wayground logo

Free Printable Worksheets

Font size

S
M
L
XL
Worksheets

English 2- 1st Semester Review

Total questions: 100

Worksheet time: 2hrs 42mins

Name
Class
Date
1.
What descriptive word best describes the narrator in the following quote: "The agonized indecision over what to say, the false starts toward her house and embarrassed retreats." 
a)
Bold; Brave
b)
Smart 
c)
Nervous; Anxious
d)
Shy; Quiet
2.
Why is the narrator not being true to himself when he hides his fishing rod from Sheila while on their date? 
a)
He cares more for Sheila than he does about fishing. 
b)
He doesn't really care about Sheila and just took her on a date because he was bored of fishing. 
c)
He feels that he needs to hide his true love of fishing from Sheila in order to impress her. 
d)
Sheila wants to fish with him, but he does not want her to use his lucky fishing rod. 
3.

In “The Seventh Man,” which statement best summarizes what happens in the

weeks following K.’s death?

a)

He falls ill and has nightmares.

b)

He moves to Nagano

c)

He starts attending a different school.

d)

He spends hours studying K.’s artwork

4.

What main criticism did "The Doll's House" offer about the class system that prevailed in the place and time of its setting?

a)

The class system could be cruel to the lower classes.

b)

The class system created a sense of responsibility in the upper class.

c)

The class system brought physical hardship to the lower class.

d)

The class system was governed mainly by women.

5.

Select the meaning of the underlined word: In many cultures, there are certain taboos relating to mealtime. For example, in Nepal, you should never touch your food with your left hand.

a)

something one should sometimes do

b)

something one should often do

c)

something one should do from time to time

d)

something one should never do

6.

Select the meaning of the underlined word: I was so parched, I drank an entire glass of water in one gulp.

a)

hungry

b)

thirsty

c)

sleepy

d)

tired

7.

There is a large demand all over the United States for plants indigenous to the desert. Many people in Arizona have made a good business of growing and selling cacti and other local plants.

a)

a. native

b)

b. necessary

c)

c. foreign

d)

d. alien

8.

What are context clues?

a)

Clues that help you figure out the context.

b)

Hints that an author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word.

c)

A piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving of a mystery

d)

A verbal formula giving an indication as to what is to be inserted in a particular space in a crossword or other puzzle.

9.

What are context clues?

a)

Clues that help you figure out the context.

b)

Hints that an author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word.

c)

A piece of evidence or information used in the detection of a crime or solving of a mystery

d)

A verbal formula giving an indication as to what is to be inserted in a particular space in a crossword or other puzzle.

10.

Which context clue is defined as, the word’s meaning is explained in the sentence?

a)

Definition

b)

Antonym

c)

Example

d)

Synonym

11.

Which context clue is defined as, other words are used in the sentence that have similar meanings?

a)

Word Part

b)

Example

c)

Definition

d)

Synonym

12.

Which context clue is defined as, a word’s definition is not explained.  You need to look for clues before AND after the sentence?

a)

Word Part

b)

Inference

c)

Defintion

d)

Synonym

13.

Which context clue is defined as, an example of the word is given following the sentence or within the sentence?  

a)

Example

b)

Antonym

c)

Definition

d)

Word Part

14.

Which context clue is defined as, the word is clarified by giving the opposite meaning?  

a)

Inference

b)

Example

c)

Synonym

d)

Antonym

15.

What is this an example of, Miss Kelsey is quite affable.  In fact, she reminds me of Mr. Schwartz. Do you remember how kind he was?

a)

Example

b)

Antonym

c)

Synonym

d)

Inference

16.

What is this an example of, I miss, Miss Kelsey. Our new teacher is cranky. Miss. Kelsey was so affable?  

a)

Antonym

b)

Synonym

c)

Definition

d)

Inference

17.

What are connotations?

a)

Words that end in vowels

b)

Dictionary definition of a word

c)

Words that have feelings attached to them

d)

Describing words

18.

