1 - Analyzing and Understanding Literature

Question 1

Define:

Reading comprehension

Answer 1

The ability of a reader to integrate a variety of skills to process and understand a given text.

Reading comprehension is essential for deriving enjoyment and understanding from reading, beyond just decoding words.

Question 2

Identify:

5 essential aspects of reading comprehension.

Answer 2

1. Identifying the main idea of a text and its details.
2. Chronological sequencing of events.
3. Answering recall questions of who, what, when and where.
4. Making predictions.
5. Learning unfamiliar vocabulary.

These aspects are crucial for developing reading comprehension skills.

Question 3

Explain:

How do remedial strategies support reading comprehension?

Answer 3

• Improve reading comprehension
• Focus on strengthening phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary and fluency

Readers who struggle to decode text often have difficulty with reading comprehension.

Question 4

Define:

Literal comprehension

Answer 4

The basic understanding of a text, including facts and information that are directly stated.

It is the most basic form of comprehension and is usually focused upon during the earliest stages of literacy.

Question 5

Identify:

Types of questions that can assess literal comprehension.

Answer 5

• What happened…
• Who was responsible…
• Which character…
• When did this occur…
• Where did it happen…
• What is the main idea…
• How many…

These questions require students to locate answers directly from the text.

Question 6

Define:

Inferential comprehension

Answer 6

The implied meaning of a text derived using clues, requiring critical thinking skills.

It is not directly found in the text, unlike literal comprehension.

Question 7

Identify:

Examples of inferential comprehension discussion starters.

Answer 7

• Interpret the character’s feelings regarding…
• Identify the theme…
• Summarize…
• Based on clues, interpret the tone of the story…
• Draw a conclusion…
• What is the cause and effect relationship between…
• Make a prediction regarding…
• Why did…
• Compare and contrast…
• Explain…

These prompts encourage deeper thinking and understanding of the text.

Question 8

Define:

Evaluative comprehension

Answer 8

The linking of the outside world and a student’s personal knowledge to a given text.

It is at the top of the reading comprehension hierarchy and requires application of the text.

Question 9

Identify:

Examples of evaluative comprehension discussion starters.

Answer 9

• Link your understanding of the text to your own personal experience…
• Link the text to a similar text…
• What is the author’s point of view…
• What is your opinion regarding…
• Discuss your thoughts about…
• Make a judgment about…
• Make a suggestion or recommendation to the character regarding…

These prompts help students connect the text to personal and broader contexts.

Question 10

Identify:

Hierarchy of reading comprehension levels.

Answer 10

• Literal comprehension
• Inferential comprehension
• Evaluative comprehension

Each level has a specific purpose and supports the essential aspects of reading comprehension. Levels should be taught in the specified order.

Question 11

Explain:

Why is it important to teach all three levels of reading comprehension?

Answer 11

To support a student’s comprehensive understanding of a given text.

A balanced literacy program incorporates all three types to enhance reading skills.

Question 12

Define:

theme

Answer 12

An overarching idea or construct consistent throughout the piece.

Themes can be found in poetry, fiction and non-fiction literature.

Question 13

Define:

Theme of a book

Answer 13

The underlying message or idea that the author is trying to convey to the reader.

Question 14

Identify:

Two categories of themes in literature.

Answer 14

1. Main themes
2. Minor themes

Main themes are conveyed throughout the entire work, while minor themes appear in specific parts.

Question 15

Identify:

6 common themes found in literature.

Answer 15

1. Love
2. Redemption
3. Forgiveness
4. Coming of age
5. Revenge
6. Good vs evil

These themes are universal and applicable across various literary genres. Broad themes keep narratives relevant over time, allowing books from past centuries to remain studied and enjoyed today.

Question 16

Identify:

Theme of The Kite Runner.

Answer 16

Coming of age

The story follows Amir as he grows and seeks redemption.

Question 17

Identify:

Theme in Schindler’s Ark.

Answer 17

Redemption

The story focuses on Oskar Schindler’s efforts to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust.

Question 18

Identify:

Theme of Harry Potter.

Answer 18

Good vs evil.

The series features a classic battle between Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort.

Question 19

Describe:

What is the role themes play in connecting readers to authors?

Answer 19

They allow readers to relate to the author’s message.

Readers who have experienced similar themes can connect more deeply with the work.

Question 20

Describe:

The main difference between a theme and a moral.

Answer 20

• A theme is a broad concept.
• A moral is a specific lesson the writer expects the reader to learn.

Morals often involve characters learning lessons from their mistakes.

Question 21

Define:

mood

Literature

Answer 21

The atmosphere in the narrative that evokes feelings and emotions in the reader.

Mood is built up during the narrative and can be whimsical, melancholic or suspenseful.

Question 22

Identify:

Examples of morals in literature.

