Horror Discussion

Read the following sentence from paragraph 1.

The minute we would start to make such a list we would also realize that not all monsters are alike and that not all horror deals with monsters.

Which is the most effective way to revise this sentence?

• Quickly, we would realize that not all monsters are alike and not all horror deals with monsters.

• By making a list, we would realize that not all monsters are alike and not all horror deals with monsters.

• Making a list would make us realize that not all monsters are alike and not all horror deals with monsters.

• We would realize, if we made a list, that not all monsters are alike and that not all horror deals with monsters.

What is the main idea in paragraph 2?

• People identify the setting in the story by recalling scenes from popular horror stories.

• Scary stories are fun because the characters are in a world that is separate from the one we live in.

• Suspense can be created by setting up scenes where people know bad things can happen.

• The innocence of familiar characters creates an element of surprise when something bad happens.

Read the origin of the word intense.

from the Latin, intensus (“stretched”)

Based on this information, what is the meaning of the word intensified in paragraph 2?

• increased

• formed

• changed

• molded

Read the sentence from paragraph 3.

Our advance knowledge creates suspense because we can anticipate what is going to happen.

Which of the following is the best paraphrase of this sentence?

• Knowing the plot and characters promotes suspense.

• The suspense is created when the characters are surprised.

• The plot promotes suspense by making us think about what will happen next.

• Using what we know about a setting and making predictions about it creates suspense.

Read the sentences from paragraph 5 in the selection.

An outside force may invade the character and then force the evil out again. The vampire attacks the victim, but then the victim becomes the vampire and attacks others.

Which is the most effective way to revise these sentences?

• The first thing is, the outside force gets into the character, then the victim becomes the attacker.

• An outside force invades the character to get the evil out first. After the vampire attacks the victim the victim attacks him back.

• In the beginning scene the outside force gets the evil to come out followed by the victim being attacked and becoming the attacker.

• First, an outside force pushes the evil out. Then, the vampire attacks the victim, concluding with the victim becoming the vampire and attacking others.

Which two facts support the author’s claim that horror can be categorized by the source of the horror?

• . . . the ghosts turn out to be squirrels in the attic . . .

• Some horror comes from inside the characters.

• The vampire attacks the victim, but then the victim becomes a vampire and attacks others.

• Dr. Frankenstein’s need for knowledge turns him into the kind of person who creates a monster.

• We are not surprised to find old houses, abandoned castles, damp cellars, or dark forests as important elements in the horror story.

What is the main idea of paragraph 6?

• There are common themes throughout the horror genre.

• Searching for knowledge can lead to bad outcomes in horror stories.

• The horror genre concentrates on the conflict between good and evil.

• Society believes that new knowledge is always good for the horror genre.

The author most likely feels that horror —

• is a fun alternative to typical fiction and literature

• examines how characters can be altered based on setting and time

• uses suspense and gives the audience knowledge that the characters lack

• introduces fantastic characters and unusual themes to otherwise ordinary stories

The author most likely wrote this article to —

• persuade people to watch or read the horror genre

• encourage people to analyze horror plots and how they are created

• compare the most famous horror characters in history

• provide information about popular horror stories from a long time ago

Which of the following would be the best topic sentence to summarize the selection?

• Horror films and literature can cause the audience to focus more on the story than the actual characters.

• Horror fiction often causes the audience to question the characters’ intentions of finding answers.

• Horror fiction has many characteristics, one of which is the flow of how the story is told.

• The feeling of fear from horror fiction can come from believing that the story could be real.