Literary Terms
What is a metaphor?
A metaphor is a figure of speech that directly compares two unlike things without using "like" or "as."
What is the main idea of a passage?
The main idea is the central point or concept that the author wants to convey to the reader.
What is a thesis statement?
A thesis statement is a sentence that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay or research paper.
What is a protagonist?
A protagonist is the main character around whom the story revolves, often facing a conflict that needs resolution.
What is a theme in literature?
A theme is the underlying message or central idea that a writer explores in a literary work.
Define "foreshadowing" and provide an example.
Foreshadowing is a literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story. Example: In "Romeo and Juliet," the prologue hints at the tragic fate of the two lovers.
How can you identify the author's purpose in a text?
You can identify the author's purpose by looking for clues in the writing style, tone, and the type of information presented (to inform, persuade, entertain, or express).
Name three types of writing styles.
Narrative, expository, and persuasive.
Define "antagonist" and provide an example from a well-known story.
An antagonist is a character or force that opposes the protagonist. Example: Voldemort in "Harry Potter."
How can you identify the theme of a story?
Look for recurring ideas, character struggles, and the resolutions of conflicts to find the theme.
What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?
A simile compares two unlike things using "like" or "as," while a metaphor makes a direct comparison without those words.
What does it mean to make an inference while reading?
Making an inference means drawing a conclusion based on the evidence and clues provided in the text, rather than from explicit statements.
What are transition words, and why are they important?
Transition words are phrases that connect ideas and help the flow of writing. They guide the reader through the text.
What are static and dynamic characters?
Static characters do not change throughout the story, while dynamic characters undergo significant development.
What is the difference between a theme and a moral?
A theme is a broad idea that can be interpreted in various ways, while a moral is a specific lesson or ethical takeaway.
Explain the term "alliteration" and give an example.
Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a sequence of words. Example: "She sells seashells by the seashore."
Describe how context clues can help you understand unfamiliar words.
Context clues are hints or examples surrounding an unfamiliar word that help you deduce its meaning.
How can you revise a rough draft for clarity?
Read through the draft to identify unclear sections, simplify complex sentences, and ensure logical flow of ideas.
How can you analyze a character's motivation?
Look at their actions, dialogue, and relationships with other characters to understand what drives them.
Give an example of a common theme in literature.
The struggle for identity is a common theme in literature.
What is an "oxymoron"? Provide two examples.
An oxymoron is a figure of speech that combines contradictory terms. Examples: "bittersweet," "deafening silence."
What strategies can you use to summarize a text effectively?
Identify the main ideas, focus on key details, use your own words, and keep it concise.
What is the purpose of an outline in writing?
An outline helps organize thoughts, structure the writing, and ensure all necessary points are covered.
What role does a character's background play in their development?
A character's background influences their beliefs, motivations, and reactions to events in the story.
How do authors convey themes through symbolism?
Authors use symbols—objects, characters, or colors—that represent larger concepts to convey themes throughout the narrative.