Answer 22

• Think twice before you jump.
• Pride comes before the fall.
• Don’t judge a person until you walk a mile in their shoes.

Morals often summarize the lesson learned at the end of a story.

Question 23

Define:

The author’s purpose.

Answer 23

The reason or motivation for writing a text.

Understanding the author’s purpose is essential for reading comprehension and matching texts to specific needs.

Question 24

Identify:

Five elements of writing that a reader can analyze.

Answer 24

1. Author’s purpose
2. Audience
3. Genre
4. Structure
5. Content

Each element prompts specific reader questions that aid in understanding the text.

Question 25

# List: The **questions** you can ask when **considering an author**.

Answer 25

* **When** did the author write? * **Where** did the author write? * **What else** did the author write? * **Who** is the author?

Question 26

# Identify: The **three** common **categories** of **author's purpose**.

Answer 26

1. Persuasion 1. Information 1. Entertainment ## Footnote These categories are based on the intent behind different texts.

Question 27

# Explain: How can an **author's biography** provide clues to their **purpose**?

Answer 27

Historical **context**, personal **background**, **experiences** and **previous works** can hint at their **intentions**, **biases** or **motivations**.

Question 28

# Describe: **Persuasive writing**'s characteristics.

Answer 28

Opinions and emotional appeals, often presenting information from a single perspective. ## Footnote Common in essays, magazines, blogs and advertisements.

Question 29

# Fill in the blank: Many authors write to \_\_\_\_\_\_ their readers to **share an opinion** or **take an action**.

Answer 29

persuade

Question 30

# Identify: The **type of writing** typically used to **inform**.

Answer 30

* Textbooks * Guidebooks * Journal articles * News articles ## Footnote Informational writing seeks to present facts without opinion or interpretation.

Question 31

# Identify: Three **examples** of texts written to **entertain**.

Answer 31

1. ***Ready Player One*** 1. ***Charlotte's Web*** 1. ***Murder on the Orient Express*** ## Footnote These texts are primarily focused on engaging the reader for enjoyment.

Question 32

# Identify: The types of **fictional texts** typically used to **entertain**.

Answer 32

* Drama * Science fiction * Historical fiction * Fantasy * Romance * Mystery ## Footnote Informational writing seeks to present facts without opinion or interpretation.

Question 33

# Identify How can readers **identify** the **author's purpose**?

Answer 33

By determining the type of writing, considering the argument and evaluating the amount of evidence. ## Footnote This process involves analyzing the text's structure and intent.

Question 34

# Identify: The key **steps** to determine an **author's purpose**.

Answer 34

1. Determine the **type** of writing. 2. Consider the **argument**. 3. Think about the amount of **evidence** or **information**. ## Footnote This process involves analyzing the text's structure and intent.

Question 35

# Explain: Why is identifying the **genre** important for understanding the **author's purpose**?

Answer 35

Different genres serve different purposes: * **Fiction**: Entertainment. * **Poems**: Express emotion, may persuade. * **Essays/Journal Articles**: Informative, possibly persuasive. * **Plays**: Entertain and provide social commentary.

Question 36

# Explain: How can an **argument** reveal the **author's purpose**?

Answer 36

If the text presents a **defended opinion** using logic, emotion, or illustrations, the **purpose** is likely **persuasion**.

Question 37

# Explain: How does **evidence** help identify the **author's purpose**?

Answer 37

* Neutral **facts** or **balanced arguments**: **Informative** purpose. * **Emotional** appeal, **biased** analysis or **single-sided** arguments: **Persuasive** purpose.

Question 38

# Identify: What is the primary purpose of **comparing** and **contrasting**?

Answer 38

To **analyze** **similarities** and **differences** between elements. ## Footnote This skill helps clarify abstract ideas and enhances understanding.

Question 39

# Identify: **Four literary elements** that can be analyzed through **comparing** and **contrasting**.

Answer 39

1. Characters 1. Narrative perspectives 1. Settings 1. Plots ## Footnote Comparing and contrasting can be applied to various aspects of fiction.

Question 40

# Identify: The main **change** the character ***Tom Sawyer*** undergoes throughout the novel.

Answer 40

Maturity ## Footnote Analyzing Tom's development provides insight into his motivations.

Question 41

# Identify: What **tool** can be used to **visually represent similarities** and **differences**?

Answer 41

Venn diagram ## Footnote A Venn diagram uses overlapping circles to illustrate shared and distinct characteristics.

Question 42

# Describe: What is a **T-chart** used for in the context of **comparing** and **contrasting**?

Answer 42

To **sort information** on **two literary elements**. ## Footnote A T-chart helps organize differences and impacts clearly.

Question 43

# Explain: **Contrasting** in **literary analysis**.

Answer 43

Recognizing and describing **differences** between elements. ## Footnote This skill enhances understanding of themes and character development.

