Informational Text Terms
The main point or most important idea the author wants the reader to understand?
What is the Central Idea?
Specialized words specific to a field or subject (e.g., "neurons," "cortisol")
What is Technical Vocabulary?
A statement that asserts something is true; an author’s position on a topic
What is a claim?
Specific quotes, facts, or details from the text that support a claim or answer
What is the Textual Evidence?
The author’s attitude toward the subject
What is Tone?
Facts, data, examples, or expert opinions that support a claim
What is Evidence?
The reason an author writes a text (to inform, persuade, entertain, explain)
What is the Author's Purpose?
A comparison between two things to explain or clarify an idea
What is an Analogy?
The logical explanation connecting evidence to a claim
What is Reasoning?
Language not meant literally (metaphors, similes, personification)
What is Figurative Language?
The emotional or cultural associations a word carries, beyond its dictionary definition. Example: "home" connotes warmth; "house" is neutral.
What is the Connotative Meaning?
The perspective from which an author approaches a topic
What is Point of View?
How an author organizes information (cause/effect, problem/solution, compare/contrast, chronological, description)
What is the Text Structure?
Techniques used to persuade or communicate effectively
What is Rhetoric?
A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning, not directly stated
What is an Inference?