#1
Syntax lesson #2:
No sooner had the reverberation of my blows sunk into silence, then I was answered by a voice from within the tomb!-by a cry, at first muffled and broken, like the sobbing of a child, and then quickly swelling into one long, loud, and continuous scream, utterly anomalous and inhuman-a howl!- a wailing shriek, half of horror and half of triumph, such as might have arisen only out of hell, conjointly from the throats of the damned in their agony and of the demons that exult in the damnation.
Edgar Allen Poe, “The Black Cat”
No sooner had the reverberation of my blows sunk into silence, then I was answered by a voice from within the tomb!-by a cry, at first muffled and broken, like the sobbing of a child, and then quickly swelling into one long, loud, and continuous scream, utterly anomalous and inhuman-a howl!- a wailing shriek, half of horror and half of triumph, such as might have arisen only out of hell, conjointly from the throats of the damned in their agony and of the demons that exult in the damnation.
Edgar Allen Poe, “The Black Cat”
- The dashes in this long sentence set off a series of appositives. (An appositive is a noun or noun phrase placed beside another noun phrase and used to identify or explain it.) What noun explained by the appositives?
- This sentence makes sense if it ends with the first exclamation point. What do the appositives add to the meaning and effectiveness of the sentence?
#2
Which word form correctly completes this sentence?
His threatening voice made it clear that he was not my friend, but an _______________.
A) adversarial
B) adversary
C) adverse
D) adversity
His threatening voice made it clear that he was not my friend, but an _______________.
A) adversarial
B) adversary
C) adverse
D) adversity
#3
When the general, nursing his bruised shoulder, had gone, Rainsford took up his flight again. It was flight now, a desperate, hopeless flight, that carried him on for some hours. Dusk came, then darkness, and still he pressed on. The ground grew softer under his moccasins; the vegetation grew ranker, denser; insects bit him savagely. Then, as he stepped forward, his foot sank into the ooze. He tried to wrench it back, but the muck sucked viciously at his foot as if it were a giant leech. With a violent effort, he tore his foot loose. He knew where he was now. Death Swamp and its quicksand.
Which conflict is depicted in this excerpt?
A) Man vs. Man
B) Man vs. Self
C) Man vs. Nature
D) Man vs. Society
E) Man vs. Machine
Which conflict is depicted in this excerpt?
A) Man vs. Man
B) Man vs. Self
C) Man vs. Nature
D) Man vs. Society
E) Man vs. Machine
#4
Everyone loves to receive gifts. Many occasions call for giving a gift. They include birthdays, Hanukkah, Christmas, weddings, and graduations. In this fast paced world, it seems that no one bothers to take the time to write a thank you card. This simple gesture can mean so much to the person who cared enough to purchase, wrap, and send a gift. Sometimes the gift-givers are close family members, but other times they are school or work friends. Either way, an email or text just won't do.
Which provides a concluding statement that follows from and supports the information presented?
A) The point is, take the time to actually write and give a thank you card. It is a part of you to share and it clearly shows your appreciation.
B) Most etiquette experts agree that the best time to write a thank you card or letter is within three days of receiving the gift.
C) Expressions of your thankfulness do not need to be expensive. A handmade card can be just as meaningful as elaborate purchased cards.
D) In conclusion, the best gifts are given by family or friends, so be sure to show your appreciation so the gifts keep coming.
Which provides a concluding statement that follows from and supports the information presented?
A) The point is, take the time to actually write and give a thank you card. It is a part of you to share and it clearly shows your appreciation.
B) Most etiquette experts agree that the best time to write a thank you card or letter is within three days of receiving the gift.
C) Expressions of your thankfulness do not need to be expensive. A handmade card can be just as meaningful as elaborate purchased cards.
D) In conclusion, the best gifts are given by family or friends, so be sure to show your appreciation so the gifts keep coming.
#5
Explain how the connotation of the underlined word affects the meaning of this sentence.
The car salesman was very pushy.
The car salesman was very pushy.