Question 44

# Explain: **Comparing** in **literary analysis**.

Answer 44

Looking at how elements are **similar**. ## Footnote This could involve themes, characters, settings or stylistic features across texts.

Question 45

# Describe: **Context** in relation to a **text**.

Answer 45

The **situation** in which a **text** is **written** and **read**, including historical era, author’s experiences and reader’s beliefs. ## Footnote Context encompasses the author's historical context, biographical context, context of language and form. It also includes the reader's context.

Question 46

# Define: Historical context

Answer 46

Historical **events** and **ideas** surrounding an **author** that shape their writing. ## Footnote Familiarity with historical context aids in understanding the message and details of a piece.

Question 47

# Define: Biographical context

Answer 47

The **beliefs**, **education**, **culture** and **experiences** of the **author** that influence their writing. ## Footnote Knowing an author's background helps readers evaluate the arguments presented in their texts.

Question 48

# Explain: How does **language change** over time **affect reading**?

Answer 48

Readers must understand that **vocabulary** and **sentence structures evolve**, impacting comprehension. ## Footnote Identifying unfamiliar vocabulary and structures is crucial for understanding older texts.

Question 49

# Explain: What should readers do when approaching complex, **classic works**?

Answer 49

Utilize **editions** with explanatory footnotes or online resources **to understand the language of the author's time**. ## Footnote Knowing which literary forms were popular during the author's era can enhance a reader's understanding of the work.

Question 50

# Explain: What is meant by the **context** of the **reader**?

Answer 50

The **reader's experiences**, culture, education and beliefs that **influence their interpretation of a text**. ## Footnote A reader's context can lead to varying interpretations of the same text.

Question 51

# Explain: How does the ***Harry Potter*** series illustrate the **context of the reader**?

Answer 51

Readers' **interpretations vary** based on their **beliefs** about fantasy and magic. ## Footnote Some view the series as evil, while others appreciate its literary and symbolic value.

Question 52

# Identify: **4 aspects** of a text's **context**

Answer 52

1. **Historical** context 1. **Biographical** context 1. Context of **language** and **form** 1. Context of the **reader** ## Footnote Understanding these aspects can enhance reading comprehension and appreciation.

Question 53

# Explain: What does **cultural context** represent in literature?

Answer 53

**Beliefs**, **customs** and **values** shared among a **group** of individuals within a specific **timeframe**. ## Footnote Cultural context is essential for understanding literature as it reflects the influences of society on the author's work.

Question 54

# Identify: Main themes explored in ***My Ántonia***.

Answer 54

* Friendship * Belonging * Nationality * Immigration * Race ## Footnote These themes were particularly relevant in early twentieth-century America.

Question 55

# Describe: Cather's **portrayal** of **Czech immigrants** in ***My Ántonia***.

Answer 55

**Hardy** and **industrious** **people** who make good Americans. ## Footnote This portrayal may reflect Cather's response to the suspicion of certain immigrant groups at the time.

Question 56

# Identify: The main **societal concerns that influenced** the attitudes depicted in **Cather's novel**.

Answer 56

* The Great Migration of African Americans * Influx of immigrants * Racial purity theories ## Footnote These concerns were prevalent in the United States during the early twentieth century.

Question 57

# Describe: The importance of understanding **cultural context** in **literature**.

Answer 57

It helps in interpreting the influences and attitudes that shaped a writer's work in their particular place and time. ## Footnote Considering cultural context allows readers to grasp the complexities of characters and themes.

Question 58

# Define: structure | Writing

Answer 58

The way a piece of writing is **organized**.

Question 59

# Identify: The **five** primary **structures** of **nonfiction** texts.

Answer 59

1. Descriptive 1. Problem and solution 1. Cause and effect 1. Chronological 1. Compare and contrast ## Footnote Each structure serves a different purpose in conveying information.

Question 60

# Identify: The type of **structure** that presents **details** that appeal to the **senses** or provides **instructions**.

Answer 60

Descriptive

Question 61

# Identify: **Structure** explores the **reasons** something happened and its **outcomes**

Answer 61

Cause and effect

Question 62

# Identify: **Structure** used in a text that discusses **events** in the **order of time**.

Answer 62

Chronological

Question 63

# Identify: The **structure** that examines the **similarities** and **differences** between subjects.

Answer 63

Compare and contrast

Question 64

# Identify: The main **elements** of **fiction** **structure**.

Answer 64

* Plot or storyline * Characters * Setting * Conflict ## Footnote These elements work together to create a narrative.

