STAAR Exam Review: English I

What is the central message or lesson of a literary work called?

• Theme

• Plot

• Character

• Setting

Answer explanation

The central message or lesson of a literary work is called the theme. It encapsulates the underlying ideas and insights the author wishes to convey, distinguishing it from plot, character, and setting.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

How is the author's attitude toward the subject described?

• Positive

• Negative

• Neutral

• Unclear

Answer explanation

The author's attitude is described as 'Unclear' because the text does not provide definitive positive or negative sentiments, leaving the reader uncertain about the author's perspective on the subject.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

The term that describes the feeling a reader gets from the text is:

• Tone

• Mood

• Theme

• Setting

Answer explanation

The term 'mood' refers to the emotional atmosphere that a reader experiences while engaging with a text. It captures the feelings evoked by the setting, tone, and events, distinguishing it from tone, theme, and setting.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses is called:

• Imagery

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Personification

Answer explanation

Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses is known as imagery. It helps create vivid pictures in the reader's mind by engaging sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell, making the text more immersive.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

The use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts is defined as:

• Symbolism

• Metaphor

• Allegory

• Analogy

Answer explanation

Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts, making it the correct choice. Metaphor, allegory, and analogy involve comparisons or narratives but do not specifically define the use of symbols.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

What is a contrast between expectation and reality known as?

• Irony

• Coincidence

• Paradox

• Oxymoron

Answer explanation

Irony is the contrast between expectation and reality, often highlighting a surprising or humorous discrepancy. It differs from coincidence, paradox, and oxymoron, which have distinct meanings.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

What are hints or clues about what will happen later in a story called?

• Foreshadowing

• Flashback

• Irony

• Symbolism

Answer explanation

Hints or clues about what will happen later in a story are called foreshadowing. This literary device builds anticipation and prepares the reader for future events.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

The perspective from which a story is told is called:

• Narrative

• Point of View

• Plot

• Theme

Answer explanation

The perspective from which a story is told is known as the 'Point of View'. It determines how the narrative is presented and influences the reader's understanding of the characters and events.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

The struggle between opposing forces in a story is defined as:

• Conflict

• Resolution

• Climax

• Exposition

Answer explanation

The struggle between opposing forces in a story is called conflict. It drives the narrative and creates tension, making it a crucial element in storytelling.

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.9

What is a logical conclusion based on evidence from the text called?

• Inference

• Hypothesis

• Assumption

• Prediction

Answer explanation

An inference is a logical conclusion drawn from evidence in the text. It involves interpreting information to reach a conclusion, making it the correct choice over hypothesis, assumption, or prediction.

Tags

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RI.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1