TSI - Texas Success Initiative Literary and Informational Texts Questions and Answers 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read the excerpt: "The fog crept in on little cat feet, sitting silent and still on its haunches over harbor and city." What literary device is primarily used?
- Extended metaphor (Correct answer)
- Simile
- Alliteration only
- Hyperbole
Correct answer: Extended metaphor
The fog is described as a cat through an extended metaphor — it "creeps," "sits," and has "haunches" — all cat-like attributes applied to fog across the full excerpt.
Question 2: An informational text states: "Studies show that students who read for pleasure score higher on standardized tests." What is the main purpose of this statement?
- To support a claim with evidence (Correct answer)
- To entertain readers with a story
- To define an unfamiliar term
- To describe a fictional character
Correct answer: To support a claim with evidence
This statement uses research data to back up a claim — a hallmark of informational writing that aims to inform and persuade through evidence.
Question 3: In a story, the narrator describes events from inside her own mind and feelings. Which point of view is being used?
- First person (Correct answer)
- Second person
- Third person limited
- Third person omniscient
Correct answer: First person
First-person narration uses "I" and gives direct access to the narrator's inner thoughts and feelings, distinguishing it from third-person perspectives.
Question 4: An author ends a chapter with the line: "She reached for the door handle — and stopped." What narrative technique does this represent?
- Cliffhanger (Correct answer)
- Flashback
- In media res
- Denouement
Correct answer: Cliffhanger
A cliffhanger leaves the reader in suspense at a critical moment, compelling them to continue reading. The sudden stop creates that tension.
Question 5: Which text structure is used when a writer presents a problem and then discusses possible solutions?
- Problem-solution (Correct answer)
- Compare-contrast
- Chronological order
- Cause-effect
Correct answer: Problem-solution
Problem-solution text structure identifies an issue and proposes one or more ways to address it, which is distinct from other organizational patterns.
Question 6: What does "theme" mean in the context of literary analysis?
- The central message or insight about life conveyed by the story (Correct answer)
- The sequence of events that make up the plot
- The time and place in which the story occurs
- The perspective from which the story is narrated
Correct answer: The central message or insight about life conveyed by the story
Theme is the underlying message or universal truth the author communicates — for example, "courage overcomes fear" — not the plot, setting, or point of view.
TSI - Texas Success Initiative Literary and Informational Texts Questions and Answers 2
Read the excerpt: "The fog crept in on little cat feet, sitting silent and still on its haunches over harbor and city." What literary device is primarily used?