Word Meaning & Context
What does “analyze” mean?
To examine something closely and break it into parts to understand it better.
A comparison using “like” or “as.” Example: She was as brave as a lion.
What is a simile?
Identify the verb: “Students should complete the essay before Friday.”
Complete.
What does the prefix “anti–” mean?
Against or opposite.
The message or lesson about life or human nature.
What is the theme of a story?
“He was meticulous when organizing his notes.” What does “meticulous” mean?
Very careful and precise; paying close attention to detail.
Giving human traits to nonhuman things. Example: The stars danced in the sky.
What is personification?
A sentence with two independent clauses joined by a conjunction (e.g., and, but, or).
What is a compound sentence?
What does the root “cred” mean?
Believe or trust.
What is a central idea?
The main point or focus of a text.
What’s a synonym for “credible”?
Believable, trustworthy, reliable.
Identify: “Her voice was music to his ears.”
Metaphor — comparing her voice to music.
A sentence with one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses.
What is a complex sentence?
What does the suffix “–ist” mean?
A person who practices or is concerned with something (e.g., artist, scientist).
Hints or clues about what will happen later in a story.
What is foreshadowing?
What does “infer” mean?
To make a logical guess using clues and background knowledge.
What does “tone” mean in literature?
The author’s attitude toward the subject or audience.
Fix this: “Him don’t have none of the answers.”
He doesn’t have any of the answers.
Give a word with the root “struct” and define it.
Construct — to build; structure — something built or arranged.
The perspective from which a story is told (first, second, third person).
What does point of view mean?
What does “nuance” mean in a text?
A subtle difference in meaning, tone, or feeling. Example: A sarcastic compliment has a different nuance than a sincere one.
What’s the difference between “tone” and “mood”?
Tone = author’s attitude; Mood = feeling created for the reader.
Difference between active and passive voice?
Active: subject performs action (The dog chased the ball.); Passive: subject receives action (The ball was chased by the dog.).
What does “chronological” mean based on its root?
In time order (“chrono” = time).
What is the difference between direct and indirect characterization?
Direct: author tells traits directly (“He was selfish”). Indirect: shown through actions, dialogue, or thoughts (“He took the last cookie and smirked”).