7th Reading: Literature & Informational practice questions and exam guide

What does it mean to 'paraphrase' a text?

1. Copy it word for word
2. Restate the meaning in your own words
3. Write only the first and last sentence
4. Find a synonym for every word

Answer: B — Restate the meaning in your own words

Paraphrasing means restating the author's ideas in your own words while preserving the original meaning. (A) is a direct quote; (C) is incomplete; (D) word-for-word synonym replacement is not paraphrasing.

'Her words cut like a knife.' The word 'cut' here is used:

1. Literally
2. To suggest she was cooking
3. To describe a kitchen tool
4. Figuratively, to show that her words caused emotional pain

Answer: D — Figuratively, to show that her words caused emotional pain

D) Words 'cutting' is figurative — they cause emotional injury. A) Words don't literally cut. B/C) Too literal.

'Some say recycling is too expensive. However, the long-term savings from reduced landfill costs outweigh the initial investment.' What rhetorical move is the author making?

1. Acknowledging and refuting a counterargument
2. Citing a famous expert
3. Telling a personal story
4. Defining a term

Answer: A — Acknowledging and refuting a counterargument

A) 'Some say...However' acknowledges then refutes opposition. B) No expert is cited. C) No anecdote. D) No definition given.

Two different stories cover the same historical event. What is the VALUE of comparing their points of view?

1. It determines which story is longer
2. It shows how perspective shapes interpretation — the same event can be understood very differently
3. It proves one narrator is wrong
4. It helps you memorize historical dates

Answer: B — It shows how perspective shapes interpretation — the same event can be understood very differently

Comparing accounts reveals how POV shapes meaning, deepens understanding, and illustrates the subjectivity of perspective. (A) length is irrelevant; (C) both accounts can be valid but partial; (D) literary comparison isn't about memorizing dates.

'The puppy bounded across the yard, ears flapping wildly.' Which is the MOST accurate description of the mood?

1. Tense
2. Solemn
3. Joyful and energetic
4. Melancholy

Answer: C — Joyful and energetic

C) 'Bounded' + 'wildly' creates energy and joy. A) Wrong tone. B) Too serious. D) Wrong tone — opposite of melancholy.

Author's purpose:

1. Inform, entertain, persuade, describe — guides interpretation
2. Random
3. Has no purpose
4. Always entertain

Answer: A — Inform, entertain, persuade, describe — guides interpretation

A) Standard. B/C/D) Each is incorrect.

'In the village, children carry water from the well. They have done this for generations.' Which theme is MOST present?

1. Wells should be modernized
2. Tradition shapes daily life
3. Children dislike chores
4. Water is heavy

Answer: B — Tradition shapes daily life

B) 'For generations' highlights tradition. A) Not implied — descriptive, not prescriptive. C) Wrong tone — no complaint mentioned. D) True-but-irrelevant.

In 'The whisper of the wind through the pines lulled her to sleep,' which sensory image is created?

1. Visual only
2. Olfactory (smell)
3. Tactile (touch)
4. Auditory (sound)

Answer: D — Auditory (sound)

D) 'Whisper' and 'lulled' appeal to hearing. A) No visual described. C) No touch. B) No smell.

Point of view in fiction describes:

1. The setting of the story
2. The narrator's perspective and relationship to the story
3. The author's real-life opinions
4. The theme of the text

Answer: B — The narrator's perspective and relationship to the story

POV = who is telling the story and their relationship to events (1st person, 3rd limited, 3rd omniscient). (A) is setting; (C) author's real opinions may differ from the narrator's; (D) is theme.

'The mayor argues that the city should build a new park because it will improve community health and increase property values.' What is the mayor's CLAIM?

1. Property values affect health
2. The city should build a new park
3. Communities need green space
4. Parks are popular among voters

Answer: B — The city should build a new park

B) The claim is the position the mayor wants accepted. A/C) Reasoning or related ideas, not the main claim. D) Not stated in the passage.

Distinguishing fact from opinion in informational text matters because:

1. Opinions are always wrong
2. Facts are always more interesting
3. Each type of claim requires a different kind of evidence to evaluate
4. Opinions are illegal in writing

Answer: C — Each type of claim requires a different kind of evidence to evaluate

C) Facts need verification; opinions need reasons. A/D) Overstated. B) Subjective.

Theme vs main idea:

1. Main idea: what text is about. Theme: deeper message about life/human nature
2. Same
3. Random
4. No distinction

Answer: A — Main idea: what text is about. Theme: deeper message about life/human nature

A) Standard. B/C/D) Each is incorrect.

What is a 'soliloquy'?

A speech where a character speaks alone, sharing inner thoughts. Common in Shakespeare.

What is 'word choice' (diction)?

The specific words an author chooses. Affects tone, mood, style.

What is 'textual evidence' useful for?

Supporting your claims/interpretations with proof from the text.

What is the 'climax'?

The most intense or pivotal point — turning point of the story.

What is 'direct characterization'?

Author tells you about the character directly. 'She was kind.'

What is 'verbal irony'?

Saying the opposite of what you mean. Sarcasm.