2013-2014 Midterm STUDY GUIDE
Directions: Read this passage from “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. Then,
answer the following questions.
The thousand injuries of Fortunato I had borne as I best could, but when he ventured upon
insult I vowed revenge. You, who so well know the nature of my soul, will not suppose,
however, that I gave utterance to a threat. At length I would be avenged: this was a point
definitely settled—but the very definitiveness with which it was resolved precluded the idea
of risk. I must not only punish but punish with impunity. A wrong is unredressed when
retribution overtakes its redresser. It is equally unredressed when the avenger fails to make
himself felt as such to him who has done the wrong.
It must be understood that neither by word nor deed had I given Forunato cause to doubt my
good will. I continued, as was my wont, to smile in his face, and he did not perceive that my
smile now was at the thought of his immolation.
1. What does the narrator in this passage plan to do?
2. How would you best describe the narrator’s tone and voice in this passage?
Literary Analysis: Character and Characterization
People who don’t know Harry tend to underestimate him. They cast a skeptical eye on his
typical outfit: ragged jeans and shirts that bear evidence of his most recent meal. And his most
frequently uttered expression, “Waaaal, I just don’t know,” can make him sound less than
bright. So, some enter a negotiating session with Harry relaxed and confident that their side
will prevail and that Harry will gain no concessions for his group. That assumption is one that
Harry cultivates, and it is a big, big mistake.
3. What details support characterization in a short story?
4. What reveals the most about the character in this selection?
5. What does the passage suggest about Harry?
Literary Analysis: Dialogue and Dialect
“Stop checking your watch,” Elise told Jessica.
Jessica quickly dropped her hand to her side. “I wasn’t. I was just stretching,” she
replied.
“You are going to be great. There is nothing to worry about,” Elise stated in a much
kinder tone.
“I know. Thanks for coming with me. It means a lot,” Jessica replied as she stepped
out of the elevator.
6. What does the dialogue reveal about Jessica (Character traits)?
7. Which punctuation mark signals dialogue?
8. Based on the dialogue, where might Jessica be going?
Literary Analysis: Elements of Fiction
9. Define symbolism and allegory
10. What is reason an author might choose to write an allegory?
A giant, dormant volcano silently looms at the eastern end of the Hawaiian island of Maui. It
is named Haleakala, which means “house of the sun.” Native people gave it that name many
years ago. According to their legends, the god Maui captured the sun and trapped it in the
deep basin at the volcano’s summit. He promised to release the sun only if it would agree to
move more slowly across the sky each day. The sun evidently agreed, for residents and
visitors to the island of Maui have enjoyed long, sunny days ever since.
11. What is the main purpose of this passage?
12. According to legend, what can you infer is the reason the god Maui captured the sun?
13. Based on the legend, what was the long-term effect of Maui’s bargain with the sun?
14. Write a statement that best summarizes the passage.
(1) When I was little, Grandma always played with me. (2) She taught me how to dance,
and she made beautiful clothes for my dolls. (3) She was my special friend, but I had no idea
just how special until I was in ninth grade.
(4) Since my family did not have much money, I knew I would never be able to buy a
great dress for the school dance. (5) That did not stop me from dreaming, however. (6) Many
nights, after I had finished my homework, I would sketch the “perfect” dress. (7) I kept all the
sketches on my bedside table. (8) I guess I figured that was a good place to store impossible
dreams.
(9) One Monday, Mom and Grandma agreed that we should start shopping for my
dress. (10) I dreaded shopping for it; I knew I would never find anything close to my “perfect”
dress. (11) Nevertheless, we decided that we would shop for it on Saturday.
(12) That Friday night at dinner, Grandma seemed unusually cheerful, so I asked her
why. (13) “Oh, Natalie! I have a surprise,” she sang, like a happy little bird, and she reached
under the table to pull out a huge, flat box. (14) When I opened it, I gasped and burst into
tears. (15) Grandma had made my “perfect” dress!
15. Which sentence contains foreshadowing?
16. From which point of view is this selection narrated?
17. Which statement best summarizes the conflict that the narrator faces?
18. Based on the story, what conclusion can you draw about why Grandma decided to
make Natalie’s “perfect” dress?
19. Based on her words and actions, write a statement that best describes Grandma?
Read this passage from Desiderata by Elizabeth McCracken. Then, answer the following
questions.
Desiderata, I learned in library science school, were the items you needed for an
archive to make it useful. Useful, not complete, because there is no such thing as a complete
archive. There’s always a letter out there you want and need, either in someone else’s
collection or in an attic or just unfound. You need and want things you don’t even know exist.
That’s how collections work.
I come from a family strong on documents. I have a small archive myself. My
grandfather McCracken was a genealogist—I have his history of the McCrackens, a lovely
compilation of research on early ancestors and personal remembrances of his own relatives.
