Test Assessing Secondary Completion (TASC) Reading (English Language Arts - Reading) Syllabus

How does a theme differ from a topic or subject in literature?

A topic is a one- or two-word subject (e.g., 'jealousy'), while a theme expresses a complete idea about that subject (e.g., 'Unchecked jealousy destroys relationships').

What text elements help a reader identify a story's theme?

The main character's conflict and how it is resolved, changes the character undergoes, repeated symbols or images, and what lesson the events suggest about life.

What is the difference between a story's plot and its theme?

The plot is what literally happens—the sequence of events—while the theme is the abstract underlying message about life that those events reveal.

What are the five stages of plot in Freytag's pyramid?

Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution (denouement).

What is the climax of a plot?

The turning point of highest tension or emotional intensity, where the main conflict reaches its peak and the outcome begins to be decided.

What is the setting of a story, and why does it matter?

The time and place in which the story occurs; it establishes mood, influences characters' actions, and can shape or symbolize the central conflict.

Distinguish a round character from a flat character.

A round character is complex and fully developed with multiple traits, while a flat character is one-dimensional, defined by a single trait or two and lacking depth.

Distinguish a dynamic character from a static character.

A dynamic character changes or grows over the course of the story, while a static character remains essentially the same from beginning to end.

What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization?

Direct characterization is when the author explicitly states a character's traits; indirect characterization reveals traits through the character's speech, thoughts, actions, appearance, and effect on others (STEAL).

What is point of view in narration?

The perspective from which a story is told, determining how much the narrator knows and how the reader perceives events and characters.

Compare first-person and third-person point of view.

First-person uses 'I/we' and is told by a character within the story (limited to that character's knowledge); third-person uses 'he/she/they' and is told by an outside narrator.

What is the difference between third-person limited and third-person omniscient narration?

Third-person limited reveals the thoughts of only one character, while third-person omniscient is an all-knowing narrator who can access the thoughts and feelings of any character.

What is an unreliable narrator?

A narrator whose credibility is compromised, so the reader cannot fully trust their account of events due to bias, limited knowledge, mental state, or deliberate deception.

What is figurative language?

Language that uses words or expressions beyond their literal meaning to create vivid imagery, comparisons, or emotional effect.

Define metaphor and give a brief example.

A direct comparison stating one thing is another without using 'like' or 'as'; e.g., 'Time is a thief.'

Define simile and give a brief example.

A comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'; e.g., 'Her smile was as bright as the sun.'

Define personification and give a brief example.

Giving human qualities, actions, or emotions to non-human things or abstractions; e.g., 'The wind whispered through the trees.'

What is hyperbole?

Deliberate, obvious exaggeration used for emphasis or effect, not meant to be taken literally; e.g., 'I've told you a million times.'

Distinguish a symbol from an allusion.

A symbol is an object, person, or image that represents a larger abstract idea (e.g., a dove for peace); an allusion is a brief reference to a well-known person, place, event, or work of literature.

What is the difference between a word's denotation and its connotation?

Denotation is the literal dictionary definition of a word; connotation is the emotional association or implied feeling the word carries (positive, negative, or neutral).

How can word choice (diction) reveal an author's tone?

Words with strong positive or negative connotations signal the author's attitude; e.g., calling a person 'thrifty' (positive) versus 'cheap' (negative) shows differing tone toward the same trait.

What are context clues?

Hints within the surrounding words, sentences, or paragraph that help a reader figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

Name four common types of context clues.

Definition/restatement, synonym, antonym/contrast, and example or inference (general context).

What is morphology, and what are the three main word parts it studies?

The study of how words are formed from meaningful units; the three main word parts are the root (or base), the prefix, and the suffix.

What does the prefix 'un-' mean, and what does the suffix '-less' indicate?

The prefix 'un-' means 'not' or 'the opposite of' (e.g., unhappy); the suffix '-less' means 'without' (e.g., fearless).

What is the meaning of the common roots 'bio,' 'graph,' and 'port'?

'Bio' means life, 'graph' means write or draw, and 'port' means carry.

What is a multiple-meaning (homograph) word, and how do readers determine the intended meaning?

A word with more than one distinct meaning (e.g., 'bank' = riverbank or financial institution); readers use context, part of speech, and surrounding details to select the correct meaning.

What is nuance in word meaning?

A subtle difference in shade of meaning, feeling, or connotation between words that are similar, such as 'slim,' 'slender,' 'skinny,' and 'scrawny.'

What is the difference between figurative and literal meaning?

Literal meaning is the exact, factual dictionary sense of words; figurative meaning conveys an idea through imaginative comparison or exaggeration not meant to be taken word-for-word.

How can a reader tell that a statement is meant figuratively rather than literally?

When taking the words at face value would be impossible, illogical, or absurd in context (e.g., 'It's raining cats and dogs'), the statement is figurative.

What is a claim in an argument?

The author's main position, assertion, or thesis—the debatable point the writer is trying to prove and persuade the reader to accept.

What is reasoning in an argument?

The logical explanation that connects the evidence to the claim, showing why the evidence supports the conclusion.

What does it mean for evidence to be relevant?

Relevant evidence directly relates to and supports the specific claim being made, rather than addressing a side issue or unrelated point.

What does it mean for evidence to be sufficient?

Sufficient evidence provides enough quantity and quality of support to adequately prove the claim, leaving no major gaps in the reasoning.

How do you evaluate the credibility of evidence in an argument?

Check that it comes from a reliable, qualified, and unbiased source, is current and accurate, and is verifiable rather than based on opinion or hearsay.

What is a logical fallacy?

An error in reasoning that weakens or invalidates an argument, even if it may sound persuasive on the surface.

Define the ad hominem fallacy.

Attacking the character or traits of the person making an argument instead of addressing the substance of the argument itself.

Define the hasty generalization fallacy.

Drawing a broad conclusion from insufficient or unrepresentative evidence, such as a single example or too small a sample.

Define the slippery slope fallacy.

Claiming that one small first step will inevitably lead to a chain of negative consequences without evidence that such a chain will actually occur.

What is bias in a text?

A one-sided or prejudiced perspective in which an author favors a particular viewpoint, often by selectively presenting evidence, using loaded language, or omitting opposing information.

What is the difference between a fact and an opinion?

A fact is a statement that can be objectively proven true or false through evidence; an opinion expresses a personal belief, judgment, or feeling that cannot be definitively proven.

What signal words often indicate that a statement is an opinion?

Words such as 'believe,' 'think,' 'feel,' 'best,' 'worst,' 'should,' 'always,' 'never,' and other value judgments or qualifiers.

Why is distinguishing fact from opinion important when evaluating an argument?

It helps a reader judge the strength of support, recognize bias, and decide how much to trust the author's claims rather than accepting opinions as if they were proven facts.