What word gives a NEGATIVE connotation?

a)

nasty

b)

exciting

c)

carefree

d)

bashful

19.

Out of these synonyms, which word gives a negative connotation?

a)

uncanny

b)

freakish

c)

unique

d)

extraordinary

20.

What is a denotation?

a)

The dictionary definition of a word

b)

The feeling a word gives to a reader

c)

a book signed by an author (like an autograph)

d)

An introvert with many friends

21.

Which sentence is the denotation of the word "Vengeful"

a)

Vengeful gives a negative feeling to readers.

b)

Vengeful is not a happy word.

c)

Vengeful is a word used to describe someone seeking revenge.

22.

Which word gives a POSITIVE denotation?

a)

hopeful

b)

strange

c)

distasteful

d)

crazy

23.

Authors use symbolism to

a)

keep readers guessing

b)

to make the text more complicated

c)

to help readers gain a deeper understanding of the text

24.

Identify the type of conflict:

After breaking her mother’s favorite vase, Casey struggles to decide whether she should tell her mother the truth or attempt to hide her mistake and blame the family dog.

a)

Man vs. Self

b)

Man vs. Nature

c)

Man vs. Character

d)

Man vs. Technology

25.

The main character clashes with another character.

a)

Man vs. Nature

b)

Man vs. Society

c)

Man vs. Man

d)

Man vs. Technology

26.

The main character resists forces that are not in this world.

a)

Man vs. Society

b)

Man vs. Technology

c)

Man vs. Supernatural

d)

Man vs. Self

27.

A character is set in opposition to nature.

a)

Man vs. Technology

b)

Man vs. Self

c)

Man vs. Man

d)

Man vs. Nature

28.

Jimmy and Eric compete for the same position on the baseball team.

a)

Man vs. Technology

b)

Man vs. Self

c)

Man vs. Man

d)

.Man vs. Nature

29.

Alexa caught her friend Jamie stealing from a classmate. Now Alexa must choose between keeping her friendship with Jamie and doing the right thing.

a)

Man vs. Self

b)

Man vs. Nature

c)

Man vs. Man

d)

Man vs. Technology

30.

John starts a petition to allow students to wear ripped jeans at school.

a)

Man vs. Self

b)

Man vs. Society

c)

Man vs. Man

d)

Man vs. Supernatural

31.
What type of character is given many character traits and considered well-developed?
a)
Round
b)
Flat
c)
Dynamic
32.
What type of character is changed throughout the course of a story?
a)
round
b)
flat 
c)
dynamic
33.
What type of character is given on a few traits and is considered not developed in a story?
a)
flat
b)
dynamic
c)
static
34.
What type of character does not change over the course of the story, but stays the same?
a)
flat
b)
dynamic
c)
static
35.

What is direct characterization?

a)

the process by which an author introduces a character’s traits and personality to the reader

b)

indicating a character's traits without explicitly describing them

c)

what a character is like by directly stating their physical appearance and personality traits

d)

A character who is not involved in the plot of the story

36.

What is indirect characterization?

a)

the process by which an author introduces a character’s traits and personality to the reader

b)

indicating a character's traits without explicitly describing them

c)

what a character is like by directly stating their physical appearance and personality traits

d)

A character who is not involved in the plot of the story

37.

At the beginning of the story, Mrs. Smith is very upset that she must teach kindergarten this year. She is worried that she won’t know how to treat the young students. At the end of the story, Mrs. Smith is sad that she won’t be teaching kindergarten next year, because this was the best school year she’s ever had. Mrs. Smith is

a)

dynamic character

b)

antagonist

c)

static character

d)

minor character

38.

John is a doctor working against the clock to find a cure for a disease that is threatening the human race. Despite all odds, he meets the challenge. John is the

a)

protagonist

b)

antagonist

c)

static character

d)

minor character

39.

