Semester II English I Exam Review

Reading Excerpt Analysis Skills

The Semester II English I Examination will feature several reading excerpts. Students must be prepared to analyze these texts by focusing on the following core components:

  • Main Idea: Identifying the primary point or the central message the author is communicating to the reader.

  • Context Clues: Utilizing the surrounding text to determine the meaning of unfamiliar words or phrases within a passage.

  • Least Relevant Information: Identifying details, sentences, or data points that do not directly support the main argument or theme of the text.

  • Fact vs. Opinion: Distinguishing between objective statements that can be proven (facts) and subjective statements based on personal beliefs, feelings, or judgments (opinions).

  • Supporting Details: Locating specific evidence, examples, or data provided by the author to flesh out and prove the main idea.

  • Sequence of Events: Tracking the chronological or logical order in which occurrences happen within the narrative or informative piece.

  • Symbolism: Identifying objects, characters, or actions that represent abstract ideas or concepts larger than their literal meaning.

  • Compare/Contrast: Analyzing the similarities and differences between two or more characters, settings, themes, or texts.

  • Making Conclusions: Formulating a final judgment or decision reached after considering all the evidence provided in the excerpt.

  • Inferences: Drawing logical conclusions based on evidence and reasoning rather than on explicit statements from the text; reading between the lines.

Literary Techniques and Narrative Elements

Students are required to read a short story and identify the application of a wide range of literary techniques and narrative devices. The following terms must be mastered:

  • Foreshadowing: Hints or clues provided by the author that suggest future events in the plot.

  • Flashback: A transition in the narrative to an earlier event that interrupts the chronological order of the story.

  • Suspense: The intense feeling of anticipation or even dread that a reader experiences while waiting for the outcome of certain events.

  • Climax: The highest point of tension or the major turning point in the action of the story.

  • Resolution: The conclusion of the plot where the problems are solved and the loose ends are tied up.

  • bad: (As noted in the transcript; this may refer to specific thematic elements or qualities of character/plot).

  • Irony (All Types):     * Verbal Irony: When a speaker says something but means the opposite (often manifesting as sarcasm).     * Situational Irony: When the outcome of a situation is the exact opposite of what was expected.     * Dramatic Irony: When the audience or reader knows something that the characters in the story do not know.

  • Allusion: An indirect or brief reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance.

  • Protagonist/Antagonist:     * Protagonist: The main character or "hero" around whom the story revolves.     * Antagonist: The person, group, or force that opposes the protagonist.

  • Points of View (All):     * First Person: The story is told from the perspective of a character using pronouns like "I" or "me."     * Second Person: The narrator addresses the reader directly using "you."     * Third Person Limited: The narrator exists outside the story and focuses on the thoughts and feelings of only one character.     * Third Person Omniscient: The narrator is all-knowing and provides the thoughts and feelings of all characters.

  • Conflict (Internal and External):     * Internal Conflict: A struggle taking place within a character's mind (e.g., Man vs. Self).     * External Conflict: A struggle between a character and an outside force (e.g., Man vs. Man, Man vs. Nature, Man vs. Society).

  • Simile: A fixed comparison between two unlike things using the connective words "like" or "as."

  • Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unlike things that does not use "like" or "as," stating that one thing is another.

Vocabulary Mastery

The following vocabulary terms are essential for the Semester II exam. Students must be able to define and use these words in context:

  • Stagnant: Describing water or air that has no current or flow and often has an unpleasant smell as a consequence; showing no activity; dull and sluggish.

  • Utterance: A spoken word, statement, or vocal sound; the action of saying or expressing something aloud.

  • Myriad: A countless or extremely great number of people or things.

  • Mortal: Subject to death; belonging to the world of the living (of a human being).

  • Tumultuous: Making a loud, confused noise; uproarious; excited, confused, or disorderly.

  • Simultaneously: At the same time; concurrently.

  • Implication: The conclusion that can be drawn from something although it is not explicitly stated; a likely consequence of something.

  • Inundate: Overwhelming someone with things or people to be dealt with; to flood or cover an area with water.

  • Comprehensive: Complete; including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something.

  • Appropriate: Suitable or proper in the circumstances; to take something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission.

MLA Documentation and Formatting

Students must study and adhere to all Modern Language Association (MLA) requirements. Key areas of focus include:

  • General Formatting: Margins, font (Times New Roman, 12pt), and double-spacing.

  • Header and Heading: Correct placement of page numbers and student/course information.

  • In-Text Citations: Proper use of parenthetical citations (Author page number).

  • Works Cited Page: Formatting of the bibliography at the end of a research paper.

Grammar and Punctuation Rules

Correct application of punctuation is required for the exam. Study all rules regarding the following:

  • Commas: Used to separate items in a list, set off introductory phrases, separate independent clauses with a coordinating conjunction, and set off non-essential parenthetical elements.

  • Semicolons: Primarily used to join two independent clauses that are closely related in thought without using a conjunction.

  • Colons: Used to introduce a list, a quote, or an explanation that expands upon the preceding independent clause.

  • Dashes: Used to indicate a sudden break in thought, to set off parenthetical material with more emphasis than a comma, or to show a range (en dash) vs. a shift (em dash).