NJSLA Analyzing Literary Texts 2

Question 1

A story's narrator describes events without revealing any character's inner thoughts, only reporting dialogue and actions. Which narrative point of view is this?

Accepted Answer

Third-person objective

Answer

Third-person objective presents only observable actions and dialogue, never entering any character's mind.

Question 2

In a poem, the speaker compares grief to 'a heavy stone carried in the chest.' What literary device is this?

Accepted Answer

Metaphor

Answer

A metaphor directly equates two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as.'

Question 3

Which element of plot introduces the main characters and setting before the central conflict is established?

Accepted Answer

Exposition

Answer

The exposition is the opening section that provides background information about characters, setting, and situation.

Question 4

An author repeatedly uses the word 'cold' to describe a character's home, voice, and personality. This technique of using one word across multiple contexts is best described as:

Accepted Answer

Motif

Answer

A motif is a recurring element — image, word, or idea — that develops and reinforces a theme throughout a text.

Question 5

A character in a novel holds rigid, traditional beliefs but gradually opens her mind after befriending someone from a different background. This character is best classified as:

Accepted Answer

A dynamic character

Answer

A dynamic character undergoes significant internal change during the course of the story.

NJSLA Exam Practice Test

NJSLA Exam Practice Test

NJSLA Analyzing Literary Texts 2