Eng II 1.2: Determine Meaning: Words and Phrases

What is the purpose of dialogue in a narrative essay?

• to provide a logical structure for the essay

• to develop characters by displaying their interactions

• to connect one paragraph to the next in a logical way

• to tell the reader who the narrator is

In a narrative essay, how can a writer give background information that clarifies how the conflict arises?

• by describing the falling action

• by using more transitions

• by using a flashback

• by reflecting on the solution

Which sentence most likely comes from a narrative essay?

• The best way to ensure that the eggs don't scorch is to keep an eye on them and stir continuously.

• Nervous about landing on the new planet, Captain Hassan pored over possible scenarios for hours.

• I looked up at the audience and tried to swallow my fear, wiping my sweaty hands on my skirt.

• I looked up at the audience and tried to swallow my fear, wiping my sweaty hands on my skirt.

Read the excerpt from Takoda's narrative.

The start of school on the reservation was always hectic. I couldn't hear myself think above the talking and laughing, and it didn't seem like any of us were ready to trade our summers for book reports and math worksheets. What started as a chorus of whispers from desk to desk cranked up to almost a roar, with no teacher in sight. When the door opened, all conversation stopped. A tall, bearded man strode into the room and slapped a lesson planner onto his desk. The entire class sucked in their breath, and I could hardly believe my eyes. It was my uncle Mahkah.

Which elements of a personal narrative would make the most sense for Takoda to include next? Select two options.

• a resolution of the conflict with Uncle Mahkah

• some dialogue that helps to develop the character of Uncle Mahkah

• a climax with a confrontation between Takoda and Uncle Mahkah

• a flashback to a previous interaction between Takoda and Uncle Mahkah

Read the excerpt from Abra's narrative.

I fell asleep to the sound of the dog snoring at my feet. The next day, I woke up to discover it had worked its way up the bed to tuck its head under my arm. When my mother put down a dish of food for the dog, it looked at me as if to ask me if I thought it should eat. It became clear to all of us that this new, unexpected addition to the household would become my dog, so I'd have to think up a name for it.

What is the logical structure Abra uses for her narrative? 

• a list of reasons

• a list of examples

• the order of importance

• the chronological order

Read the excerpt from Maryam's personal narrative.

The vertical garden that Mr. Lopez taught me how to build not only changed the way we eat, but it helped my family spend less on groceries. When the school board accepted my proposal to start a program to teach families to grow their own food, I knew just who to call to help me make it work. Working with Mr. Lopez helped me speak up about the things I believe in, and I hope that my ideas about helping our neighborhood have access to good food will result in a positive change.

Which part of the narrative does this paragraph most likely come from?

• the exposition

• the rising action

• the falling action

• the reflection

Which sentences most likely belong in the resolution paragraph of a narrative? Select two options.

• Before I could even explain, he stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him

• "I can replace the window," he said, putting his arm around my shoulders, "but I can't replace you."

• The closer we got to the theater, the more my stomach churned at the thought of seeing Frank.

• The audience stood up, cheering wildly, and I've never felt so relieved in my life.

In a narrative essay, a transitional word or phrase helps to

• develop characters.

• describe the setting.

• connect ideas.

• clarify the conflict.

Read the excerpt from Luciana's personal narrative.

When I was 14, my family moved from the city to a small town, where my mother got a job at the local university. By that time, I had already outgrown everyone my age. To make matters worse, when we moved, I discovered that all the kids in my neighborhood rode their bikes everywhere. I, however, had never even touched a bicycle, much less ridden one. My mother told me, "Luciana, if I had bought you a kid's bike, you would have outgrown it in five minutes. Maybe one of your classmates will teach you how to ride." I was mortified.

How does this paragraph help develop the narra

• It details the method that Luciana uses to solve her problem.

• It introduces the characters of Luciana and her mother.

• It describes the setting where Luciana lives with her mother.

• It sets up Luciana's situation and the conflict she encounters.

Which punctuation serves to set dialogue apart from the rest of the text in a narrative?

• exclamation marks

  
  

• quotation marks

  
  

• parentheses

  
  

• brackets