english final

Initial Trigger That Starts the Conflict on Maple Street

A flash of light and a loud sound pass overhead, followed by a total power failure (no lights, cars, or phones).

First Person to Suggest the Alien Theory

Tommy. He got the idea from his science fiction comic books about aliens who prepare for an invasion by sending a family ahead.

Why the Mob First Targets Les Goodman

1. His car started by itself when no one else’s would. 2. He is seen as odd because he suffers from insomnia and stands on his porch looking at the stars late at night.

Meaning of Fifth Columnists

Secret traitors or subversives working from within a group to undermine it. Steve uses it sarcastically to mock the neighbors’ paranoia.

Shadowy Figure That Charlie Shoots

Pete Van Horn. He was simply walking back from the next block to see if their power was still on.

Why the Mob Turns on Charlie

Because Charlie’s house lights suddenly turn on, making him look like the alien since he is the only one with power.

Most Dangerous Weapon According to the Aliens

Humans themselves. Their thoughts, attitudes, and prejudices are the tools of conquest.

Main Theme of The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street

Fear and prejudice are more destructive than any outside enemy. Humans are their own worst enemies when they stop thinking and start acting like a mob.

Definition of McCarthyism

A period in the 1950s (the Red Scare) where Americans accused one another of being Communists without proof, driven by fear.

Why the Ending of the Play Is Ironic

Charlie kills an innocent neighbor to protect the street, but his violent fear makes him the very monster he was trying to stop.

Reaction to Fear in Maple Street vs. When the Waters Rise

On Maple Street, fear leads to division and destruction. In When the Waters Rise, fear leads to unity and heroism.

Meaning of “We’ll Eat Each Other Up Alive”

The neighbors’ mutual suspicion and panic will destroy the community from the inside out.

Primary Conflict in When the Waters Rise

Man vs. Nature. Liam and his community are fighting the relentless floodwaters of Hurricane Harvey.

Setting of When the Waters Rise

Dickinson, Texas.

Why Liam Took the Boat Out

He realized that official help was not coming fast enough and the water was rising too quickly for his neighbors to wait.

What the Boat Symbolizes

Hope and resilience. It shifts the mood from desperation to relief.

Liam’s Character Arc

He moves from being a bystander watching the rain to a leader and hero taking action to save others.

Synonym for Idiosyncrasy

Quirk (an unusual habit).

Synonym for Incriminate

Implicate (to make someone look guilty).

Synonym for Apprehensive

Fearful or anxious.

Definition of Kangaroo Court

A sham trial or unofficial court that ignores fair legal procedures.

Meaning of Inundated

Overwhelmed or flooded.

Synonym for Materialized

Emerged (to appear suddenly).

Definition of Relentless

Non-stop or never-ceasing.

Meaning of Contorted

Twisted out of shape, often used to describe a face showing extreme fear. Simple vs. Compound Sentences

Bridge Rule for Compound Sentences

Must use a Comma + FANBOYS or a Semicolon (;).

FANBOYS

For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

Trick for Identifying Compound Sentences

If you see a semicolon (;) or a comma followed by but/and, it is almost always compound.

Adjective Clauses

A group of words that describes a noun.

Trigger Words for Adjective Clauses

Who, Whom, Whose, That, Which, Where, When.

Second Verb Trick for Adjective Clauses

The clause usually starts with a trigger word and ends right before the second verb in the overall sentence.

Example of Adjective Clause

The dog that I bought is brown.

Adverb Clauses

Describes a verb and tells why, when, where, or how.

Trigger Words for Adverb Clauses

Because, Since, Although, If, When, While, After, Before.

Comma Rule for Adverb Clauses

If the clause starts the sentence, use a comma. If the clause ends the sentence, no comma.

Example of Adverb Clause at Beginning

Because I was late, I ran.

Example of Adverb Clause at End

I ran because I was late.

Gerunds & Gerund Phrases

A verb ending in -ing that acts as a noun.

