Key Terms
A word that imitates a sound
Onomatopoeia
A reference to another work of literature, a person,
a movie or an event
allusion
the author presents a problem and explains one or
more solutions to the problem
problem and solution
time and place of story
setting
Two explain how two things are the same and
different
compare and contrast
comparing two things without using "like" or "as"
metaphor
To give non-human objects human-like
characteristics
personification
gives reasons or explains why things happened
cause and effect
what the text is MOSTLY about
central idea/main idea
When there is a break in the regular story and it
takes to the reader to an event that happens before
the main story
flashback
comparing two things using "like" or "as"
simile
a conversation or speaking between two or more
characters using quotation marks
dialogue
The author provides information about the
similarities and differences between two or more
people, events, ideas, objects, etc.
compare and contrast
lesson or morale of the story
theme
Feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the
reader
mood
an exaggeration
hyperbole
When the author hints and clues what will happen
later in a plot
foreshadowing
describing a character on the outside and inside
characterization
why the author wrote the story (Persuade, Inform,
Entertain)
Author's purpose
When an author uses descriptive words to paint a
picture in a reader's head
imagery
Language that incorporates/ appeals to the five
senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell.
sensory imagery
Sequence of events in a story
plot
How the author feels or sees the subject he or she is
writing about
author's point of view