Literary Terms Quiz

What is a stanza?

• A group of lines in a poem, similar to a paragraph in prose.

• A single line in a poem.

• A type of rhyme scheme.

• A poetic device used for emphasis.

Answer explanation

A stanza is defined as a group of lines in a poem, functioning similarly to a paragraph in prose. This distinguishes it from a single line, rhyme schemes, or poetic devices, making the first choice the correct answer.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.W.5.2D

CCSS.W.6.2D

What is a claim in writing?

• A statement of fact.

• The main idea of a persuasive or argumentative text, also known as an argument.

• A question posed in an essay.

• A summary of a text.

Answer explanation

A claim in writing refers to the main idea of a persuasive or argumentative text, also known as an argument. It presents the writer's position and is essential for persuading the audience.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.W.5.2D

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

What does convey mean?

• To hide or obscure something.

• To show, emphasize, or highlight something.

• To write or inscribe something.

• To question or doubt something.

Answer explanation

The term 'convey' means to show, emphasize, or highlight something. It involves communicating an idea or feeling clearly, making the second answer choice the correct one.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.4

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.6.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

What is a scene in a play?

• A scene is a part of a play that includes the actions and dialogue.

• A scene is the entire play from start to finish.

• A scene is a brief summary of the play.

• A scene is the introduction of the play.

Answer explanation

A scene is a specific segment of a play that showcases characters' actions and dialogue, making it distinct from the entire play or a summary. Thus, the correct choice is that a scene includes the actions and dialogue.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.4D

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

What is an opinion?

• An opinion is how someone feels about something; it is subjective.

• An opinion is a proven fact.

• An opinion is a detailed report.

• An opinion is a historical event.

Answer explanation

An opinion reflects personal feelings or beliefs, making it subjective. The correct choice accurately defines an opinion, while the other options describe facts, reports, or events, which are objective and not opinions.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

What is the purpose of a line break in poetry?

• A line break is used to create a pause, emphasize a point, or change the rhythm of the poem.

• A line break is used to end a poem.

• A line break is used to start a new chapter.

• A line break is used to summarize the poem.

Answer explanation

A line break in poetry serves to create pauses, emphasize specific ideas, and alter the poem's rhythm, enhancing its overall impact. This makes the first answer choice the correct one.

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.10

CCSS.RI.5.10

CCSS.RI.6.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

What is the main idea of a text?

• The main idea is the central point or message that the author wants to convey.

• The main idea is a list of characters in the text.

• The main idea is the title of the text.

• The main idea is the author's biography.

Answer explanation

The main idea refers to the central point or message the author aims to communicate, making the first choice the correct answer. The other options do not capture the essence of the text's main idea.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.2

CCSS.RI.6.2

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

What is a metaphor?

• A figure of speech that compares two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.

• A comparison using 'like' or 'as'.

• A type of poem.

• A historical event.

Answer explanation

A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things, emphasizing their similarities without using 'like' or 'as'. This distinguishes it from similes, which do use those words.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

What is the theme of a story?

• The main character's name.

• The underlying message or lesson that the author conveys through the narrative.

• The setting of the story.

• The number of chapters in the book.

Answer explanation

The theme of a story refers to the underlying message or lesson that the author conveys through the narrative, making it the correct choice. Other options like character names, settings, or chapter counts do not define the theme.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

What is a character's motivation?

• The reason behind their actions and decisions in a story.

• The clothes they wear.

• The place they live.

• The number of friends they have.

Answer explanation

A character's motivation refers to the underlying reasons for their actions and decisions in a story, making it essential for understanding their behavior and development.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3