Semester 1 Exam

Last name, First name

At which stage in a story is the conflict at its most dramatic?

• the exposition
• the climax
• the resolution
• the rising action

Which of the following best summarizes the different roles of setting in a story?

• identifies characters, serves as a backdrop for the action, and resolves the story
• serves as a backdrop for the action, affects conflict, and creates mood
• develops characters, creates mood, and explains the plot
• creates mood, identifies the conflict, and builds the story to a climax

Which of these is the best definition of setting?

• the time and place of a story
• the atmosphere of a story
• the way a story moves from one event to the next
• the way a character moves through a story

One purpose of myths is—

• to explain how to do something
• to make readers laugh
• to teach a history lesson
• to explain something in nature

How are myths and legends alike?

• Both tell about heroes.
• Both include god and goddesses.
• Both feature animal characters.
• Both are true stories.

During the warm, warm summer, Grasshopper spent all his time singing. He would sing while sitting on a long blade of grass. He would sing while resting on a cozy, dead log. His summer songs were all that mattered. All the while, Ant worked hard making preparations for winter. Ant collected dried grass that would make a warm bed. He collected all the seeds and grains that he could haul down into his narrow hole deep in the earth. As he worked, he could hear Grasshopper's happy songs. Then, summer faded. Shorter days brought stiff breezes, which gave way to cold winds. Then came the first snowfall. Ant was warm, well fed, and comfortable, except for the constant scrunching sounds over his hole. Looking out, Ant found Grasshopper, looking a paler green and much thinner. Rather than hopping along, he was pacing in the snow. "Ant, what do I do?" cried Grasshopper. "Winter is upon us, and I have neither food nor shelter." Ant shuddered and frowned. "Grasshopper, your question should not be, ‘What do I do?' It should be, ‘What didn't I do?'" Consider the moral, or lesson, of this fable. The culture that the fable came from most likely valued—

• the changing of the seasons
• hard work and preparation
• a grown-up attitude
• warmth and comfort

Today was the most humiliating day of my life! I was in a play in school, and I totally forgot my lines! There I was, in front of the whole school, and I just stood there! But wait—it gets worse. Not only did I forget my lines—I was so nervous that I started giggling. The audience started laughing at me. I just wished the stage floor would open up and swallow me whole! What is the author's purpose for writing this passage?

• to persuade cast members to study their lines
• to describe how to put on a student play
• to entertain readers with a personal story
• to inform readers about how to perform in a play

Five Reasons You Should Vote for Stephanie Hill Our school deserves a class president with experience, vision, and tons of school spirit. That's why you should vote to re-elect our current class president, Stephanie Hill! Need more specific reasons why? Here are five to remember as you cast your vote next Friday. . . . What is the author's main purpose for writing this article?

• to inform people about Stephanie Hill's policies
• to persuade voters that Stephanie Hill is the best candidate
• to entertain people with stories about Stephanie Hill's career
• to explain how to vote in a school election

Quesadillas are a delicious Mexican treat. They are toasted tortillas filled with melted cheese and any other fillings you like. Here's how to make a quesadilla: 1) Heat some oil or butter in a skillet. 2) Put in a flour tortilla and flip a few times until you see bubbles. 3) Add shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, mushrooms, or other fillings, and cook until the cheese melts. 4) Fold the tortilla in half; serve with shredded lettuce, salsa, and guacamole. What is the author's main purpose for writing this passage?

• to describe the delicious taste of a quesadilla
• to convince readers to make quesadillas
• to explain the history of quesadillas
• to inform readers how to make quesadillas