English Midterm
Simple Grade 9 - Midterm Exam Prep Sheet 2024
Literary Terms in Relation to Reading Comprehension Texts
For the midterm, you will need to understand and identify the following literary terms. Ensure you can:
Define each term.
Recognize examples in texts.
Analyze their purpose and impact in relation to the reading comprehension passages and texts from class.
Key Literary Terms:
Motif: A recurring element or theme in a literary work. Example: Light vs. darkness in a story.
Irony: A contrast between expectations and reality (verbal, situational, or dramatic).
Tone: The author’s attitude toward the subject, as conveyed through word choice and style.
Mood: The emotional atmosphere created by the text.
Exposition: Background information introduced at the beginning of a story.
Foreshadowing: Hints or clues about events that will occur later in the story.
Euphemism: A mild or indirect word/phrase used to avoid saying something harsh or unpleasant.
Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces (internal or external).
Resolution: The conclusion of the story’s conflict.
Simile: A comparison using "like" or "as."
Oxymoron: Two contradictory terms placed together (e.g., "bittersweet").
Antithesis: A contrast of ideas expressed through parallel structures.
Hyperbole: Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or humor.
Theme: The central idea or message of a work.
Allusion: A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work.
Symbolism: When an object, person, or situation represents something beyond its literal meaning.
Dramatic Irony: When the audience knows more than the characters in the story.
Imagery: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.
Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds (e.g., "buzz," "clang").
Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in nearby words.
Repetition: The intentional reuse of a word or phrase for emphasis.
Juxtaposition: Placing two contrasting ideas or elements side by side.
Personification: Assigning human traits to non-human entities.
Reading Comprehension
Be prepared to analyze new readings (not covered in class).
These passages will include multiple-choice questions focusing on:
Main ideas and details.
Inferences.
The use of literary devices (e.g., foreshadowing, tone, symbolism).
Multiple Choice Questions: Class Texts
Animal Farm by George Orwell:
Themes: Power, corruption, and propaganda.
Key characters: Napoleon, Snowball, Boxer.
Important events: The rebellion, construction/destruction of the windmill.
Symbolism: The farm as a representation of political systems.
Irony and tone: Orwell’s use of satire.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller:
Themes: Hysteria, reputation, and integrity.
Key characters: John Proctor, Abigail Williams, Reverend Hale.
Important events: The witch trials, Proctor’s moral dilemma.
Conflict: Individual morality vs. societal expectations.
Dramatic irony: The audience’s understanding of Abigail’s manipulations.
Writing Tasks
Expect short paragraph answers related to all works read in class.
Focus areas:
Analysis of characters: Their motivations, development, and relationships.
Themes and messages in the texts.
Use of literary devices: How they enhance meaning or themes.
Review These Works:
Animal Farm by George Orwell:
Study allegory and symbolism.
Understand historical context (Russian Revolution).
Analyze Orwell’s critique of totalitarianism.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller:
Study historical context (Salem Witch Trials and McCarthyism).
Analyze the moral dilemmas faced by key characters.
Review how hysteria is depicted as a driving force in the story.
Tips for Success
Review class notes and annotations for all works.
Practice identifying literary devices in new passages.
Write practice paragraphs focusing on themes, character analysis, and the use of literary devices.
Answer sample multiple-choice questions to improve comprehension and analysis skills.
Time management: Allocate enough time for reading, writing, and reviewing during the exam.
Extensive Grade 9 - Midterm Exam Prep Sheet 2024
Literary Terms in Relation to Reading Comprehension Texts
For the midterm, you will need to deeply understand, define, and analyze the following literary terms. Prepare to:
Provide a clear definition of each term.
Identify examples in familiar and unfamiliar texts.
Discuss the purpose of each device and its impact on the reader’s understanding of the text.
Compare and contrast the use of these devices in multiple works.
Key Literary Terms (Detailed Guide):
Motif: A recurring image, idea, or symbol that develops or explains a theme. For instance, repeated references to "windows" in a text might symbolize opportunities or barriers.
Irony: Includes three main types:
Verbal Irony: When a speaker says the opposite of what they mean (e.g., sarcasm).
Situational Irony: When the opposite of what is expected occurs (e.g., a fire station burns down).
Dramatic Irony: When the audience knows something the characters do not, heightening tension or humor.
Tone: The writer’s attitude toward the subject, reflected in word choice (e.g., serious, humorous, cynical).
Mood: The emotional response evoked in the reader (e.g., suspenseful, melancholic).
Exposition: The introductory section of a story that provides background information about characters, setting, and conflict.
Foreshadowing: Subtle hints or clues about events to come. Look for specific imagery, dialogue, or actions that suggest future outcomes.