His wife, my grandmother, wrote stories and poems; I have copies of those, and remember
once opening a drawer full of letters she wrote to God, part prayer and part daily
correspondence to Someone dear. I have my grandmother Jacobson’s collection of family
letters; she had 11 brothers and sisters, some who wrote often and some just now and then. I
have diplomas of relatives I never met. I have diaries and laundry lists. I love anything written
by a relative, any evidence of what they really thought.
20. Define compound sentence
Literary Analysis: Literary Essay
I had only been out of school for two years when I was asked to teach in a small rural
school with only 100 students. I had no experience with small children and was apprehensive
about taking the job. After I arrived on that first day so many years ago, I knew I had found
my calling.
21. Which personal detail lets the reader know that the writer enjoyed teaching?
22. Locate a piece of factual information in the selection tells the reader about the school
at which the author teaches?
23. What is the author’s purpose in writing this literary essay?
24. What indicates that this selection is from a narrative essay?
Literary Analysis: Plot.
I smiled to myself as I remembered the game that made me a star ten years ago . . . The
rain was pouring as I stepped out onto the football field. It was the last game of the season,
and we had yet to lose a game. Today might be different. We were playing the state
champions, and they were undefeated. I took a deep breath and fastened my helmet. The game
was about to begin.
25. What is the conflict in this selection?
26. What details foreshadows the outcome of the game?
27. What best describes a possible resolution to the conflict in the selection?
Literary Analysis: Point of View
Sam gripped the branch tighter. If he could just build up enough momentum, he should be
able to pole vault over the fence. Sweat trickled down his forehead. He wondered what further
obstacles Richards had planted on the other side. He crouched, planted his right foot in the dirt
behind him, and was about to sprint forward when a voice rang out behind him. “Going
somewhere, Mr. Smith?” Sam gasped. It was Richards.
28. From which point of view is the passage written?
29. As the story develops, which character’s thoughts will readers learn only if the
character reveals them to another character?
30. From which point of view would readers likely learn the most about Richards’s
thoughts and actions?
31. What might the point of view used in the selection add to the story?
32. What are the different types of point of view?
Informational Texts: Analyze Ideas and Organizational Patterns
How To Fry an Egg
First, place the skillet on the stovetop. Turn the heat on medium and place a teaspoon of
butter in the skillet. Let the butter slowly melt. Be careful not to burn it. Next, take an egg
from the refrigerator. Tap the egg gently on the side of the skillet. When the egg cracks, pry it
apart with your thumbs and place the egg in the skillet. Throw the shells away. Then, cook the
egg until it is done on one side. Flip it with a spatula. Continue to cook the egg until it is done.
Finally, you have an egg for breakfast!
33. What inference can you make about the egg when it has finished cooking?
34. Define inference
35. What organizational pattern was used to explain this task?
36. What clue words help the reader understand the organizational pattern of the selection?
37. What is the first thing you should do if you want to fry an egg according to this
passage?
Literary Analysis: Voice
I’ve come to terms with my dreaminess, my absentmindedness—well, okay, my
ditziness! Why do I characterize myself this way? A few examples might make this
description very clear. They might include such mild eccentricities as mismatched socks
and paint smudges on jeans and in hair. Or I could cite more embarrassing moments,
perhaps having to do with personal hygiene or misunderstandings. But why bother with the
descriptions; you’ve probably already grasped the idea!
38. What phrases best describes the author’s voice?
39. Define Author’s Voice
40. Keeping the author’s voice in mind, what is most likely the author’s purpose for
writing?
41. What descriptions could the author add and still maintain the same voice?
Literary Analysis: Themes Across Genres
Franny looked at the endless rows of vegetables yet to be weeded. Her stomach turned.
Why had she insisted that she could handle a two-acre vegetable garden all by herself? And
why had she acted so superior about it? Asking for help wasn’t going to be easy!
42. How can you determine a possible theme?
43. What might be a likely theme for this selection?
44. Define theme
Informational Texts: Analyze Graphical Sources
Building an Exercise Program
To enjoy the benefits of exercise, one must begin slowly. Try these steps.
Stretch
First, always stretch the muscles before beginning any
workout.
Warm Up
Next, walk at moderate pace to warm up muscles and jumpstart the heart.
Add Intervals
Then, alternate cardiovascular—or heart strengthening—
exercise (fast walking/jogging) with periods of easy recovery
(easy walking).
45. Where can the reader find the steps that are useful for gradually increasing exercise?
46. Why is one of the words set in italic type?
Read this excerpt from “Glory and Hope,” a speech by South Africa’s first black president,
Nelson Mandela, delivered the day he took office.
(1) That spiritual and physical oneness we all share with this common homeland
explains the depth of the pain we all carried in our hearts as we saw our country tear itself
apart in terrible conflict and as we saw it spurned, outlawed and isolated by the people of the
world, precisely because it has become the universal base of the pernicious ideology and
practice of racism and racial oppression.
