Pre-AP English

What is a theme in literature?

• The main character's name

• A big idea or message of the story

• The setting of the story

• The author's biography

Why is analysis important in understanding texts?

• It helps you memorize the text

• It reveals deeper meanings

• It makes the text longer

• It changes the author's intent

What might a theme of loss in a story suggest?

• The story is about gaining something

• The story focuses on victory

• The story explores grief or absence

• The story is unrelated to emotions

What can you infer about John’s feelings in this story?

• He is excited to play with his friends later.

• He is disappointed about missing out on playing with his friends.

• He is angry with his friends.

• He is feeling scared of the rain.

Analyze the character's emotional state in this excerpt. What clues suggest her feelings?

• She feels calm and at peace.

• She is excited about the news.

• She is anxious and overwhelmed.

• She is feeling hopeful about her future.

What is the theme of this story?

• True friendship stands strong in difficult times.

• Differences make friendship impossible.

• Friendships only matter when times are good.

• Friendship is about finding people who are the same.

Read the sentence in context:
"The old man held his breath as the police passed by. Though he seemed harmless, there was something ominous about his silence."

How does the word "ominous" fit the context of the sentence?

• It suggests something dangerous or threatening.

• It suggests something joyful and exciting.

• It suggests something confusing and strange.

• It suggests something mysterious but positive.

Read the sentence:
Into the night they ventured, silent and cautious, their eyes alert for any sign of danger.

What is unique about the syntax of this sentence?

• The sentence uses inverted word order for emphasis.

• The sentence uses a repetitive structure.

• The sentence follows a typical word order.

• The sentence is written as a question for effect.

What does analysis involve?

• Ignoring the details

• Breaking something down to understand it better

• Making a quick decision

• Writing a summary

What does context help explain?

• The plot twist

• The author's biography

• The words or situation around something

• The publisher's intent