Literacy Terms
This word means the person who tells the story
Narrator
The person who takes part in the action of a story is called a _____.
Character
The time and place of a story is called the _____.
Setting
A sentence that tells the main idea of a paragraph is called the _____ sentence
Topic sentence (or main idea sentence)
A short phrase that shows a character’s repeated way of acting or speaking is called this
Trait or character trait
When the story is told by “I,” the point of view is called _____.
First Person
The series of events in a story is called the _____.
Plot
Two text features you can use to find important information quickly are: _____ and _____
Examples: headings and bold words; other acceptable: table of contents, index, captions
The meaning of a word that is different from its literal meaning (e.g., “break a leg”) is called this type of expression.
Idiom
Name and briefly describe the difference between first-person and third-person point of view.
First-person uses “I” and tells events from the narrator’s view; third-person uses “he/she/they” and can be outside the story, sometimes knowing all characters’ thoughts.
Identify the main problem in a short story and name the part of the plot where the problem begins to get solved.
Main problem = conflict; part where it begins to get solved = falling action (or resolution starts in falling action).
What does the word “caption” mean on a photograph in an article? Give a short purpose for captions.
A caption is a short description or explanation under a photo; purpose: to tell what the picture shows or add detail not in the main text.
The mood of a story is the feeling it creates for the reader. Name two words that describe mood and explain briefly how word choice can create mood. (Answer needs two mood words and a short explanation.)
word choice like cheerful words or short, sharp sentences creates mood
WILD CARD: What is Miss Morris' favorite color?
Any shade of Blue
Describe what a climax is and why it is important to the plot.
Climax = the most exciting moment where the main conflict reaches a turning point; it is important because it leads to the story’s resolution.
Explain how you would determine whether an online source is reliable for a short research project (list two checks)
Two checks: verify author/source (is it from a reputable organization?), check date (is it up-to-date?), check for citations or supporting evidence, and compare with other reliable sources.
Define “theme” and give one short example of a theme a fourth-grade story might have
Theme = the central message or lesson of a story. Example: “Friendship is important.”
Explain how a narrator’s point of view can affect what information the reader learns about a character’s thoughts and feelings.
Point of view determines whether the reader knows a character’s inner thoughts (first-person or third-person limited) or sees only actions and dialogue (third-person objective); it shapes what information is revealed.
WILD CARD: Explain the steps to answering a question on MCAS
1. Read the question
2. Go back into the text and highlight where you found the answer
Also, cross of silly answers to give yourself a better chance of getting it right!
Compare and contrast: How is the structure of a narrative (story) different from an informational text? Give two clear differences.
Narratives tell a sequence of events, have characters and plot, and often aim to entertain; informational texts present facts, use headings and text features, and aim to inform or explain. (Any two clear differences accepted.)