Literary Analysis (The "What" and "How")
This term refers to the central message or universal truth a story reveals about life.
Theme
This text structure explains why something happened and the results of that occurrence.
Cause and Effect
Words that have the same or similar meanings.
Synonyms
A statement that goes against the author’s main claim, which the author then "rebuts."
Counterclaim
The first thing you should do before reading a long passage on the computer.
Read the questions first
When an author uses an object, person, or situation to represent a deeper, abstract idea
Symbolism
A sentence, usually in the first paragraph, that states the main claim or purpose of an entire essay.
Thesis
The emotional association or "vibe" a word carries (positive, negative, or neutral).
Connotation
A flaw in reasoning that weakens an argument, such as a "Slippery Slope" or "Ad Hominem.
Logical Fallacy
This PM3 question type requires you to select two or more correct answers.
Multi-select
The difference between what a character thinks is true and what the reader knows to be true.
Irony
This rhetorical appeal relies on the speaker’s credibility, ethics, or professional standing.
Ethos
Using the words surrounding an unknown term to figure out its meaning.
Context Clues
This rhetorical appeal uses logic, statistics, and facts to persuade the audience.
Logos
"Part B" questions usually ask you to do this to support your answer in "Part A."
Text Evidence
A reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work (like the Bible or Greek Mythology)
Allusion
Information that can be proven true and is used to support an author's claim.
Evidence
A word part added to the beginning of a root word to change its meaning.
Prefix
An argument that appeals specifically to the audience's emotions, like pity or fear.
Pathos
When two passages are presented together, the test will often ask you to ________ their themes or claims.
Compare and Contrast
The perspective from which a story is told, specifically when the narrator knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.
Third-Person
The author’s attitude toward a subject, conveyed through word choice and style.
Tone
This occurs when an author uses "double meanings" or wordplay to create humor.
Pun
The specific group of people an author intends to reach with their writing.
Target Audience
If you aren't sure of an answer, you should do this to narrow down your choices.
Process of Elimination