Name: _________________________________________ Date: __________________________ Class Period: _______
FALL FINAL EXAM REVIEW
8TH GRADE READING
Directions: Read the assigned texts from the textbook and complete the assignments about each. There are five sections
of the review that correspond to all of the information presented in class over the semester.
Short Story: “Gentleman of Rio en Medio”
Pg. 59 in Prentice Hall Literature textbook
What is the genre of this story? ___________________________________
Define and find examples of the following things from the text:
Term
Definition
Plot
Conflict
Rising Action
Falling Action
Resolution
Point of View
Define theme:
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Example
Write one theme from the story:
List some of the main character’s qualities. How do these qualities influence the theme of the story?
Write three unfamiliar words from the story and define them using a dictionary:
Word
Dictionary Definition
Write one example of sensory language used in the story:
Critical Thinking Questions
1. What does Don Anselmo discuss with the narrator before getting down to business? What does the discussion suggest
about his personality?
2. Compare and contrast the attitudes of Don Anselmo and the Americans toward money.
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Poems: “The Drum” and “Almost a Summer Sky”
Pg. 663 and pg 647 in Prentice Hall Literature textbook
What is the genre of this text? ___________________________________
1. Describe the structure of “The Drum”. What do you notice about the poem? Write any thoughts you have about
the style of the poem.
2. Describe the structure of “Almost a Summer Sky”. What do you notice about the poem? Write any thoughts you
have about the style of the poem.
3. Compare and contrast the style of the two poems. What do they have in common? How do they differ?
4. What is the purpose of “The Drum”? What is the purpose of “Almost a Summer Sky”?
5. Which poem is written in free verse?
6. Which poem is a lyric poem?
Complete the chart identifying Sound Devices used in each poem. Provide textual evidence. (Not all sound devices will
be in each poem).
“The Drum”
“Almost a Summer Sky”
Alliteration
Onomatopoeia
Rhyme
Meter (rhythmic pattern)
Draw a conclusion about how the sound devices listed above contribute to the mood and the meaning of a single poem.
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Speech: “The American Dream”
Pg. 172 in Prentice Hall Literature textbook
What is the genre of this text? ___________________________________
Style Analysis
Fill in the chart to analyze the features of Dr. King’s style. In each box, give an example of each feature and explain its
effect on the audience.
Dr. King’s Style
Feature
Sentence Length
Example
Effect on the audience
Literary Devices
Word Choice
Tone
Using your chart, write one or two sentence that describe King’s style.
Define and identify an example of an aphorism from the speech.
What differences does King find between the way things are and the way they should be?
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Essay: “Why Leaves Turn Color in the Fall”
Pg. 540 in Prentice Hall Literature textbook
What is the genre of this text? ___________________________________
1. Summarize the main ideas of the story in chronological order.
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2. Identify two facts that are presented in the essay.
3. Judging from the text, do you believe Ackerman’s scientific knowledge about leaves comes mostly from
observation or research? Explain.
4. Name two causes in “Why Leaves Turn Color in the Fall” that explain the natural effect of changing autumn
leaves. What effect does the author point out in the last line? How does this effect help her make a point about
living things?
5. What is the organizational structure of the essay?
6. How can the topic of the essay influence the structure of the essay?
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Complete the following chart about the essay:
Author’s Purpose
Organizational Structure
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Key Details
Recipe: “Thumbprint Cookies”
Pg. 693 in Prentice Hall Literature textbook
What is the genre of this text? ___________________________________
1. Is there any missing or extraneous information?
2. What is the author’s purpose?
3. What graphics are provided that help to communicate the meaning of the recipe?
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