English 10
Midterm Review Guide
Mr. Macek
…
Introduction: It really is the most wonderful time of the year: The
anticipation of Christmas hangs in the frosty air, children are filled with the
wonder of Santa and presents, adults are amiable to everyone they pass, the
glory of Christ’s birth shines in everyone’s heart, and students’ thoughts
gently turn to thoughts of….Midterm Exams! In the spirit of giving, here is
the study guide for the midterm exam…or, as I call it—Judgment Day.
Designed to challenge you intellectually, enthrall you emotionally, and
nourish you spiritually, this midterm promises to be the highlight of your
Loyola career. That being the case, you’ll want to be sure to do well on it,
which is why this guide will prove invaluable to you over break.
Remember, we have review time once we return to class; therefore, use this
sheet to think about the works we’ve covered. Raise questions and bring
them to class. Make the review days as productive as possible.
Here are the works you need to know:
Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God
The Natural
Catcher in the Rye
The Road Not Taken
I Have A Dream
Declaration of Independence
Stopping By Woods on a Snowy Evening
Of Mice and Men
Once By The Pacific
You need to be able to define and identify the following literary terms:
Irony, Indirect Characterization, Setting, Tone, Theme, Metaphor, Symbol,
Allusion, Conflict, Mood, and Hyperbole
The format of the exam will be announced during the review time, but be
aware there will be a writing component. There could be short essays, long
essays, or both. The point is that you have to be able to manipulate and
synthesize information from all these works. You have to have a strong
command of the works AND the literary terms to answer the questions
effectively.
Sample Questions: Here is a list of questions that represent what you will see
on the exam:
1. What would the speaker of “The Road Not Taken” say to Holden
about growing older and becoming an adult?
2. Would Holden be a good caretaker for Lennie? Why?
3. How are Pop from The Natural and Phoebe from The Catcher in the
Rye alike? Explain your answers with examples from the two books.
4. How is irony used in both Of Mice and Men and Catcher in the Rye?
Explain with examples.
5. Compare the characterization of God in “Sinners in the Hands of an
Angry God” and the “Declaration of Independence.”
We will discuss these questions in class, so be prepared to answer them.
Most of all, use your break to develop your understanding of the works
we’ve covered. Ask questions! Think!