Which scenario would make someone a static character?

a)

A protagonist becomes more powerful and knowledgeable over time

b)

A protagonist starts off as a good character, but becomes evil

c)

An antagonist eventually becomes kind

d)

An antagonist remains evil throughout the story

40.
A theme should be a statement, not just one word. 
a)
TRUE
b)
FALSE
41.
One summer's day, a merry Grasshopper was dancing, singing and playing his violin with all his heart. He saw an Ant passing by working hard to store food for the winter. “Come and sing with me instead of working so hard,” said the Grasshopper “Let’s have fun together.” “I must store food for the winter,” said the Ant,“ and I advise you to do the same.” “Don’t worry about winter, it’s still very far away,” said the Grasshopper, laughing at him. But the Ant wouldn’t listen and continued to work. When winter came, the starving Grasshopper went to the Ant’s house and humbly begged for something to eat. “If you had listened to my advice in the summer you would not now be in need,” said the Ant. “I’m afraid you will have to go without supper,” and he closed the door.
What is the theme?
a)
share with your neighbor
b)
work before you play
c)
be respectful
d)
don't be greedy
42.
During a baseball game, Tanner tried to tag a player leaving first base. When the umpire called the player out, Tanner immediately informed the umpire that he in fact did not tag the runner. Two weeks later, the very same umpire was at another one of Tanner’s baseball games. Tanner was playing short stop and tagged a runner as they approached third base. When the umpire called the player safe, Tanner didn’t say a word, but the umpire noticed the surprised look on Tanner’s face. “Did you tag the runner?” she asked Tanner. When Tanner told her that he did tag the runner, the umpire changed her decision and called the player out. The coaches and parents were furious, but the umpire stood by her decision.
What is the theme?
a)
You should cheat to win.
b)
Always work hard.
c)
It pays to be honest.
d)
Teamwork is best.
43.
What is the best definition of THEME?
a)
A universal truth, moral, or idea that the author wants to express. 
b)
The location and time of the story
c)
The events that occur in the story
d)
The author's reason for writing a story
44.
Themes are universal because ...
a)
all humans share common experiences
b)
authors add them to make the writing meaningful
c)
the entire universe enjoys them
d)
the stories go on forever
45.

Which of the following is the BEST statement of a theme?

a)

Cruelty.

b)

Cruelty is bad.

c)

Cruelty might be disguised as kindness.

d)

The cruelty of good people.

46.

What is the correct spacing for your text?

a)

Single

b)

1.25"

c)

1.5"

d)

Double

47.

Which in text citation is correct?

a)

"Here's a direct quote" (Smith 8).

b)

"Here's a direct quote" (Smith,8).

c)

"Here's a direct quote (Smith 8)"

d)

"Here's a direct quote." (Smith,8)

48.

True or False

Only direct quotes need to be cited.

a)

True

b)

False

49.
What does digital citizenship mean?
a)
Any information about you on the Internet
b)
An online membership
c)
Using digital media safely, responsibly, and ethically.
d)
Not giving credit to someone else's work.
50.
Which is an example of digital media?
a)
Computers
b)
Social network sites
c)
Video games
d)
All of these
51.

What is the central idea of the passage?


Millions of acres of tropical rainforest have been destroyed. Many animals and people lose their homes when the rain forest is cut down. Today, people are destroying the forests so quickly that the animals are unable to adapt. Many of these animals, such as the leopard, need miles and miles of untouched rain forest in order to live. Furthermore, as more of the rainforest is destroyed, the risk of air pollution and loss of oxygen increases.

a)

Leopards are losing their homes

b)

The destruction of the rain forest is harming humans and animals.

c)

The destruction of the rain forest is an interesting subject

d)

Forests provide oxygen for humans and animals

52.

What is the central idea of the passage?


Thomas Edison’s life span is known as “The age of Edison.” If it wasn’t for Thomas Edison, we might not have electric lights, telephones, movie cameras, or computers! Think of all the ways these great products affect our lives today. Edison held over 1,000 patents and received dozens of awards during his lifetime for his inventions and contributions to science.

a)

The light bulb was an important invention

b)

Thomas Edison was an important inventor

c)

Thomas Edison was an excellent student

d)

Creating inventions is a difficult process

53.

