Literary Elements
the underlying message or big idea of a book, film, or other work of fiction
a statement made in the form of a question with no expectation of an answer
Rhetorical Question
A comparison of two unlike things, often introduced by like or as
Simile
the most important thoughts/unifying elements of a non-fiction/informational text
Central Idea
anti-
against
In argumentation: an opposing claim; a claim made in reply to another claim and different from it
Counterclaim
the type of narration used (as in first-, second-, or third-person narration); a way of looking at or thinking about something
persuasive strategies used in arguments to support claims and respond to opposing arguments; greek terms dating back to Aristotle
Rhetorical Appeals
The forming of a word (as “buzz” or “hiss”) in imitation of a natural sound
Onomatopoeia
A text structure where facts, events, or details are presented in the order in which they occurred in time.
Chronological
pre-
before
focuses on detailing the growth of the protagonist from a child to an adult; a youthful protagonist goes on a journey, which can be physical, psychological, or spiritual
Coming of Age
presents the struggle between two sides due to a disagreement in values, desires, motivations etc
Conflict
An appeal to logic or reason
Logos
Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally
Hyperbole
A text structure where information reflects a causal relationship. The description of what happened is the effect and the detail(s) related to why it happened is the cause.
Cause and Effect
sub-
under
instances where a sentence, literary work, or piece of media can have multiple possible interpretations; it can also refer to instances where meaning is not clear or is misunderstood.
Ambiguity
the author’s attitude in writing
Tone
An appeal to emotion
Pathos
A word or phrase for one thing that is used to refer to another thing in order to show or suggest that they are similar
Metaphor
A text structure where information is conveyed as an issue or a problem of concern and solution(s) are proposed or explained.
Problem and Solution
in-, im-, il-, ir-
not
In Argumentation: to say that something is true or is a fact, although you cannot prove it and other people might not believe it
Claim
an idea that applies to anyone, anywhere, regardless of cultural differences
Universal Theme
An appeal to credibility, ethics, or moral principles
Ethos
Writing about objects, actions, and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our five physicalsenses
Imagery
A text structure where information is presented as a series of instructions or steps in a process.
Sequence
re-
again
A brief and indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of historical, cultural, literary, or political significance
the creation or construction of a fictional character
Characterization
the tools that writers and speakers use to achieve their purpose
Rhetorical Devices
Representing a thing or idea as a person in art, literature
Personification
A text structure where the similarities and/or differences of two or more people, things, concepts, or ideas are presented.
Compare and Contrast
inter-
between
Greek Gods and Authors/Philosophers.
those feelings that are evoked in the reader
Mood
the use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning
Irony
An expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but must be learned as a whole
Idiom
A text structure where information is presented in sections that often begin with a central idea and are followed by an elaboration of the features, characteristics, or examples of the subject at hand.
Description
trans-
across