Exploring Themes in Literature and Speech

Read the following excerpt from a Greek myth: *"As Persephone wandered through the blooming meadow, the earth suddenly yawned open, and Hades emerged in a chariot of black horses."* Which literary device is used in the phrase "the earth suddenly yawned open"?

• Simile

• Personification

• Hyperbole

• Alliteration

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.9

CCSS.RL.8.9

Which of the following best identifies the central idea of a presidential address that urges citizens to unite during a time of crisis?

• The importance of economic growth

• The need for national unity

• The value of technological innovation

• The significance of historical traditions

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

In poetry, which of the following is an example of alliteration?

• "The wind whispered wildly through the willows."

• "Her eyes were as blue as the ocean."

• "The sun smiled down on the field."

• "He ran faster than a cheetah."

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

Which statement best describes the author’s purpose in a poem that describes the beauty of nature?

• To inform readers about environmental issues

• To persuade readers to visit national parks

• To entertain readers with vivid imagery

• To explain the process of photosynthesis

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Which of the following best compares the themes of two characters from Greek mythology: Achilles and Odysseus?

• Both are known for their wisdom and patience.

• Both face challenges that test their strength and intelligence.

• Both are punished by the gods for their arrogance.

• Both are kings of the same city.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.7

CCSS.RI.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.11-12.7

CCSS.RL.8.7

CCSS.RL.9-10.7

Which poetic device is used in the line: "The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas"?

• Metaphor

• Onomatopoeia

• Irony

• Personification

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.10

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9

In a presidential address, which of the following statements most clearly appeals to the audience’s sense of patriotism?

• "We must increase our exports to remain competitive."

• "Together, we can uphold the values that make our nation great."

• "The budget will be balanced by next year."

• "Our infrastructure needs improvement."

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

Which of the following best identifies the central idea of a poem about overcoming obstacles?

• Nature is unpredictable.

• Perseverance leads to success.

• Friendship is important.

• Time heals all wounds.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Which statement best describes the author’s purpose in a presidential address that focuses on economic recovery?

• To entertain the audience

• To persuade citizens to support new policies

• To describe historical events

• To criticize other countries

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Which of the following lines from a poem contains figurative language?

• "The river flows through the valley."

• "The stars danced playfully in the night sky."

• "The mountain is 2,000 meters high."

• "The sun rises at 6 a.m."

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.8

CCSS.RL.8.4

CCSS.RL.8.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.10

CCSS.RL.9-10.9