What is the central idea of the passage?


The law was not exactly fair in the Middle Ages in Europe. Back then, you could blame someone in your town for committing a crime. The “criminal” could then challenge you to a fight to prove his guilt or innocence. If you lost the fight, you were charged as a liar and the criminal was believed to be innocent. If you won, the criminal was believed to be guilty.

a)

Laws were unfair in the Middle Ages

b)

Fighting is a good way to decide guilt or innocence.

c)

Most people lied about crime in the Middle Ages.

d)

Those who were innocent of crimes often won

54.

Do you ever wonder how you taste things? You owe your sense of taste to your taste buds. We have 9,000 taste buds just on the tongue alone. There are also taste buds on the roof of your mouth. You even have taste buds on the back of your throat.

What does the author want you to learn about the passage?

a)

Why we can taste only sweet things.

b)

that we taste through our nose

c)

Taste buds are found in different places.

55.

The writer's position on an issue

a)

claim

b)

counterclaim

c)

rebuttel

d)

thesis

56.

Any information that helps prove a claim.

a)

evidence

b)

argument

c)

counterclaim

d)

thesis

57.

Statements that address opposing viewpoints.

a)

counterclaims

b)

rebuttels

c)

claims

d)

arguments

58.

Identify the sentence as a claim or not a claim.


Banning semi-automatic weapons would reduce mass shootings.

a)

Not a claim

b)

Claim

59.
Parents should be fined when their
children bully because it will send a
message. Some say It is very difficult for
parents to manage their children
when they leave the house and go to
school. Despite this, thirteen million
kids are bullied each year and
something needs to be done. The fines
will encourage parents to focus on anti-bullying in the home.
Which sentence is the counterclaim?
a)
Despite this, thirteen million
kids are bullied each year and
something needs to be done.
b)
The fines
will encourage parents to
focus on anti-bullying in the home.
c)
Some say it is very difficult for
parents to manage their children
when they leave the house and go to
school.
d)
Parents should be fined when their
children bully because it will send a
message.
60.

A claim or counterclaim must be backed with

a)

puppies

b)

supportive evidence or reasons

c)

your mama

d)

Shuman's seal of approval

61.
Ted was anxious to try out for the basketball team. He had practiced and knew he was ready. Tryouts made him a little nervous, but when he found out he made the team he knew that all the work had paid off.
What is the author's purpose?
a)
to tell a story about a boy who worked hard
b)
to teach how to play basketball
c)
to persuade you to try out for the basketball team
d)
to explain the rules of basketball
62.
It's important to go to school. What you learn in school will help you later in life. It will also help you get a job. If you work hard in school and make good grades, you may be able to go to college and have a career.
What is the author's purpose?
a)
to entertain with a story about school
b)
to teach you how to get good grades
c)
to persuade you to work hard in school
d)
to explain the best colleges
63.
An article arguing why Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player ever.
a)
Persuade
b)
Inform
c)
Entertain
64.
An “X-men” comic book.
a)
Persuade
b)
Inform
c)
Entertain
65.

Define bias

a)

the quality of being objective

b)

prejudice in favor or against one thing, person, or group compared with another

c)

equal treatment of rivals

d)

impartial and just treatment

66.
Forms of electronic communication through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content are collectively known as?
a)
Email
b)
Instant Messaging
c)
Social Media
d)
Newsletters
67.

digital citizen

a)

a member of the global community connected by the internet

b)

a person who uses digital devices carefully and responsibly

c)

a person who is good with math

d)

a member of an online community who makes rules that others have to follow.

68.

What is an inference?

a)

A guess

b)

Evidence that is directly stated in the text

c)

A conclusion based off of facts and reasoning

69.

It's a good thing we were all wearing seat belts when the turbulence hit.


