitude toward the subject, while mood refers to the emotional atmosphere experienced by the reader.

What is point of view?

The perspective from which a story is narrated.

What is inference?

A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements.

What is symbolism?

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Define metaphor.

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as.'

What is conflict in literature?

The struggle between opposing forces, which drives the narrative.

What does the term 'transfixed' mean?

To be made motionless with amazement or awe.

What is an auctioneer?

A person who conducts the auction by taking bids and selling goods.

What does 'hara-kiri' refer to?

A form of ritual suicide by disembowelment, historically practiced by samurai.

What are spectacles?

Eyeglasses or lenses worn to correct vision.

What does 'embroidered' mean?

Decorated with needlework or stitching.

What is a bosom?

The chest or the area of the heart; often used metaphorically for closeness.

What is a pulley?

A simple machine consisting of a wheel with a grooved rim for lifting or lowering objects.

What is a buttonhole?

An opening in a garment for a button to pass through.

What does 'tarred' mean?

Coated or smeared with tar, a thick black liquid used for waterproofing.

What is a down payment?

An initial payment made when something is bought on credit.

What does 'cash money' refer to?

Physical currency or money that is readily available.

What is concision in writing?

The quality of being concise; expressing much in few words.

What is the importance of punctuation in writing?

Punctuation helps clarify meaning and indicates pauses or stops in sentences.

What are transitions in writing?

Words or phrases that connect ideas and help the flow of writing.

What is parallel structure?

The use of similar grammatical structures in a series of phrases or clauses.

What is sentence combining?

The process of merging two or more sentences into one to improve clarity and flow.

What does logical placement of words refer to?

Arranging words in a sentence to convey meaning clearly and effectively.

What is verb tense and agreement?

The consistency of verb forms and their agreement with the subject in number and person.

What is the main theme of Alice Dunbar-Nelson's short story 'M'sieu Fortier's Violin'?

The differing values and relationships characters have with the violin, representing art and personal connection.

How does Fortier view his violin?

As a partner in creating music and a beloved companion.

What does Courcey represent in 'M'sieu Fortier's Violin'?

A materialistic view of the violin, seeing it as a status symbol rather than a cherished object.

What does Fortier do to console his violin after leaving the orchestra?

He reassures it and treats it tenderly, indicating a deep emotional bond.

What is the significance of the monetary offer Courcey makes for the violin?

It reduces the artistic value of the violin to a mere financial transaction.

What is the common interpretation of Robert Frost's poem 'The Road Not Taken'?

It is seen as a metaphor for making significant life decisions and celebrating individualism.

What did Frost intend to convey with 'The Road Not Taken'?

A playful mockery of his indecisive friend, rather than a serious message about individualism.

How does Frost's personal intention affect the interpretation of 'The Road Not Taken'?

Understanding Frost's intention reveals that the poem may mock indecisiveness instead of promoting independence.

What do the two roads in 'The Road Not Taken' symbolize?

The illusion of choice, as they are described as equally viable options.

What is the central question posed in Shakespeare's 'Sonnet 18'?

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?

What does the speaker in 'Sonnet 18' claim about the subject's legacy?

That the subject will be remembered forever through the speaker's verse.

What is notable about the subject of 'Sonnet 18'?

The subject remains anonymous and is only described through comparison.

What impact has 'Sonnet 18' had on Shakespeare's legacy?

It has contributed significantly to his fame, becoming one of the most quoted lines in English literature.

What does the speaker in 'Sonnet 18' mistakenly believe about the poem's power?

That it gives life to the subject's legacy, while it actually immortalizes the poem itself.

What literary technique is primarily used in 'Sonnet 18'?

Comparative structure, comparing the subject to a summer's day.

How does Dunbar-Nelson develop her characters in 'M'sieu Fortier's Violin'?

Through their dialogue and differing attitudes toward the violin.

What does the phrase 'less traveled by' imply in the context of 'The Road Not Taken'?

It suggests a choice that is unconventional or less popular.

What does the speaker's indecision in 'The Road Not Taken' reflect?

The complexities and trivialities of making choices in life.

What does the speaker in 'Sonnet 18' fail to do?

Provide specific details about the subject, leaving them a blank canvas.

What is the emotional tone of Fortier towards his violin?

Tender and affectionate, treating it as a dear companion.

What does Courcey's desire for the violin reveal about his character?

A superficial appreciation for art, valuing it for its status rather than its emotional significance.

How does the structure of 'The Road Not Taken' contribute to its meaning?

The four stanzas reflect the speaker's contemplation and the weight of decision-making.

What does the phrase 'both that morning equally lay' suggest about the roads?

That both paths are equally valid and the choice is not as significant as it seems.

What is the irony in the speaker's claim about the subject's legacy in 'Sonnet 18'?

The poem itself has become more famous than the subject it describes.

What does the character of Fortier symbolize in the story?

The dedication of an artist to their craft and the emotional connection to their art.