Question 65

# Define: plot

Answer 65

**Sequence of events** in which each event affects the next one through the principle of cause-and-effect.

Question 66

# Define: setting

Answer 66

**Time** and **location** in which the story takes place. ## Footnote **Time**: This includes the historical period, specific year, season, time of day, etc. **Location**: This includes the geographical location (country, city, region), specific places within that location (houses, schools, forests), and the social and cultural environment.

Question 67

# Define: conflict

Answer 67

The struggle between two opposing forces. ## Footnote Conflict drives the plot forward and creates tension and interest for the reader.

Question 68

# Define: metaphor

Answer 68

Figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using "like" or "as." ## Footnote **Example**: "Life is a journey." This metaphor compares life to a journey, suggesting that life has a path, destinations, and challenges along the way.

Question 69

# Define: style | Writing

Answer 69

Refers to the **way** in which writers **present** their **ideas** and **information**. ## Footnote Components of style include word choices, sentence structure, imagery and tone.

Question 70

# Identify: The **four** common **styles** of texts.

Answer 70

1. Narrative 1. Expository 1. Descriptive 1. Persuasive

Question 71

# Identify: The **common style** which **presents information** about a topic in a **formal** way.

Answer 71

Expository

Question 72

# Identify: The **common style** that paints a **word picture** of a subject through **sensory details**.

Answer 72

Descriptive

Question 73

# Identify: The **style** of a text that **attempts to convince readers** to accept a point of view.

Answer 73

Persuasive ## Footnote This style often includes arguments and appeals to emotion.

Question 74

# Describe: What is the **purpose** of **synthesizing** related texts?

Answer 74

To attain a **broader picture** of the **topic** or **theme**. ## Footnote Synthesizing allows for a deeper understanding by combining insights from multiple sources.

Question 75

# Identify: What is the **first step** in **analyzing** a text?

Answer 75

**Read each text very carefully**, several times if necessary.

Question 76

# Identify: What are 3 key **steps** for **analyzing two or more texts** with a related theme or topic?

Answer 76

1. Carefully **read** each text 1. Identify its * **type** * **topic** * **purpose** * **main idea** * supporting **evidence** 1. Clarify **unknowns** and ask critical **questions**.

Question 77

# Explain: The meaning of a text's **main idea**.

Answer 77

The **primary position** or **main message** that the author is presenting about the topic.

Question 78

# Identify: **Steps** for **synthesizing information** from **two** or **more texts**

Answer 78

1. Review your **notes**. 2. Compare **types**, **purposes** and **main ideas**. 3. Examine **reasons** and **evidence**. 4. Identify **similarities** and **differences**. 5. **Consider** how the **texts complement** each other. ## Footnote This comparison reveals how the texts relate to each other.

Question 79

# Describe: Purpose of **synthesizing information** from **multiple texts**

Answer 79

To form a **clear** and **comprehensive picture** of the **topic**. ## Footnote Synthesis enriches understanding and provides multiple perspectives.

Question 80

# Explain: What is the purpose of **literary analysis**?

Answer 80

The purpose of literary analysis is to understand and interpret the meaning and significance of a text.

Question 81

# Explain: What is the difference between a **static** and **dynamic** **character**?

Answer 81

* A **static character does not change** throughout the story * A **dynamic character** undergoes significant **internal change**.

Question 82

# Explain: What is the **climax** of a story?

Answer 82

**Point of highest tension** and drama in a narrative, where the main conflict reaches its peak.

Question 83

# Define: allegory

Answer 83

Narrative in which **characters** and events **symbolize** **abstract ideas** or moral qualities.

Question 84

# Explain: What is the significance of a **literary device**?

Answer 84

Enhance the text's meaning, create effects, and engage the reader.

Question 85

# Identify: Which literary element involves the author's **choice of words**?

Answer 85

diction

Question 86

# Identify: Author's **attitude** toward the subject matter.

Answer 86

tone

Question 87

# Define: What is **foreshadowing**?

Answer 87

Literary device used to give an **indication** or **hint** of what is to come later in the story.

Question 88

# Explain: What does **point of view** refer to in literature?

Answer 88

Refers to the **perspective** from which a story is told.

Question 89

# Define: motif

Answer 89

Recurring element that has **symbolic significance** in a story.

Question 90

# Explain: What is the role of **conflict** in a narrative?

Answer 90

**Drives the plot** and creates tension, making the story engaging.

Question 91

# Identify: What part of a story refers to the **sequence of events** that occur?

Answer 91

plot structure

Question 92

# Define: characterization

Answer 92

Process by which an author reveals the **personality** of a character.

Question 93

# Explain: What is the difference between **direct** and **indirect** **characterization**?

Answer 93

* **Direct characterization** tells the reader about the character explicitly * **Indirect characterization** shows the character's traits through actions and dialogue.

Question 94

# Describe: What is the role of the **antagonist** in a story?

Answer 94

Opposes the protagonist and **creates conflict** in the narrative.