Euphemism: A polite or indirect expression used in place of something harsh (e.g., "passed away" instead of "died").
Conflict: The central struggle in the story, categorized as:
Man vs. Man
Man vs. Self
Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Society
Resolution: The conclusion where conflicts are resolved and loose ends are tied up.
Simile: A direct comparison between two unlike things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "Her smile was like sunshine").
Oxymoron: A figure of speech where two contradictory terms are combined (e.g., "deafening silence").
Antithesis: The juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases (e.g., "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times").
Hyperbole: An intentional and extreme exaggeration for emphasis or effect (e.g., "I’m so hungry I could eat a horse").
Theme: The central idea or underlying message of a work. Be prepared to discuss how themes like power, identity, or morality are developed in texts.
Allusion: A reference to a historical, cultural, literary, or biblical figure, event, or object (e.g., referring to "Achilles’ heel" to signify a weakness).
Symbolism: The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities (e.g., a dove symbolizing peace).
Dramatic Irony: When the audience has knowledge that characters in the story do not, creating tension or humor.
Imagery: Vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the five senses (e.g., "The crisp autumn leaves crunched underfoot").
Onomatopoeia: Words that phonetically imitate sounds (e.g., "buzz," "clang," "sizzle").
Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds in closely placed words (e.g., "She sells seashells").
Repetition: The deliberate reuse of a word or phrase to emphasize an idea.
Juxtaposition: Placing contrasting ideas or elements side by side to highlight differences (e.g., "darkness and light").
Personification: Assigning human qualities to non-human objects (e.g., "The wind whispered through the trees").
Reading Comprehension
Expect to encounter new readings that have not been discussed in class. These passages may include:
Fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and excerpts from plays.
Literary analysis questions based on the provided texts.
Questions testing your ability to analyze tone, mood, structure, and use of literary devices.
Sample question types:
Identify the main idea or theme.
Analyze the tone and mood of the passage.
Interpret the use of symbolism or figurative language.
Infer the author’s purpose or perspective.
Multiple Choice Questions: Class Texts
Animal Farm by George Orwell:
Key Themes:
Corruption of power.
The dangers of propaganda.
Betrayal of revolutionary ideals.
Characters and Symbols:
Napoleon: Represents totalitarian leadership.
Snowball: Symbolizes an idealistic but ultimately defeated opposition.
Boxer: Embodies the working class and blind loyalty.
The Windmill: Represents manipulation and false promises.
Literary Devices:
Satire and irony: Orwell critiques political systems using humor and exaggeration.
Allegory: Understand the parallels to the Russian Revolution and Stalin’s regime.
Key Events:
The Rebellion.
The debates over the windmill.
The purges orchestrated by Napoleon.
The Crucible by Arthur Miller:
Key Themes:
Hysteria and its impact on a community.
Reputation and its influence on human behavior.
The struggle for integrity.
Characters:
John Proctor: His moral struggle and ultimate redemption.
Abigail Williams: Her manipulative behavior as a driving force of the conflict.
Reverend Hale: His transformation from staunch supporter of the trials to skeptic.
Literary Devices:
Dramatic irony: The audience’s awareness of Abigail’s lies contrasts with the characters’ belief in her.
Symbolism: The witch trials as a metaphor for McCarthyism.
Key Events:
The accusations in Salem.
Proctor’s confession and decision to maintain his name.
Elizabeth’s moral support of Proctor’s choices.
Writing Tasks
Be prepared to write short paragraph responses for the following:
Textual Analysis:
Analyze key moments in the texts and their significance.
Discuss character development and relationships.
Explain how authors use literary devices to convey themes.
Comparative Analysis:
Compare themes, conflicts, or characters across two texts.
Personal Interpretation:
Offer your interpretation of a scene or passage, supported by evidence.
Practice outlining your responses to ensure clear and organized arguments.
Review These Works:
Animal Farm:
Review key chapters and passages.
Focus on how Orwell uses allegory and satire.
Understand the historical context and its influence on the text.
The Crucible:
Pay close attention to key dialogues and moral dilemmas.
Understand the allegorical connection to McCarthyism.
Analyze the motivations behind key characters’ actions.
Additional Preparation Tips:
Review Class Notes: Revisit any annotations, discussions, and teacher’s feedback.
Practice Identifying Literary Terms: Read short passages and identify devices used.
Write Practice Responses: Develop concise but detailed paragraphs with clear evidence.
Create Flashcards: Use flashcards for literary terms, character analysis, and themes.
Review Historical Context: Research the real-world events that inspired the texts.
Use Practice Tests: Complete sample multiple-choice questions to familiarize yourself with the format.