Literary Terms
Vocabulary
More Vocabulary
Test Taking Tips
Essay
100
What is a SIMILE? Write the definition and give 1 example.
A comparison between 2 things using like or as. Example : "My hair is as soft as silk."
100
What are the different types of CONFLICT? (Hint: There are two main types of conflict)
EXTERNAL and INTERNAL conflict. Internal conflict is when a character is “at war” with him or herself. There are 3 types of external conflict: man vs. man, man vs. nature and man vs. society.
100
What is SYMBOL?
A person, place or thing that stands for an idea or a concept. Example: a white dove symbolizes "peace." Example: A pink ribbon symbolizes "breast cancer awareness."
100
What should you do the night before and the morning of the CAHSEE?
You should have a good night sleep and eat breakfast in the morning. *Make sure you are well rested and you are not hungry before the test. This will allow you to focus on the test.
100
What are the 3 parts of an essay? (Persuasive or Response to Literature)
The introduction, the body and the conclusion
200
What is PERSONIFICATION?
Giving human qualities to something that is not real. Example: "The door reached out and hit me!"
200
What does it mean to INFER? (Hint: Sometimes the answers will not be given directly to you in the text found on the CAHSEE.)
The process of arriving at some conclusion through reasoning. Example: You walk into a room and there is a boy with a cake and 5 candles on it. There are balloons and a pinata. You can infer that it is the boy's birthday even though it is not stated.
200
What is FORESHADOWING?
Providing hints at what will happen in the future. Example: "The man left his home town in the middle of the night. He ran as fast as he could and without looking back." When we read this, we are given a hint that the man is hiding something or perhaps did something wrong.
200
What do you do to the text once you have found the answer?
Number the text where you found the answer! This will help you eliminate possible wrong answers and narrow in on the correct answer.
200
1. What is a THESIS and is it necessary? 2. Where does your thesis go in your essay?
1. A THESIS is absolutely NECESSARY! Your thesis should be arguable. It must state your opinion plus 3 reasons to support your opinion. 2. The thesis will be the LAST SENTENCE in your INTRODUCTORY paragraph.
300
What is Imagery?
The use of words to create vivid mental images or pictures in the reader's head. Example: The lady was wearing bright pink pants, a bright orange tank top and a diamond studded top hat.
300
What is CONNOTATION?
The feelings and associations a word brings to mind; the emotional impression a word makes. Example: The term "Brat" has a negative connotation because "brat" is associated with a "bad child."
300
In a story, who is the PROTAGONIST?
The main character in a story or play, the character who is at the center of the story; often the "good guy." Example: Batman is the protagonist in the Batman movie.
300
As you answer multiple choice questions, what strategies should you use?
Process of elimination. Eliminate all answers that you know are wrong; doing so will increase your chances of getting the question right.
300
What should you do before you begin writing your essay?
OUTLINE! You must outline your thoughts before you write your essay. Outlining will help you organize your ideas and make it easier for you to write a great essay! Example: I. Hook, Background, Thesis II- IV. Topic sentence, Example, Explain, Example, Explain, Concluding/Transition sentence. V. Conclusion (restate one point from each body paragraph, your thesis, and go out strong!
400
What is a METAPHOR?
A comparison between two things without using a connector, such as "like" or "as." A metaphor says something IS something else. Ex. "You are my sunshine."
400
What is the difference between LITERAL and FIGURATIVE meaning of words?
LITERAL meaning is the dictionary definition of the word. FIGURATIVE meaning is an imaginative use of a word meaning something different from its simple dictionary definition. Example: "The comedian died on stage." The literal meaning is that the comedian stopped living while he was on stage.The figurative meaning is that the comedian was not funny on stage.
400
What is DENOTATION?
The dictionary definition of a word. Example: If you look up "brat" in a dictionary it will say that it means "a child."
400
What should you do when you read the essay prompt?
Read the prompt CAREFULLY. The test will often have the important word in ALL CAPITALS. Think about what it asks you to do BEFORE creating an outline. TAPS the prompt!
400
How many major ideas should you write about in one paragraph?
ONE! Remember, you will list your three arguments in your THESIS. Each body paragraph should focus on only ONE idea. Remember to include specific examples and EXPLAIN how your examples support your thesis.
500
What is Irony?
The opposite of what is or might be expected. Example: In the story of King Midas, the king believed that his golden touch would bring him great joy and happiness. Instead, his golden touch brought him great sadness. Everything he touch turned to gold, and he ended up killing people he loved.
500
What is an IDIOM? Write one example and write the definition.
A special expression that is peculiar to itself grammatically and cannot be understood if taken literally. Example: "It's raining cats and dogs."
500
What is THEME?
The message about life or human nature expressed through a work of literature. Examples of themes include, "Loyalty will always be rewarded" and "Good things come to those that wait.
500
What is the most important thing you should do when taking the CAHSEE?
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF! Believe that you will pass the test. See yourself opening up the envelope of test results and receiving a passing score. You will pass if you believe you can.
500
What should you do as you write the final draft of your essay?
Please make sure that you are using correct punctuation, check that your sentences make sense, check spelling, and be sure to write NEAT! Remember, you may have brilliant ideas, but if the person grading it can't read it then you will not get the score you deserve.
M
e
n
u