Expository/Persuasive
A statement that is neither true or false, but is a matter of personal preference.
The message of the story. More than just a one word topic.
Theme
A comparison of two different things that does not use like or as.
Metaphor
The most important sentence in an essay. An essay without this would get a 0.
Thesis
When your words show that you favor one thing over another. Can show that you're not fair.
Bias
The problem throughout the story.
Conflict
The part of TPFAST where you read the poem and summarize it into a sentence or two.
Paraphrase
Sentences where you include information from the passage. Can be quotes or paraphrases.
Text Evidence or Concrete Details
On the Short Constructed Response (SCR), you will only get half credit if you do this.
Only write one sentence (answer or evidence)
A number next to the word that leads to information at the bottom of the page.
Footnote
Words that vividly describe so you can experience one of the five senses.
Sensory imagery
The person talking in the poem. Not necessarily the author.
Speaker
A sentence where you grab the readers attention and preview the topic of the essay. Example: "Everywhere you look today, you see kids with their hoodies turned inside out."
Hook
The argumentative fallacy where you say to do something just because everyone else is doing it.
Bandwago
The part of an argument where you admit the other side's good points, but respond to them.
Counter Argument
Hints early in the story of what will come later on.
Foreshadow
The overall feeling created in a passage
Tone
These words help to organize between your sentences and paragraphs. They can preview a paragraph or introduce a specific text evidence. They're also good in conclusions.
Hint: Always put a comma after these
Transition words.
Examples: For example, Therefore, First of all, On the other hand,
The date of the Reading STAAR.
April 14 (Tuesday)
Lumping a group of people together and assuming something about all of them.
Sweeping Generalization
This genre is made up but has characters who are similar to real world people and have problems that someone might actually face in our world.
Realistic Fiction
A comparison between two things that lasts several lines, sometimes even the entire poem. Is sometimes a hidden message.
Extended Metaphor
If the STAAR asks you to write a persuasive essay, your last sentence should be this. It's where you tell people what you want them to do.
Call to Action
The type of argumentative fallacy where you attack the person rather than attacking their argument.
Example: "You can't be right about school policy because you're lazy and dumb."
Ad hominem