MID-TERM EXAM REVIEW SHEET
HONORS ENGLISH 11 - 2O14-15
Review all class notes given for the historical background to each time period and/or unit. Review all author background
sheets or notes. Review discussion questions and quizzes. Know the primary characters, plots and themes for each story.
Be able to recognize specific genres (narrative, argumentation, folktale, myth, legend, Greek drama, tragedy, allegory, etc.)
as well as the literary devices discussed with each (dramatic irony, situational irony, verbal irony, apostrophe, satire,
caricature, juxtaposition, alliteration, caesura, kennings, personification, onomatopoeia etc.). Be able to match
descriptions to characters and/or authors. Be able to match definitions and/or examples to the types of literary devices. Be
able to match a historical period to the type of literature, literary themes and social issues emphasized during that period.
Narrative Writing
Know the definition of narrative - a story or an account of a sequence of events in the order in which they happened
Be able to recognize and identify all elements of narrative:
 a significant problem, situation, or observation is introduced
 a narrator and/or characters are introduced
 a smooth progression of experiences or events; a clear and coherent sequence of events (your story has a clear
beginning, middle and end)
 dialogue, description, reflection, and multiple plot lines
 character development
 sensory details that create good descriptions of the setting, characters, and events
 precise language
 a specific desired outcome (a problem is resolved, a character learns a lesson, a mystery is made clear, a
resolution results!); a conclusion that follows from and reflects on what is experienced, observed, or resolved over
the course of the narrative
Know that a personal narrative is usually written in first person, but NOT ALL narratives are personal narratives.
Folktales, Myths, Legends
Characteristics, functions, and universal questions found in these genres (NOTES - Chart)
Three connections folktales, myths, legends give us (NOTES)
Folklore, motifs – Definitions (NOTES)
Significance of the genres upon their cultures (NOTES - Chart)
Basic plot structure of folktales/fairy tales (HANDOUT)
Lessons and themes of traditional literature – “Anansi,” “What Men Live By,” & group tales (Notes; Textbook)
Argumentative Writing
Know the definition of argumentation or argumentative writing - A piece of writing in which a main idea (often called a
“claim” or “thesis statement”) is backed up with evidence that supports the idea.
Be able to recognize and identify all elements of argumentative writing, according to Toulmin:
 Claim – The assertion or main point or statement being made and supported with evidence
 Grounds (Evidence) - Proof provided to strengthen the claim and support the warrant.
 Warrant (Rule) – the logical connection between the claim and the evidence; the warrant explains how the
evidence supports the claim
 Backing - support or explanation for the warrants, often characterized by the word “because”; backing is the kind
of evidence needed
 Counterclaim/Counterargument (Rebuttal) - an answer that challenges or refutes a claim
 Qualifier - A word, or phrase, that limits the scope of a claim: (Probably, Usually, Sometimes, In most cases, etc.)
Greek Literature (5th Centurv. B.C.)
Oedipus Rex - characters, places, synopsis, themes (DISCUSSION QUESTIONS)
Sophocles, Greek theater, role of chorus, structure of Greek drama, and terms (catharsis, anagnorisis, hubris, hamartia,
etc.) (HANDOUTS & NOTES)
Greek Tragedy & structure of the Greek drama [Prologue, Parados, Episodes (Scenes), Stasimons (Odes), Exodus
(Epilogue)]
Three Types of Irony: Dramatic, Verbal, Situational (NOTES)
Greek roots and etymologies (Vocabulary, NOTES, & worksheets)
Anglo-Saxon Literature (449-1066)
Oral tradition, scops (HANDOUT & NOTES)
Historical background to Anglo-Saxon period, invasions upon Britain, Old English, Proto-Indo European, The Exeter
Book, The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, Ecclesiastical History of the English People, Venerable Bede, etc. (HANDOUTS,
NOTES; Textbook)
Beowulf - characters, places, themes, symbolism (DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, Textbook, Quizzes)
Heroic Epic & Elements of the Epic (NOTES & Textbook)
Traditional heroic traits (NOTES & Worksheet)
Elegiac Lyric Poetry form and themes (Textbook: "Seafarer," "Wife's Lament" “Wanderer”; NOTES)
Riddles & Poetic Devices (alliteration, kennings, similes, personification, metaphors, hyperbole, onomatopoeia,
imagery, caesura) (NOTES & HANDOUTS)
Victorian Literature (1832-1901)
Social issues within Victorian society and their effect upon Dickens’ writing
Charles Dickens - background and effect upon writing (HANDOUT)
A Christmas Carol - characters, themes, synopsis (DISCUSSION QUESTIONS, Quiz, child labor chart, review sheet
regarding themes and comparisons)
Literary Devices - Satire, allegory, caricature (NOTES)
Spelling & Vocabulary
Review all lists
Literary Terms
Be familiar with all terms covered in notes