Plot & Structure
The turning point of a story where the conflict reaches its highest intensity.
What is the climax?
A comparison between two unlike things using the words "like" or "as."
What is a simile?
This Greek root word means "life," as seen in the words biology and biography.
What is bio?
This punctuation mark is used to separate two independent clauses without a conjunction.
What is a semicolon?
A group of lines in a poem, similar to a paragraph in prose.
What is the central idea? (or thesis)
The part of the plot that introduces the setting, characters, and basic situation.
What is the exposition?
Extreme exaggeration used to make a point, such as "I've told you a million
What is hyperbole?
This Latin prefix means "against" or "opposite," as seen in contradict.
What is denotation?
A sentence that contains two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (FANBOYS).
What is a comma splice?
The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words close together.
What is compare and contrast?
The type of conflict where a character struggles against their own thoughts or feelings.
What is internal conflict?
Giving human characteristics to non-human things, like "the wind whispered."
What is personification?
The literal, dictionary definition of a word, distinct from its emotional baggage.
What is connotation?
A word that modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, often ending in "-ly."
What is an adverb?
The patterned repetition of stressed and unstressed syllables in a line of poetry.
What is chronological order? (or sequence)
The perspective from which a story is told, using pronouns like "he," "she," and "they."
What is third-person point of view?
A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work outside the story.
What is an allusion?
The emotional or cultural meaning attached to a word, which can be positive or negative.
What is contra-? (or anti-)
A grammatical error that happens when two complete sentences are joined with only a comma.
What is a compound-complex sentence?
The repeating vowel sounds within words close together, like "the engineer steered the vehicle."
What is an anecdote?
An author's use of hints or clues to suggest events that will occur later in the plot.
What is foreshadowing?
A statement or situation that seems contradictory but actually reveals a deeper truth.
What is irony?
Context clues found near an unknown word that contrast with it, showing its opposite meaning.
What are antonym context clues?
The voice a writer uses when the subject of the sentence receives the action instead of doing it.
What is passive voice?
Poetry that does not rhyme or have a regular meter or rhythm.
What is tone?