Academic Vocabulary
What does “cite” mean in a short response?
Use evidence from the text to support your answer
What is the “central idea” of a text?
The main point or message of a passage
What is the setting of a story?
The time and place where it happens
What is tone in a text?
The author’s attitude toward the subject
What should you do before answering a multiple-choice question?
Read all answer choices carefully
What is a synonym for “happy”?
Joyful, cheerful, content, etc
Define “inference.”
A conclusion based on text clues and background knowledge
How do you determine the theme of a story?
Look for repeated ideas, conflicts, and lessons learned
Name two types of conflict in literature
Internal and external
How does an author create suspense?
Through pacing, foreshadowing, and unanswered questions
How can you manage your time during the test?
Pace yourself and don’t spend too long on one question
What is a synonym for “angry” with a stronger, negative connotation?
Furious, enraged, livid, etc.
What is the difference between a claim and evidence
A claim is your answer, while evidence supports it
What’s the difference between central idea and theme?
Very similar and can be used interchangeably. Central idea is for nonfiction, while theme is for fiction
How does characterization help develop a story?
It reveals personality traits and motivation. It helps you determine plot
What is the purpose of figurative language?
To add depth and create imagery.
What is it called to make notes as you read a text
Annotating
What is the difference between literal and figurative language?
Literal means exact; figurative uses creative comparisons.
What does “implicit” mean?
Not directly stated but suggested in the text
What is one strategy to find the central idea in an article?
WIN strategy- look for repeated ideas
What is the purpose of foreshadowing?
To hint at future events in the story.
How does dialogue contribute to a story?
It develops characters and moves the plot forward
If two answer choices seem correct, what should you do?
Go back in the text and look for evidence in the text to support the best choice.
What type of figurative language is this: “The wind howled through the trees”?
Personification
Define “connotation” and give an example
The feeling a word gives, e.g., “cheap” vs. “affordable.”
Why might an author leave the theme implicit rather than stating it directly?
To let the reader interpret the deeper meaning.
Explain how the point of view affects the reader’s understanding.
It shapes how we see characters and events.
How do authors use symbolism?
Objects or events represent deeper meanings
Why should you reread a question after answering it?
To make sure your answer fully addresses it
What is the connotation of the word “thin” compared to “scrawny”?
Thin is neutral, while scrawny has a negative connotation