Literary Terms
The main message or lesson of a story
Theme
Who is telling a story; the position of the narrator in relation to the story (or their perspective)
Point of View
If a state test question asks you to support your answer using 2 pieces of evidence from the text, how many should you actually use?
3 pieces of evidence
This part of the CER answers the writing prompt clearly in your own words. Usually, it involves restating the question.
Claim
If a question asks you to compare and contrast, it is asking you to. . .
Tell how two things are similar or different
The struggle between two opposing forces that lies at the center of a plot in a story.
Conflict
Hints about what is coming next in a story
Foreshadowing
List the 5 different types of nonfiction text structures
1. Description
2. Sequence/Chronological Order
3. Cause and Effect
4. Compare and Contrast
5. Problem and Solution
This part of the CER asks your to put in quotes from a text to prove your claim
Evidence
If a question asks you to summarize, it is asking you to. . .
Retell the most important parts of the story
The process a writer uses to develop the personality of a character.
Characterization
Descriptive language that appeals to the five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch). It helps readers create a picture in their minds
Imagery
What is a context statement?
A context statement gives information about the text and introduces the quote by providing information about what is happening in the text
What is the format for a citation?
(Author, paragraph #)
If a question asks you to support your answer with evidence, it is asking you to. . .
Use quotes from the text and explain them
An extreme exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally.
Hyperbole
A comparison between two things without using like or as.
Metaphor
Explain the difference between mood and tone
Tone is the author's or narrator's attitude toward the subject or audience, while mood is the emotional atmosphere or feeling created for the reader
This part of the CER when you connect the evidence (quote) you found to the claim you made.
Reasoning
If a question asks you to describe, it is asking you to. . .
Explain in words why or how something is the way that it is by using details from the text
The general feeling, emotion, or atmosphere that a piece of writing creates for the reader
A comparison of two things using “like” or “as”
Simile
What is the difference between main idea and theme?
Main idea is the most important point about what is happening in a section of the text. It includes story-specific details. Theme is the main lesson or message.
On the state test, what should you read and understand BEFORE reading the passage?
THE CER QUESTION!!! YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU'RE LOOKING FOR AS YOU READ!
If a question asks you to infer, it is asking you to. . .
Make your best guess based on what the text states