(2) We, the people of South Africa, feel fulfilled that humanity has taken us back into its
bosom, that we, who were outlaws not so long ago, have today been given the rare privilege to
be the host to the nations of the world on our own soil...
(3) The time for the healing of the wounds has come.
(4) The moment to bridge the chasms that divide us has come.
(5) The time to build is upon us.
(6) We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to
liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender
and other discrimination.
(7) We succeeded to take our last steps to freedom in conditions of relative peace. We
commit ourselves to the construction of a complete, just and lasting peace.
47. Which is the best literal meaning of the word pernicious in paragraph (1)?
48. Based on the content of paragraph (1), what can you conclude caused the world
to spurn South Africa?
49. What is the best definition of the word chasms as it is used in paragraph (4)?
Read the following excerpt from Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address.”
“But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—
this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far
above our power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we
say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living—to be dedicated
here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.”
50. What does Lincoln want his audience to do?
51. The lines “we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow” are an
example of which rhetorical device?
52. The phrase “The brave men, living and dead . . .” contains an example of which
persuasive technique?
Literary Analysis: Figurative Language
53. Define and give an example of personification
54. Define and give an example of metaphor
55. Define and give an example of simile
56. Define and give an example of paradox
57. Define and give an example of sensory language
Literary Analysis: Sound Devices
58. Define and give an example of onamonapia
59. Define and give an example of alliteration
60. Define and give an example of assonance
Literary Analysis: Epic
61. Define and give an example of epic?
62. Define epic simile
They landed in Carthage, on the Libyan coast, where Dido was queen. Making their way
along impressive avenues, they appeared in Dido’s court. “My lady, I am Aeneas the good,”
said he. “I left Troy with twenty ships, escaping the devastation. I played a great part in the
defense of the city, and saw the final tragedy that befell it. The Trojans and Greeks fought for
many years, with no one the victor. Troy was protected by its walls. Then the Trojans
accepted an offering from the Greeks, a large statue of a horse. Little did they know that
Greek soldiers were hidden inside. Their treachery was the beginning of the end for my city
and its people.”
63. How would you best explain why Aeneas is a hero to the culture that produced the
epic?
64. What qualities make up an epic hero?
65. What qualities does Aeneas display as an epic hero?
66. What does the selection show about the culture that produced it?
The old man sat on the bench in the park and watched the children play. He came to the park
almost every day; this was what he did. How he loved to remember happier times. “Run,
Samuel, run!” his sister called. And run he did, in the opposite direction. He wasn’t ready to
go to school and didn’t care if he was late. The teacher would just have to start without him.
He would stay here feeling the sun on his face as long as he could. The old man smiled. He
still felt that way today.
67. Define flashback and give an example from this selection
68. How does the italicized passage in the selection provide a better understanding of
the old man’s character?
The Epic of Gilgamesh
King of Uruk in ancient Mesopotamia, Gilgamesh was a widely praised ruler who built the
walls that protected the city from invasion. He was so powerful that the goddess Aruru created
Enkidu to fight him. Although he was strong, Enkidu still lost a wrestling match to
Gilgamesh. After that, the two became the best of friends. Then, Enkidu died from wounds he
received while helping Gilgamesh fight the monster Humbaba. Stricken with grief, Gilgamesh
risked his life in a journey to the underworld to try to find his friend.
Gil Gamesh
Mayor of Ulrick, Missouri, Gil Gamesh was a popular politician who oversaw many building
projects that brought jobs into the community. Holding the job for many years, Gamesh had
grown powerful, but his easy time ended when an environmentalist named Hank Ido came to
town. The two men fought many policy battles, but they joined forces to fight expansion plans
of the Humber Cement Plant. When Hank fell down the quarry while investigating matters at
the cement plant, Gil risked his life to go down into the quarry and save his friend.
69. What do Gilgamesh and Gil Gamesh have in common?
70. How does the original epic influence the new version of the Gilgamesh story?
71. What is the difference between the attitudes and beliefs expressed in the two
works?
72. Which character in the original epic influenced the creation of the character Hank
Ido?
The ancient Romans, Greeks, and Norse peoples had many gods and heroes, each of
which had a different function and was revered—or feared—for different reasons. For
example, Ceres was the Roman goddess of agriculture and grain, who was considered the
nurturer of humans. Atlas was one of the Greek Titans, whose punishment for offending the
gods was to bear the earth on his shoulders. Odysseus was an ancient Greek hero who fought
in the Trojan War, and who then wandered for twenty years attempting to get home. Mars was
the Roman god of war, while Vulcan was the Roman god of fire. Thor was the Norse god of
thunder. Many of these names seem familiar to us because they have passed into the language
that we use every day.
73. What word derives from the name of the goddess Ceres (Hint: it is a breakfast
food)?
74. What word, meaning “a long, adventurous journey,” is derived from the name of a
Greek hero from The Odyssey by Homer?
75. Why does a book of maps take the name of Atlas?