Literary devices
The use of strong visual details that paint a picture in a reader's mind.
What is...imagery?
"I love how she walked by the lockers as class was starting so she could find me and bring me to class. It's so helpful to have a teacher watching your every move. I would be heartbroken if I missed even a minute of ELA. I don't what I'd do without her!"
Tone: Sarcasm
I wanted to go see that movie, ___ the tickets were all sold out.
but
In "Rock Bottom," Spongebob and Patrick are stranded in an unfamiliar place. They are too afraid to ask anyone for help, and they avoid any stranger that approaches them. Eventually, though, one of these strangers helps them get home.
Theme: Don't judge people for their differences, don't be afraid to ask for help
No essay would be complete without this final paragraph.
What is...a conclusion?
A comparison using "like" or "as."
What is...a simile?
"The wooden steps creaked as I walked down into the basement. The walls were stained and covered in mysterious scribbles, and a single, dirty lightbulb flickered."
Mood: Spooky, unsettling
It was snowing, __ I put on my warmest coat, hat, and mittens.
so
Sandy kindly asks her friends not to disturb her when she's hibernating. Patrick and Spongebob disrespect her wishes and sneak into her dome anyway. Sandy is violent and angry after being woken up, and she chases them around and ruins the fun they hoped to have in the snow.
Theme: respect your friends' boundaries.
If you're writing an argument essay, you'll need this to support your thesis, and you'll probably find it in a book or article.
What is...textual evidence?
Giving human characteristics to a nonhuman object or idea.
What is...personification?
"The sun played on the water, sending white sparkles across the waves as we laughed and splashed each other."
Mood: cheerful, playful
Most people think possums are pests. _____, the opposite is actually true—possums eat harmful pests like ticks.
However
Spongebob has the idea to create "pretty patties," burgers in unusual colors like blue or purple. Squidward and Mr. Krabs make fun of his idea and refuse to sell them at the Krusty Krab, so Spongebob sells them on his own and is extremely successful.
Themes: Creative independence, following your dreams even when people reject your ideas.
If you're writing this style of poem, your goal will be to perform it out loud for an audience.
What is...slam poetry?
Hints that tell us what's going to happen next in a story.
"When you lied, you broke my trust, and I've run out of chances to give you. I hope you're happy. I hope it was worth it."
Tone: Serious, dramatic, angry
____ I was confused during the meeting, I stayed after it was over to talk to my boss.
Because, Since
When a giant worm threatens to destroy Bikini Bottom, the town gets together to think of solution. Sandy tells everyone in the town that she's going to fight the worm alone and win. The worm has eaten Sandy's tail and she wants revenge. As she goes to find the worm, Spongebob warns her that the worm might be more dangerous than she's expecting, and he doesn't want her to go alone. She brushes him off, and goes into the fight confident. When she actually fights the worm, though, she realizes he's right, and they barely escape the worm alive.
Themes: the dangers of being overconfident and ignoring your friends' instincts, not listening to other people.
This tool (your teacher might give you one on paper) can help you organize your essay paragraph by paragraph.
What is...an outline?
When readers encounter the opposite of what they would expect in a story, or when a character says something and means the opposite.
What is...irony?
"A gray, empty sky hung over me. I looked out at the waves. As they rolled away from the shore, I felt like they were carrying my dreams away with them."
Mood: Sad, hopeless
As a result, Because of this, Consequently
Spongebob throws a peanut at a clam at the zoo. The clam starts screaming for days, and everyone in Bikini Bottom gets mad and vows to find whoever upset the clam. He feels increasingly guilty and anxious as people investigate the situation and he hides the truth. He doesn't confess to the crime until Patrick is falsely accused.
Theme: Hiding the truth can make people anxious and guilty; friendship and loyalty can motivate people to do the right thing
This activity doesn't just give you an excuse to chat in class--it allows you to get new perspectives on your writing once it's finished!
What is...peer editing?