Characterization & Lit Review

The topic of a literary work is the subject of the work. It is usually expressed in a single word or phrase as a noun. A theme is the central idea or message of a work of literature. It is often expressed in a complete sentence as a general statement about life. The​ (a)   of a literary work might be love, but the ​ (b)   could be that love can overcome obstacles. A literary work may have more than one theme.

• topic

• theme

Answer explanation

The topic of a literary work is a single word or phrase, like 'love', while the theme is a complete sentence expressing a central idea, such as 'love can overcome obstacles'. Thus, the correct answers are 'topic' and 'theme'.

Sophia won two tickets to a band in a radio phone competition. Her older sister and her best friend really want to go as they have been fans of this band for a long time. Sophia decides to gift them the tickets instead.

• Creativity: Thinks of many ways to solve challenges

• Tolerance: Accepts differences without anger

• Generosity: Gives freely of their time and possessions

Answer explanation

Sophia's decision to gift the tickets to her sister and best friend shows her generosity, as she freely gives away something valuable to her for the happiness of others.

Carlos promised his mother he would babysit his little brother so his parents could go out for dinner for their anniversary. When the day comes, his friends are all going to the movies and they encourage Carlos to come, too. However, Carlos decides to stay home and take care of his brother.

• Hope/optimism: Looks on the bright side

• Compassion: Thinks of how others are feeling

• Determination: Works hard to achieve goals.

• Loyalty: Stays true through difficult times.

Answer explanation

Carlos shows compassion by considering his brother's feelings and needs, choosing to babysit instead of going to the movies. His loyalty is evident as he stays true to his promise to his mother, prioritizing family over friends.

Jason is an excellent accountant who works full time for his best friend's company. A larger accounting firm contacts Jason and offers to pay him twice what he makes if he will work for them. Jason thanks them for their offer, but declines. He doesn't even tell his friend that he received the offer. What character trait does Jason BEST demonstrate?

• Loyal - He declines the offer and doesn't even tell his friend about it.

• Hardworking- He works hard and he gets offered more money.

• Cautious - He does not accept the job offer.

• Adventurous- He accepts the higher job offer and will get more money.

Answer explanation

Jason demonstrates loyalty by declining the higher-paying job offer and not informing his friend about it, prioritizing his relationship over financial gain.

Eric's car broke down in the woods and his phone wasn't getting a signal. He used his car antenna as a spear and caught fresh salmon. He started a fire with sparks from his car battery, and he ate the cooked salmon while waiting for help. What character trait does Eric BEST demonstrate?

• Fun-loving- Eric loves to have adventures.

• Helpless- Eric has no clue what to do in a crisis.

• Resourceful- Eric uses the resources he has: antenna and car battery- to make the best out of a bad situation.

• Daring- Eric is brave and doesn't ask anyone for help and can do everything alone.

Answer explanation

Eric demonstrates resourcefulness by using his car antenna as a spear to catch salmon and sparks from the car battery to start a fire. He effectively utilizes available resources to survive in a challenging situation.

After coming home late from a party, Mae's father questioned her. She wanted to tell him that she was studying at a friend's place and lost track of time, but she told him the truth instead: she was at a party. What character trait does Mae BEST demonstrate?

• Humble- She admits to her father that she was wrong to go to the party.

• Imaginative- She fabricates an answer for why she went to the party.

• Honest- She tells the truth to her father even though she wants to lie.

• Mischievous- She is a troublemaker for going to the party.

Answer explanation

Mae demonstrates honesty by telling her father the truth about being at a party, despite wanting to lie about studying. This choice reflects her integrity and willingness to face the consequences of her actions.

The teacher told the students that they were not to start testing until everyone received all testing materials. The teacher went on to explain that the test booklet was to remain sealed until he had read through all the directions. Immediately after receiving the test booklet, Chris, a student, raised his hand and asked if he could start the test. What character trait does Chris BEST demonstrate?

• Hard-working: Chris wants to make sure he begins working on the test immediately.

• Confident: Chris is sure he can do well on the test.

• Sly- Chris wants to start the test before the other students.

• Absent-minded: Chris wasn't listening to the teacher when the teacher explained the testing procedures.

Answer explanation

Chris demonstrates the absent-minded trait because he wasn't listening to the teacher's instructions about when to start the test, indicating a lack of attention to the directions given.

Katie's mom came home from a long day of work and noticed that the entire house had been cleaned. Mom figured Katie must have cleaned it. The strangest thing was that Mom did not even ask Katie to clean. Then, Katie's mom found a note on the counter from Katie asking for permission to sleep at her friend Heather's house. Katie's mom smiled. What character trait does Katie BEST demonstrate?

• Energetic- She had the energy to clean the house for her tired mom.

• Proud- Katie wanted to show her mom that she could help.

• Creative- Katie wants to go to her friend's house for a sleepover and knows she can convince her mom if she does her mom a favor.

• Persistent- Katie works hard to convince her mom to let her go to a sleepover after her mom says no at first.

Answer explanation

Katie demonstrates creativity by cleaning the house to earn her mom's favor, knowing it would help her request for a sleepover at Heather's. This shows her ability to think strategically to achieve her goal.

No one want to play with Lena because she always tells everyone else what to do.  She insists that everyone do things her way and will not listen to anyone else's ideas.
Which word best describes Lena?

• irresponsible

• cruel

• bossy

• impolite

Answer explanation

Lena is best described as 'bossy' because she insists on controlling how others play and disregards their ideas. This behavior aligns with being bossy, as it involves telling others what to do rather than collaborating.

a quality that a character shows through their actions, what they say and what they do for example

• mood

• conflict

• trait

Answer explanation

A trait is a characteristic that a character displays through their actions and words. It defines their personality and behavior, making 'trait' the correct choice over mood or conflict.