Based on the text, which of the following most likely happened?

a)

A family was on a road trip and hit a pothole.

b)

A plane had gone through a terrible storm.

c)

A boat went over some waves.

d)

There are not enough details to answer the question.

70.

Argument: There are several disadvantages to social media. Which would be a counterclaim for this argument?

a)

Social media is not private or secure.

b)

Social media spreads false information.

c)

Social media allows news to be broadcasted quickly.

71.

Argument: There are several disadvantages to social media. Which would be a claim for this argument?

a)

Social media allows police to catch criminals.

b)

Social media helps students do better in school.

c)

Students who use social media often have lower grades.

72.

They weren’t on the hook by the phone and they weren’t in her purse. Alison checked the pockets of the jacket she’d worn the day before, but they weren’t there either. She looked at her watch and realized she would be late for work if she didn’t leave soon..

Based on the evidence in the text; what is Alison looking for?

a)

Her Keys

b)

Her Car

c)

Her Cat

d)

Her Smoothie

73.
What a writer hopes to achieve in a particular work
a)
author's success
b)
author's salary
c)
author's fame
d)
author's purpose
74.

Choose the most positive connotation: The class' trip to the amusement park was _______.

a)

fine

b)

wonderful

75.

What is the connotation of "snickered" as it is used in the sentence:

The pitcher snickered when the batter swung and completely missed the ball.

a)

positive

b)

negative

c)

neutral

76.
What is the layout of a literary analysis?
a)
Conclusion, Introduction, Conclusion
b)
Introduction, Body Paragraphs
c)
Introduction, Body Paragraphs, Bernie Sanders
d)
Introduction, Body Paragraphs, Conclusion
77.
What should you use to support your claim?
a)
Use quotes from Donald Trump's speech
b)
Evidence from a crime scene
c)
Evidence from the literature
d)
You don't have a claim, you have a thesis.
78.
What should you write in the first sentence of the body paragraphs?
a)
Topic sentence
b)
Rewordify your thesis
c)
Evidence
d)
Call to Action
79.
What do you end your conclusion with?
a)
A topic sentence
b)
Concluding Sentence
c)
Thesis
d)
A BAM!
80.
What should you support throughout your essay?
a)
Evidence
b)
Donald Trump
c)
Bernie Sanders
d)
Thesis
81.
What is something you should examine in a literary analysis?
a)
Presidential candidates
b)
Use of figurative language
c)
Author biographies
d)
You own autobiography
82.

The claim/thesis statement is

a)

the writers opinion on the topic they are writing about.

b)

ownership in writing

c)

the first line of an introduction paragraph.

d)

a question an author asks.

83.
Which would be the best introductory paragraph for the following prompt:
In a well-developed essay, analyze the theme(s) of both stories.  Compare and contrast how the authors use mood to develop the theme in each text. Use evidence and examples from both texts to support your analysis.
a)
The themes are be kind to everyone.
b)
The stories "The Ugly Duckling" and "The Grinch" both share a theme of be kind to everyone. The authors use mood to develop the theme in each text through different methods.
c)
The stories both share a theme of be kind to everyone. The authors use mood to develop the theme in each text.
d)
The stories "The Ugly Duckling" and "The Grinch" both share a theme of be kind to everyone. The authors use mood to develop the theme in each text through different methods, and I'm going to tell you about them now.
84.

Your topic sentence should

a)

Be 1 sentence only

b)

Be 1-2 sentences

c)

Be 3 sentences

85.

The MOST important question to ask yourself after writing a paragraph is...

a)

"Have I completely and clearly answered the prompt?"

b)

"Am I summarizing the novel well enough?"

c)

"Am I forgetting anything?"

d)

"Am I hungry right now?"

86.
Choose the strong thesis.
a)
 I would like to become a chef when I finish school
b)
 Although both chefs and cooks can prepare fine meals, chefs differ from cooks in   education, professional commitment, and artistry.
87.
Is this a topic or a theme? 
Perseverance 
a)
Topic 
b)
Theme
88.
Select the STRONGEST thematic statement. 
a)
Life is tough. 
b)
Never give up. 
c)
When faced with what seems as an unobtainable opposition one must show resilience to power through.
d)
Even though life is tough, you must try harder.
89.

