The First Stone - Rhetorical devices in literary texts (Grade 8)
Passage
•
English
•
8th Grade
•
Practice Problem
•
Hard
Angela Lock
FREE Resource
8 questions
Show all answers
1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What does Clarence first say about his own project when Virginia approaches him?
That it looks like a lumpy rock.
That it's an interesting start.
That it's a disaster.
That he has nothing.
Answer explanation
This is a direct recall question. In the third paragraph, Clarence's first spoken words about his project are, “It’s a disaster,” Clarence mumbled.
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What is the main purpose of Virginia’s analogy, “is unity one loud voice, or is it many different voices singing together in harmony?”
To find out if Clarence is interested in music.
To suggest a new way for Clarence to think about the theme of 'unity'.
To criticize Clarence's lack of a clear idea.
To show off her own creative thinking.
Answer explanation
This question requires understanding the intent behind Virginia's rhetorical question. She isn't asking a literal question about music; she is using an analogy to help Clarence reframe his understanding of the project's theme and see a new way forward.
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
What specific phrase does Virginia use to make the large project seem more manageable?
“you’re just laying the first stone.”
“an interesting start.”
“many small things coming together?”
“collapsed into a pancake.”
Answer explanation
This is a recall question focusing on a specific rhetorical device. Virginia uses the metaphor of laying a single stone to counter the idea of building a whole mountain, making the task seem less overwhelming.
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
How does the tone of Clarence's dialogue change from the beginning to the end of the conversation?
From hopeful to frustrated.
From cheerful to skeptical.
From angry to apologetic.
From defeated to hopeful.
Answer explanation
This question requires students to understand the shift in tone. Clarence begins by saying, “It’s a disaster,” in a “flat and heavy” voice. By the end, his voice is described as “hopeful” when he accepts Virginia's offer of help.
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
30 sec • 1 pt
According to Virginia, what happened to her first attempt at the sculpture?
It looked like a lumpy rock.
It was her best work.
It completely collapsed into a pancake.
It was a spiral of hands.
Answer explanation
This is a direct recall question. In paragraph 5, Virginia tells Clarence, “The first one completely collapsed into a pancake. Seriously.”
6.
CATEGORIZE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Categorize the following statements based on the rhetorical purpose of the dialogue.
Groups:
(a) Dialogue Expressing a Fixed/Negative Mindset
,
(b) Dialogue Encouraging a Growth/Positive Mindset
“It’s a disaster.”
“Sometimes the best ideas start out looking like lumpy rocks.”
“What if it’s many small things coming together?”
“Easy for you to say.”
“The first one completely collapsed into a pancake.”
“you’re just laying the first stone.”
Answer explanation
This question requires students to analyze the purpose behind each statement. Clarence's lines show a fixed mindset where he sees only failure. Virginia's lines, including her story about her own failure, are all designed to encourage a growth mindset by reframing the problem and showing that failure is part of the process.
7.
MATCH QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Match each line of dialogue to the underlying motivation or feeling it reveals.
Shows defensiveness and feelings of inadequacy.
“What if you didn’t think of it as one big, single thing?”
Reveals feelings of pressure and hopelessness.
“Want a hand with that first stone?”
Offers direct partnership and support.
“Easy for you to say. Yours looks perfect.”
Gently suggests a new perspective without being demanding.
“It’s a disaster. This is due tomorrow.”
Answer explanation
Each line of dialogue has a clear subtext. Clarence's first line shows his stress. His second line reveals his insecurity when comparing his work to Virginia's. Virginia's question is a rhetorical strategy to open his mind. Her final offer is a clear act of connection and support.
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