Exam Outline Grade 9

Exam Outline – Grade 9 English

THE EXAM IS DIVIDED INTO THE FOLLOWING 5 SECTIONS:

1 READING COMPREHENSION – NON-FICTION: INFORMATION TEXT 15%

You will be expected to read a short information text and answer comprehension questions. This could be something like a newspaper article, a brochure, a magazine article or an informational chart.

 The question format is short answer; these must be answered in full sentences.

2 READING COMPREHENSION – SHORT STORY 30%

You will be expected to read a short story and answer comprehension questions. It is divided into 4 sections. Sections 1-3 are based directly on the short story. Each section consists of 5 questions worth 1 pt each. The sections are:

1. Vocabulary - define words based on context. These are similar to the practice ones we did for the short story “Revenge”.

2. Multiple choice – read carefully and read all choices before you decide. When you think you know the answer go back to the story and find the lines that confirm your answer. If you are worried about running out of time you can do this at the end, but don’t forget. If you take your time to re-read the text to confirm you should have no problem getting all of these correct.

3. True / false – make sure you clearly print a capital T or a capital F, or write out the words. If it is messy and I can’t tell which letter it is supposed to be, I would have to mark it wrong.

Section 4 is worth 15 points and is based on the short story elements you covered with Mrs. Hurshman. She handed out the sheet once in the fall and then again before the winter exam. Most or all of the questions will still be related to the short story but require you to use your knowledge of the elements. For example, you could be asked to state the theme of the story and then explain why you think so, providing quotes or examples from the story. For this you will need to study the terminology of a short story. Some of the key short story terms to focus on are:

1. Importance/significance – you will have to use the context of the question to know exactly how to answer this and it may be very slightly different for a short story than it is for a poem. If you are asked this for a short story think about the question you had to do for your novel study where you had to state the most important discovery or decision that was critical to the story. In class we used the example from The Hunger Games and said that the most important discovery was when Katniss’s sister’s name was picked for the games. This is important/significant because Katniss is very protective of her sister and this caused her to feel she had no choice but to take her sister’s place. It would not be marked correct if you simply state that the story would not take place if she had not picked her sister’s name. That is obvious/redundant.

2. Imagery – this is the way the author creates pictures or images in the reader’s minds. Through the creation of these images the author often gives clues to the deeper meaning of the story.

3. Symbolism – this is when the author uses something (often a concrete object) to represent something else (often an abstract idea or emotion). i.e. wedding ring is symbol of commitment

4. Plot – the sequence of events (beginning, middle, end) in a story or play. The word plot refers to how the story unfolds. Most of the time a plot will include an introduction, rising action, falling action, climax, falling action and resolution.

5. Setting – this is where the story takes place; it is the backdrop for the plot. Some of the things that determine the setting are geographical location, time, weather conditions and local colour, to name a few.

6. Conflict – any opposition the main character faces

7. Theme – the overall message the author wants to convey

8. Point of View – the perspective the author establishes to tell the story

The format of these questions is short answer. It is extremely important that you very carefully answer all parts of the question in full sentences. For example, if you are asked to state the theme and provide information from the story to back up your answer, the question would be worth 3 pts – 1 pt for clearly stating the theme, 1 pt for clearly stating the explanation and example from the text, and 1 pt is awarded for writing it in a full sentence that is grammatically correct. i.e. actually say: The theme of the story is that bullies never win in the long run. I know this because the main character, Monk, is a bully and he ends up stuffed in a locker over March break.

Hint: If the question is asked in two parts you should generally respond in two sentences. Make it as clear as possible to tell which question or which part of the question that your answer is responding to. If it is very unclear or confusing it may be marked wrong. Since you don’t end up seeing your exam to review the marking you want it to be as clear and easy to understand your answers as possible. 3 POETRY 15%

You will be expected to read a poem and answer comprehension questions. There are 5 questions worth 3 pts each. Two points are for answering the question and proving the back up/examples or in some cases, for providing two examples, etc. Since two of the points are for information you should always be thinking about answering all of these in two sentences. Even if a question only asks for one thing, it is implied that you need to provide an explanation or example. i.e. Question: What is the significance of the title of the poem?

