English Language Arts Flashcards

A character in a story is described as generous in the narration, but the character repeatedly refuses to share with others. This difference between what is said and what is shown is an example of:

Answer: Situational irony

Situational irony occurs when what actually happens contradicts what is stated or expected, as when a supposedly generous character acts selfishly.

Which sentence contains a misplaced modifier?

Answer: Walking to school, she dropped her backpack near the store.

In option D, 'Walking to school' incorrectly modifies 'her backpack' rather than 'she,' creating a misplaced modifier.

An author writes a story set in a dystopian future to comment on present-day government surveillance. What literary technique does this represent?

Answer: Allegory

Allegory uses fictional settings or characters to represent and comment on real-world issues, such as using a dystopia to critique actual surveillance practices.

Which of the following is the BEST thesis statement for an argumentative essay about school dress codes?

Answer: School dress codes reduce distractions and promote equality, making them beneficial for student learning.

A strong thesis makes a specific, arguable claim and indicates the supporting reasons, as in option C.

What does the prefix 'mis-' mean in the word 'misinterpret'?

Answer: Wrongly or badly

The prefix 'mis-' means wrongly or badly, so 'misinterpret' means to interpret incorrectly.

A student reads a historical fiction novel and a primary source document about the same event. Which type of source should be considered more reliable for factual details?

Answer: The primary source document, because it comes directly from the time period

Primary source documents are firsthand records from the actual time period and are considered more reliable for factual historical information than fictional accounts.

Which sentence best demonstrates the use of a strong, active verb?

Answer: The committee drafted a comprehensive report overnight.

Active voice places the subject as the doer of the action, and 'drafted' is a strong, specific verb that makes the sentence direct and clear.