Literary Terms
The use of objects or characters to represent a more abstract concept or idea.
What is symbolism?
Paint, Brush, Easel
What is easel?
You might use this culinary term to describe someone who is doing exceedingly well at something, or someone who is making a lot of good points.
What is "cooking"?
This teacher has two cats.
Who is Mr. Kessler?
He is the mayor of Phoenix.
Who is Brian Borchik?
The theme, underlying message, or universal truth that a story explores. The "moral of the story".
What is central idea?
Bicycle, Cruise, Taxi
What is Bicycle?
This word is traditionally associated with an invisible, pervasive quality, but we might use it now to describe someone with magnetic, charismatic, or mysterious energy.
What is "aura"?
This teacher before becoming a Firebird, Spartan for this school where they started their teaching career.
Who is Ms. Puma
This is the fifth planet from the sun.
What is Jupiter?
An extreme exaggeration.
What is hyperbole?
Penguin, Duck, Parrot
What is penguin?
This is a word you would use to describe hyper-stimulating or chronically online content, especially when characterized by online buzzwords ("skibidi", "fanum tax", "rizz", "67", etc).
What is "brainrot"?
Before finishing their degree at SUNY Cortland, this teacher studied at this state university closer to their hometown.
Who is Mr. Kessler
Abraham Lincoln was famously assassinated in this type of building.
What is a theater?
Descriptive language that paints a picture; appeals to the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch)
What is imagery?
Rain, Snow, Blizzard
What is Blizzard?
To dominate, outclass, or look significantly better than someone else.
What is "mogging"?
This teacher was born in October.
Who is Mr. Kessler and Ms. Puma
This team was the winner of the most recent Super Bowl.
What is the Seattle Seahawks?
This part of the story provides necessary background information to the reader: setting, characters, plot. Typically in the beginning of the story.
What is the exposition?
Staple, Scissors, Pen
What are Scissors?
A portmanteau (combination) of four words, you might use this word to ironically suggest that someone or something is actually serious, authentic, or genuine.
What is "flowkirkenuinely"?
This teacher has broken 10 bones, dislocated 4 joints and sprained their ankle 5 times.
Who is Ms. Puma
Many of Mr. Kessler's relatives are buried in this famous cemetery which resides in the town where the legendary Headless Horsemen appeared.
What is Sleepy Hollow?