English I Midterm Exam Study Guide

Ms. Sibley’s Class

The Midterm Exam will:

  • Consist of 37Multiple Choice questions
  • Be completed on a bubble sheet (Bring a pencil!)
  • Cover the following standards:
  1. Inferences drawn from Text/Character Development - 4Questions
  • Inferences are evidence-based guesses; conclusions a reader draws about the unsaid based on what is said.
  • Inferences should rely mainly on the author’s words.
  • Perform a close reading to identify specific statements which led to the inference
  • Practice Making Inferences from Texts – Literature Book pgs.53, 150, 176, 354, 399
  • Practice Making Inferences about Theme - Literature Book pgs. 17-18, 30, 119, 138, 347, 444

Inference Question Stems include: What evidence? Which statement best describes? What evidence best describes your answer, The reader can infer? Choose the piece of evidence, Why might the author?

  1. Meaning of Words and Phrases /Impact on Tone–9Questions
  • Practice identifying vocabulary words using context clues – Literature Book pgs. 31, 129, 139, 171, 299, 337, R48-R49, R60

Author’s Tone

  • Tone is the attitude a writer takes toward a subject
  • Tone reflects the feelings of the writer.
  • A writer communicates tone through choice of words and details.
  • Tone may often be described by a single word, such as serious, humorous, formal, informal, somber, sarcastic, playful, ironic, bitter or objective.
  • Practice identifying tone in a text – Literature Book, pgs. R74, 130, 144, 169, 313, 353

Author’s Tone Question Stem includes: Which of the following best describes the author’s tone?

Meaning of Words and Phrases Question Stems include: What is the meaning?, Which context clue best helps?, Which phrase best supports your answer?, The author’s intent with the repeated use of?, Which of the following best helps the reader determine the meaning of?, ______most likely means?

  1. Central Idea & Theme -8Questions
  • A theme is a central or recurring idea that is explored in a piece of writing, sometimes in the form of a life lesson or moral.
  • A theme can also be described as a message that makes the reader think about life, human nature or the world.
  • The theme is not usually stated in a single sentence; rather the reader must determine the theme by extracting it from the events that occur in a story.
  • Recognizing a theme is important because it helps the reader understand the author’s purpose for writing a story.
  • Common themes found in literature include Man is man’s worst enemy, Good is stronger than evil, a person grows by facing obstacles; love conquers all and treat others the way you want to be treated.
  • Practice finding themes in a passage – Literature Book pgs. 25, 53, 335, 429

Central Idea Questions Stems include: Determine the main idea, In both speeches the speakers are mainly concerned with…, What main idea is illustrated? Which sentence best reveals the theme?

  1. Author’s Claims & Point of View – 16Questions
  • In an argument, a claim is the writer’s position on an issue or problem.
  • Although an argument focuses on supporting one claim, a writer may make more than one claim in a work.
  • An argument expresses a position on an issue and supports the position with reasons and evidence.
  • Sound arguments appeal strictly to reason, not emotions.
  • Strong arguments also anticipate objections that opponents might raise and counter those objections with evidence.
  • Often the claim is stated in the introduction or the conclusion of an argument. Review the title for clues to the claim as well.
  • When the claim is not stated directly, ask yourself what does the evidence tell me about the writer’s position on this issue?
  • Practice identifying author’s claims and point of view in a text–Literature Book pgs. R16-R21, 321, 437, 97-98, 53, 433-436

Authors Claims & Point of View Question Stems include: Which statement best describes the author’s point of view? This speech is best described as…, The use of … strengthens the speaker’s claim of …, Which of the following best supports the author’s claim? Compare and contrast phrases from two different passages, To which would the author most likely agree?