WVGSA English Language Arts 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Read this excerpt: 'The old library smelled of dust and forgotten dreams.' The phrase 'forgotten dreams' is an example of:
- Onomatopoeia
- Alliteration
- Abstract imagery (Correct answer)
- Foreshadowing
Correct answer: Abstract imagery
Abstract imagery appeals to emotions and ideas rather than the physical senses.
Question 2: Which transition word BEST signals a contrast between two ideas?
- Furthermore
- Similarly
- Therefore
- Nevertheless (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Nevertheless
'Nevertheless' signals that the following idea contrasts with or counters what was just stated.
Question 3: A narrator who knows the thoughts and feelings of ALL characters in a story is using which point of view?
- First person
- Second person
- Third person limited
- Third person omniscient (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Third person omniscient
Third person omniscient narrators have full access to the inner thoughts of all characters in the story.
Question 4: A student writes: 'Playing video games are a popular hobby.' What error does this sentence contain?
- Misplaced modifier
- Comma splice
- Subject-verb agreement error (Correct answer)
- Dangling participle
Correct answer: Subject-verb agreement error
The gerund subject 'Playing video games' is singular and requires the singular verb 'is,' not 'are.'
Question 5: An author includes a counterargument in a persuasive essay in order to:
- Confuse the reader about the author's position
- Strengthen the argument by addressing and refuting opposing views (Correct answer)
- Show the author has not decided on a position
- Make the essay longer and more detailed
Correct answer: Strengthen the argument by addressing and refuting opposing views
Acknowledging and refuting counterarguments demonstrates the author has considered multiple perspectives and strengthens credibility.
Question 6: Which sentence is written in the ACTIVE voice?
- The trophy was won by the team.
- A decision was made by the committee.
- The chef prepared a delicious meal. (Correct answer)
- The book was read by the students.
Correct answer: The chef prepared a delicious meal.
In active voice, the subject ('the chef') performs the action ('prepared') rather than receiving it.
Question 7: When analyzing a poem's structure, the term 'stanza' refers to:
- The poem's overall mood or feeling
- A group of lines forming a unit within the poem (Correct answer)
- The pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables
- The repetition of ending sounds in lines
Correct answer: A group of lines forming a unit within the poem
A stanza is a grouped set of lines in a poem, similar to a paragraph in prose.
WVGSA English Language Arts 4
Read this excerpt: 'The old library smelled of dust and forgotten dreams.' The phrase 'forgotten dreams' is an example of: