Read the excerpt from Martine’s personal narrative about receiving a birthday gift. I ripped carelessly through the wrapping paper to reveal a plain, brown box. My eyebrows raised in anticipation. What could be inside? My fingers worked more slowly now, pulling back the tape that held the box shut. As soon as the flaps sprung open, I peered inside. But I inwardly shuddered when I discovered three pairs of bright neon-green socks. Oh no, I thought. These look hideous. I would never wear something like these, but I also don’t want to hurt my aunt’s feelings. What should I do? I furrowed my brow and bit my lip, uncertain what to do next.

What could Martine include in this excerpt to engage her readers?

descriptive details that paint a picture for readers
personal pronouns that establish the point of view
language that explains what the writer was feeling
dialogue that shows how the people in the story interact

Read the quotation from "an occurrence at owl creek bridge." and now he became conscious of a new disturbance. striking through the thought of his dear ones was a sound which he could neither ignore nor understand, a sharp, distinct, metallic percussion like the stroke of a blacksmith’s hammer upon the anvil; it had the same ringing quality. he wondered what it was, and whether immeasurably distant or near by—it seemed both. its recurrence was regular, but as slow as the tolling of a death knell. he awaited each stroke with impatience and—he knew not why—apprehension. the intervals of silence grew progressively longer, the delays became maddening. with their greater infrequency the sounds increased in strength and sharpness. they hurt his ear like the thrust of a knife; he feared he would shriek. what he heard was the ticking of his watch. which best describes the effect of the narration in the excerpt? it suggests that the man being executed feels tranquil and at peace. it suggests that the narrator is sympathetic to the man being executed. it suggests that the plot will become less tense as the story continues. it suggests that the story will become more intense and mysterious.

How is the consumption of food used as a symbol in the play? what does food stand for in the play? how does oscar wilde use symbolismin his social commentary? use examples from the play to support your answer.

Which development most aided explorers in their ability to set sail the oceans to discover the new world during the age discovery? a.waterproof sails b.the printing press c.map-making devices d.fictional travel accounts