English 9 and English 9 Honors___________
Midterm Exam Review Packet– January 2014
The Basics
The Midterm Exam will consist of three parts: Vocabulary, Short Story, and Essay.
The Grading
200 CP/250 H points
The Midterm exam is worth 10 percent of your overall course grade.
Vocabulary: Vocabulary will be marked as either correct or incorrect.
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The format for College Prep. classes will be matching and will consist of 8 vocabulary lessons,
80 words in total. 50 points
The format for Honors will be matching and multiple choice and will cover lessons1-5, 75 total
words. 100 points
College Prep: Please visit the following websites for vocabulary packets and practice/review
activities.
Vocab packets on my website:
https://sites.google.com/a/monroeps.net/halkovic/english-9/vocabulary
Midterm reviews for vocab on my website, complete with answer key:
https://sites.google.com/a/monroeps.net/halkovic/english-9/exam-reviews
Quizlet flashcards for vocab:
http://quizlet.com/class/68347/
Short Story: For the short-story portion of the exam, you will be asked to read a short story and
respond to the following:
Step 1: Read the short story provided.
Step 2: Conduct a close read and annotate the first or last paragraph of the story.
Step 3: In the margins of the story, identify the 5 WS (Who, what, when, where, why)
Step 4: Analyze the story for meaning and consider literary devices as you compose a structured
response.
Essay: You will be allowed to bring in an outline and/or notes to reference during the exam. You must
demonstrate knowledge of content by writing several well developed paragraphs for each essay
prompt. Your responses must include an introduction and thesis, well developed and detailed
paragraphs that make specific reference to the text, and a quick conclusion. Strict MLA format.
College Prep: Choose one of the following essay questions for The Odyssey. 100 points
1. What is the main theme of the Odyssey? Support with specific examples from the text.
2. Examine the role of the gods: how do they influence the story in both positive and negative ways?
3. Evaluate Ody's ability to survive despite seemingly insurmountable challenges: what characteristics
and/or qualities contribute to his drive to continue on?
4. How did Odysseus' travels change him as a man? What about Odysseus stays the same?
5. What is the significance of the events that take Odysseus off course? Discuss the importance and
the symbolic meaning of at least three of the events.
6. Explain the ways in which Odysseus functions as a hero.
Honors: The essay will consist of 2 response questions covering John Knowles’ A Separate Peace
and William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. 50 points each. You also have the option of choosing
the comprehensive question, which covers both texts. 100 points. Please choose the essay prompt for
your class period: 4 or 6
Period 4:
Romeo and Juliet
1. Using one word, describe the story of Romeo and Juliet. Explain your word choice and how it is a
connecting word to the story. (Ryan. M)
2. Is Romeo’s love for Juliet as profound as he proclaims? Is this actually an exaggerated love? Why? And
why is he willing to die for this love? (inspired by Kyle. C)
3. Explain the role of fate and destiny in the play. (Jillian. S)
4. What character traits lead to Romeo’s death? (Chris. C)
A Separate Peace
1. Why doesn’t Gene cry at Finn’s funeral?
2. Compare and contrast Finn’s personality to Gene’s. Why are their differences significant? (Jane C.)
3. Identify the moment where Gene’s feelings toward Finn change. Explain why and discuss the significance of this
change. (Jillian. S)
BOTH
1. How can you compare the relationship between Romeo and Juliet and Gene and Finn? How are
they both innocent yet dangerous?
Period 6:
Romeo and Juliet
1. What characteristics drew Romeo and Juliet together? Why? (Jess K.)
2. How does Romeo change and develop over the course of the play? (Andy. C)
3. Which theme is more prominent in the play: love or hate? (Emerson. C)
A Separate Peace
1. Why would Finn want to maintain and/or make stronger his friendship with Gene following “the fall” and Gene’s
(almost) admission of guilt? (Jess K.)
2. What is the symbolism of Finn’s fall? Is this a book about sin and redemption? Is Gene redeemed in the end?
(Cassie D.)
3. Why do you think Gene feels that a part of himself was lost when Finn died? (Rebecca R.)
4. Why does an adult Gene return to Devon? (Eddie N.)
OR
Explain how irrational thinking leads to death in both texts. (Justin S.) ****Minimum of 5 paragraphs.