The “IT” Trick for Gerunds

Replace the -ing phrase with the word “It.” If the sentence still makes sense, it is a gerund.

Gerund as Subject

Running is fun.

Gerund as Direct Object

I love running.

Infinitives & Infinitive Phrases

To + Verb acting as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

The “To” Trap

Infinitive = To + Verb. Preposition = To + Noun.

Example of Infinitive

To go.

Example of Preposition Using To

To the store.

The “What” Test for Infinitives

Ask “Subject + Verb… What?”

Example of the “What” Test

I plan to study. → I plan… what? To study.

Difference Between Clause and Phrase

Clause contains a subject and a verb. Phrase is missing either the subject or the verb.

Example of a Clause

Because I sang.

Example of a Phrase

Singing in the rain.

Comma Usage with “Which”

Which is used for extra non-essential information and always needs commas.

Example Using “Which”

My car, which is old, broke down.

Comma Usage with “That”

That is used for essential information and does not use commas.

Example Using “That”

The car that I want is expensive.

How to Find a Direct Object

1. Locate the subject and verb. 2. Ask “What?” or “Whom?” after the verb. 3. The answer is the direct object.

Example of Finding a Direct Object

I enjoy biking. → I enjoy what? Biking. abound (v.)

braggart (n. / adj.)

(n.) a boaster; (adj.) boastful in a loud, annoying way

cache (n.)

a hiding place; something hidden or stored

clarification (n.)

the act of making clear or understandable, an explanation

despondent (adj.)

sad, without hope, discouraged

embezzle (v.)

to steal property entrusted to one’s care

heartrending (adj.)

causing mental pain or grief

leisurely (adj. / adv.)

(adj.) unhurried, taking plenty of time; (adv.) in an easygoing or unhurried way

lethargic (adj.)

unnaturally sleepy; dull, slow moving; indifferent

malady (n.)

a sickness, illness, disease, disorder

mellow (adj. / v.)

(adj.) ripe, well-matured; soft, sweet, and rich; (v.) to become gentle and sweet

nomadic (adj.)

wandering, moving about from place to place

piecemeal (adj. / adv.)

(adj.) one piece at a time; (adv.) gradually

quest (n. / v.)

(n.) a search, hunt; (v.) to search, seek, ask

random (adj.)

by chance, not planned or prearranged; irregular

rant (v. / n.)

(v.) to speak wildly and noisily; (n.) loud, violent talk

reinforce (v.)

to make stronger with new materials or support

seclusion (n.)

isolation from others, solitude

status (n.)

a person’s condition or position in the eyes of the law; relative rank or standing; prestige

turmoil (n.)

a state of great confusion or disorder; mental strain or agitation

agitation (n.)

a violent stirring or movement; noisy confusion, excitement; a stirring up of public enthusiasm

blurt (v.)

to say suddenly or without thinking

chronological (adj.)

arranged in order of time of occurrence

countenance (n. / v.)

(n.) a face, facial expression; (v.) to tolerate or approve

diminish (v.)

to make or become smaller, reduce in size

enchant (v.)

to please greatly; to charm, put under a magic spell

fluctuate (v.)

to change continually; to move up and down

foster (v. / adj.)

(v.) to bring up, give care to; to promote, encourage; (adj.) in the same family but not related by birth

grovel (v.)

to humble oneself, act in a fearful and servile way; to lie face downward

handicraft (n.)

work done by hand; a trade requiring hand skill

hilarious (adj.)

extremely funny, causing loud amusement

ignite (v.)

to set on fire, cause to burn; to heat up, excite

magnitude (n.)

the great size or importance of something

massive (adj.)

large and heavy; great in size or scope

maternal (adj.)

of or like a mother

pall (v. / n.)

(v.) to lose interest or attraction; (n.) a dark covering, something that conceals

reputable (adj.)

well thought of, having a good reputation

revere (v.)

to love and respect deeply, honor greatly

saga (n.)

a narrative of heroic exploits; a long, detailed account

stodgy (adj.)

dull, boring; old-fashioned; lumpy, thick