mystery
writing out exactly what a source says, word for word
quote
to make a reasonable conclusion based on evidence found in the text
inference
stated directly; author tells the readers exactly what they need to know
explicit idea
the lesson or message of the text
theme
tell the main events of a story in the order in which they happen
summarize
analyze similarities between two things, such as characters or stories
compare
analyze differences between two things, such as two different characters or stories
contrast
a person or thing in a work of literature
character
where and when a story takes place, including time of day, the season, or the location
setting
events that happen in the beginning, middle, and end of a literary text
plot
the character who tells the story in a literary text from his or her point of view
narrator
the voice of a literary text that speaks about the writer’s feelings or situation
speaker
how characters behave toward each other (dialogue, actions, and feelings)
interact
words and phrases that do not have their literal meanings
figurative language
make a comparison using a linking word such as like, as, or than
simile
makes a comparison without a linking word
metaphor
helps break longer pieces of text into smaller portions
structure
a section of a book
chapter
a section of a drama or play
scene
a section of a poem
stanza
the perspective from which a story is told
point of view
pictures, drawings, cartoons or comics, or diagrams
visual elements
the attitude of an author about a subject or an audience
tone
a category of text
genre
three main types of literary text
stories, dramas, or poems