Unit 1
Context Clues
additional information for figuring out the meaning of an unfamiliar word
Augmented
increased or enhanced
Semblance
Proboscis
long, thin nose of an animal, or tubular mouth of an insect
Sagacious
having or showing good judgment and an ability to grasp difficult concepts and ideas
Symbolism
person, place, or object that has a specific meaning in itself but that also stands for an idea or emotion beyond its literal meaning
Archetypes
the hero, the valiant knight, damsel in distress
Irony
words used in a way that implies the opposite of their literal meaning,
Implicit Meaning
not stated but can be understood
Pacing
rhythm of the story—how slowly or quickly the actions and events develop and unfold.
Allusion
indirect reference to a person, object, historical event, or literary work that the audience is commonly familiar with.
Characterization
the way an author conveys specific details about a character and reveals a character’s personality
Exposition
introduces the plot
Ambiguity
unclear or uncertain meaning
Claim
a single sentence that summarizes the central idea of your essay
Author’s Craft
the use of narrative structure and artistic interpretation
Personification
nonliteral comparison of unlike things, specifically giving nonliving items human characteristics
understatement
creates emphasis by intentionally giving less significance to a situation than it really has, or saying less than is actually true
Explicit Meaning
clearly stated and understood
Artistic representations
same story present different variations of the same work
Flashback
interruption in the normal sequence of actions and events, which takes the audience back in time to provide background or backstory information or to relate a previously occurring action or event.
Tone
author’s attitude toward a subject
Ticking Clock Scenario
narrative technique, that heightens the suspense, especially before the climax, by having a character race against time.
Role of Word Choice
choice of words can provide clues that help readers make determinations about perspective
Hook
intriguing question, engaging statement, or other technique to spark interest and to make connections at the beginning of an essay