english final sudy guide

Grammar: Sentences and Fragments

1. Sentences

   • A sentence expresses a complete thought and contains a subject and a predicate (verb).
     Example: The Iliad tells the story of the Trojan War.

2. Fragments

   • A fragment is an incomplete sentence. It may lack a subject, a verb, or both.
     Example: Because Achilles was angry. (What happened because he was angry?)

3. Practice Questions

   • Identify whether each of the following is a sentence or a fragment:

     • "Hector, the Trojan prince."

     • "Achilles fought bravely during the war."

     • "After the Greek army sailed to Troy."

Literary Terms

1. Theme – The central idea or message of a work.

2. Characters – The people or beings who take part in the story.

3. Plot – The sequence of events in a story.

4. Conflict – The struggle between opposing forces (e.g., man vs. man, man vs. nature).

5. Comparison and Contrast – Examining similarities and differences between two elements.

The Iliad – Study Guide (20 Questions)

1. Main Characters:

   • Achilles, Hector, Agamemnon, Priam, Paris, Helen.

2. Plot:

   • The Greek siege of Troy, Achilles' anger, Hector’s death, and the Trojan Horse.

3. Conflicts:

   • Achilles vs. Agamemnon, Hector vs. Achilles, Greeks vs. Trojans.

The Pearl – Study Guide (20 Questions)

1. Author:

   • John Steinbeck.

2. Plot:

   • Kino finds a valuable pearl, leading to hope, greed, and tragedy.

3. Conflicts:

   • Man vs. society, man vs. nature, man vs. self.

4. Themes:

   • Greed, family, the destruction of innocence.

Writing: Thesis Statement

1. Structure:

   • A thesis statement is a single sentence that summarizes your essay's main argument and includes three supporting points.
     Example: In The Pearl, Steinbeck explores the themes of greed, family, and societal oppression.

2. Counterarguments:

   • Acknowledge opposing viewpoints and refute them.
     Example: While some argue that the pearl symbolizes hope, its role in Kino’s downfall suggests it is a symbol of greed.