How many pieces of text evidence should be in EACH body paragraph?

a)

one

b)

only two

c)

two or more

d)

none

90.

True or False? : Students create their own literature circle schedules.

a)

True

b)

False

91.

Choose the correct sentence.

a)

He knocked several times, no one came to the door

b)

He knocked several times no one came to the door.

c)

He knocked several times: no one came to the door.

d)

He knocked several times; no one came to the door.

92.
During a baseball game, Tanner tried to tag a player leaving first base. When the umpire called the player out, Tanner immediately informed the umpire that he in fact did not tag the runner. Two weeks later, the very same umpire was at another one of Tanner’s baseball games. Tanner was playing short stop and tagged a runner as they approached third base. When the umpire called the player safe, Tanner didn’t say a word, but the umpire noticed the surprised look on Tanner’s face. “Did you tag the runner?” she asked Tanner. When Tanner told her that he did tag the runner, the umpire changed her decision and called the player out. The coaches and parents were furious, but the umpire stood by her decision.
What is the theme?
a)
You should cheat to win.
b)
Always work hard.
c)
It pays to be honest.
d)
Teamwork is best.
93.
You can often infer the theme of a piece of literature by ...
a)
evaluating how a character has changed
b)
sharing a character's experience
c)
determining how the conflict has resolved
d)
ALL of the above
94.
Choose the best example of a good claim. 
a)
Johnny Depp is my favorite actor. 
b)
Johnny Depp was born in Boston, MA.
c)
Johnny Depp deserved to win an Oscar for his role in "The Fighter". 
d)
Johnny Depp has his own reality show.
95.
Which of the following is NOT a claim?
a)
California is the best state in the USA.
b)
Twinkies taste better than other snack cakes because of their texture, their creamy filling, and their golden appearance.
c)
The school year began on August 18 and will end on June 4
d)
Christmas is the best holiday of the year.
96.
Which of the following is not a form of evidence?
a)
quote from an expert 
b)
a statistic
c)
a fact
d)
a counterclaim 
97.
Identify which sentence contains the claim in the following paragraph. 
1There is no easy way to get from one part of town to the other with this many cars on the road. 2Communities need a solution, and that solution is public transportation. 3Public transportation is an essential part of the community because it is inexpensive, unites neighborhoods, and is better for the environment. 
a)
Sentence 1
b)
Sentence 2
c)
Sentence 3
98.
Read the two paragraphs.  Which is an example of BIAS and why? 
a)
Paragraph 1 because of the tone.
b)
Paragraph 1 because of the author's motives.
c)
Paragraph 2 because of the tone.
d)
Paragraph 2 because of the author's motives.
99.
Read the following paragraph. What is the claim? 
Yoko Ono once said, “Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence. Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance. Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence. Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance.”  Her quotation rings true to the idea of seasons.  Each season brings with it specific memories, likes, dislikes, and experiences.  Each person loves one season or another for numerous reasons.  For some the changing colors of fall leaves and the crisp October air make fall their favorite season.  For others budding green trees, warm afternoons, and the lengthening days make spring the most adored season.  Despite our preferences, winter is the best season because of its smells, celebrations, and sights.
a)
Her quotation rings true to the idea of seasons. 
b)
Despite our preferences, winter is the best season because of its smells, celebrations, and sights. 
c)
Each person loves one season or another for numerous reasons. 
d)
Each season brings with it specific memories, likes, dislikes, and experiences.
100.
Which of the following would NOT be a strong piece of evidence? 
a)
A quote from a person who lives down the street from a doctor about this year's flu vaccine. 
b)
A quote from a person who studies diseases and illnesses about this year's flu vaccine. 
c)
A quote from a  doctor about this year's flu vaccine. 
d)
A quote from the Centers for Disease Control about this year's flu vaccine.