1
Characterize
Definition: To describe or define the qualities or features of a person, object, or event, especially in relation to their role or significance in the story.
Example: "How would you characterize the protagonist?"
Evaluate
Definition: To assess or judge the value, quality, or effectiveness of something, often considering both strengths and weaknesses.
Example: "Evaluate how the author’s use of symbolism enhances the theme."
Theme
Definition: The central idea, message, or underlying meaning of a text, often reflecting a moral or life lesson.
Example: "What is the central theme of the story?"
Point of View
Definition: The perspective from which a story is told, such as first person (I/we), second person (you), or third person (he/she/they).
Example: "How does the first-person point of view affect the reader’s understanding of the story?"
Context
Definition: The surrounding words, sentences, or events that help clarify the meaning of a particular part of a text.
Example: "What can you infer about the character’s actions from the context of the passage?"
Analyze
Definition: To examine something in detail in order to understand it better or to draw conclusions about it.
Example: "Analyze the main character’s motivations in the story."
Compare/Contrast
Definition:
Compare: To examine two or more things in order to identify similarities.
Contrast: To examine two or more things in order to identify differences.
Example: "Compare and contrast the two poems in terms of their themes."
Infer
Definition: To draw a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning, rather than from explicit statements in the text.
Example: "What can you infer about the character’s feelings based on the dialogue?"
Describe
Definition: To give a detailed account of something, often by using sensory details or characteristics.
Example: "Describe the setting of the story."
Summarize
Definition: To give a brief overview of the main points or ideas, leaving out unnecessary details.
Example: "Summarize the main events of the story."
Determine
Definition: To establish or decide something after careful consideration or analysis.
Example: "Determine the theme of the passage."
Justify
Definition: To provide reasons or evidence to support or explain why something is correct or reasonable.
Example: "Justify your answer by citing evidence from the text."
Plot
Definition: The sequence of events in a story, including the introduction, conflict, climax, and resolution.
Example: "What is the conflict in the plot of the story?"
Tone
Definition: The author’s attitude toward the subject or the audience, often conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and style.
Example: "What is the tone of the passage?"
Support
Definition: To provide evidence, examples, or reasoning to back up a claim or argument.
Example: "Support your answer with evidence from the text."
Explain
Definition: To make something clear or easy to understand by describing it in more detail.
Example: "Explain the meaning of the phrase 'A stitch in time saves nine'."
Main Idea
Definition: The central or most important point or concept in a text.
Example: "What is the main idea of the passage?"
Symbolism
Definition: The use of symbols (objects, characters, or events) to represent ideas or qualities beyond their literal meaning.
Example: "How does the author use symbolism to convey the theme?"
Evidence
Definition: The information, facts, or details from a text that support a claim, argument, or conclusion.
Example: "What evidence from the text supports your answer?"
Vocabulary
Definition: The set of words known or used by a person or group, or the meaning of specific words in a particular context.
Example: "What is the meaning of the word 'elated' in the context of the sentence?"