Answer: The title of the poem is “My Dream” which is the only reference to the fact that the content of the poem refers to the author’s dream [1pt]. It is significant because it lets the reader know that the events described in the poem refer to the author’s ambitions or goals for the future. [1 pt] – Plus 1 pt for the full sentences.

The format is short answer questions that must be answered in full sentences. To prepare, review your aspects of poetry that we covered in February. Key terms to study are:

1. Figurative language – words that suggest more than they state. Metaphors and similes are types of figurative language.

2. Simile – a comparison of two things using like or as

3. Metaphor – an implied comparison; does not use like or as.

4. Symbol/symbolism – something that represents something else. See above in short story notes.

5. Imagery – vivid descriptions that allow us to see, hear, taste, smell and touch what is being described.

6. Significance – refers to the meaning the object or action is intended to convey; it is indirect – also see notes in the short story section

7. Theme – covered under short story elements but you should also be able to apply this to a poem 4 MEDIA 10%

You will be expected to look at a media advertisement and answer comprehension questions. To prepare, know advertising techniques and symbolism and be able to deconstruct (take apart) the ad using the types of questions handed out and discussed in class. Examples of questions could be:

1. Who is the target audience? (Target audience is a term we covered)

 again, this implies that you state the target audience AND say why/how you think so

2. What is the purpose of this advertisement?

 If it is to sell a product then the question could have just been worded as “What is the product being sold?” However, not all ads sell products. For example, some advertisements promote information, such as the ones we looked at in class related to teen pregnancy.

 Critical – Remember what we discussed about wording your answers to these questions. For the examples we looked at in class, do not say, “The purpose is to promote teen pregnancy”. I understand the intention of this sentence but would have to mark it wrong. You must say something like, “The purpose of the ad is to promote awareness of the facts and challenges surrounding teen pregnancy.

3. Describe two elements of the ad that help convey the message.

 Elements of the ad – this refers to things such as the graphics, text and colours that are used in the ad. Examples of things you might comment on could be a cute puppy or the colour red used on one item while the rest of the ad in black and white. You would need to state the item and then explain how the element helps convey (get across) the message.

4. Identify two marketing strategies used in the ad.

 This is where you would choose from the 15 marketing techniques. It is not enough to say what the strategy is; you must state the strategy and also state what items/elements are used in the ad that demonstrates the technique.

5. What are the ad’s main features? (think text, colour, people, animals, objects, etc)

6. How are words and/or graphics used and why?

7. Do you think the ad reaches its intended audience? Why or why not? 5 ESSAY 30%

You will be expected to complete a pre-writing planning sheet and then write a 5 paragraph essay. The pre-writing planning sheet is worth 10 points and the essay is worth 20 points. You must do both – even though it means you will be writing some things twice. However, on the planning sheet you do not have to use full sentences. A sample planning sheet was handed out in class.

Refer to your notes on write traits and the techniques we have covered:

1. Focused idea – narrow your focus to a specific idea/event with a few clearly related examples. Stay on topic! The planning sheet will help a lot with this.

2. Organization – effective lead and introduction, logical order, satisfying conclusion; etc

a. Effective lead means the same thing as topic sentence or thesis statement. It is the first sentence of your introduction paragraph. It needs to grab the reader’s attention and either state or hint at the central theme of the essay. Think about the 7 techniques for writing effective leads; hint of mystery, ask a question, etc

Poor examples of an effective lead:

 I am very enthusiastic about playing the guitar.

 This essay is going to be about the thing I am most enthusiastic about.

 I am going to tell you about the funniest thing that ever happened to me.

Good examples of an effective lead:

 The day I fell in the river changed my life.

 It was those very things that lead to the police chase the night we stole the car.

b. A satisfying conclusion gives the reader the “take away message” or wraps up the ideas.

Poor examples of a satisfying conclusion:

 That’s why I am very enthusiastic about playing the guitar.

 I hope you liked reading my story.

 That’s pretty much the whole story.

Good examples of a satisfying conclusion:

 I determined that I needed to be more careful about choosing my friends and I never got in trouble with the law again.

 Of all the theme parks we visited, Universal Studios is the one that I will go back to. 3. Word Choice – use strong, active verbs, colourful adjectives and specific nouns. Avoid boring words such as good, cool, bad, fun, nice, great, special, big, fast, etc.