Narrative Structure
The earliest part of a story that provides background about the setting, main characters, and conflict.
Exposition
2 ANSWERS: The technique an author uses to create and reveal a character's personality, AND the specific perspective from which a narrator tells the story.
Characterization / Point of View
2 ANSWERS: The central main character who undergoes the most change, VERSUS the opposing character or force driving the conflict.
Protagonist vs Antagonist
Choose the correct words: 'If your shoelaces are too _____ (loose/lose), you might _____ (loose/lose) your shoe while running.'
loose / lose
Choose the correct words: 'It is difficult for her to _____ (accept/except) criticism, but everyone _____ (accept/except) Sam passed.'
accept / except
The overarching sequence of events that make up a story.
Plot
2 ANSWERS: Hints or subtle clues about future events to help readers predict, AND returning to an earlier point in time to provide background.
Foreshadowing / Flashback
When a situation turns out to be the exact opposite of what the reader or characters expected to happen.
Situational Irony
Choose the correct words: 'He _____ (went/gone) to the game with Jenny and _____ (I/me).'
went / me
Choose the correct words: 'The severe winter storm had a positive _____ (affect/effect) on skiing, but it will _____ (affect/effect) travel plans.'
effect / affect
The specific category or type to which a literary work belongs.
Genre
2 ANSWERS: A recurring object, image, or idea in a story tied to meaning, AND an object/action that stands for something deeper than its literal meaning.
Motif / Symbol
When the audience or reader knows a critical piece of secret information that the characters involved on stage or in the story do not know.
Dramatic Irony
Choose the correct words: '_____ (There/Their/They're) going to store _____ (there/their/they're) sports equipment over _____ (there/their/they're).'
They're / their / there
Choose the correct words: 'I strongly _____ (advice/advise) you to follow the helpful _____ (advice/advise) your teacher gave you.'
advise / advice
2 ANSWERS: The struggle between the main character and an opposing force, AND the adversary character who creates this main problem.
Conflict / Antagonist
2 ANSWERS: The underlying universal truth or lesson about life in a story, AND the overall feeling or atmosphere created in the reader.
Theme / Mood
When a character or speaker says one thing but means something entirely different (sarcasm).
Verbal Irony
Choose the correct words: 'Elephants are much smarter _____ (then/than) you think, and _____ (they're/their) very social.'
than / they're
Choose the correct words: 'The traffic was completely _____ (stationary/stationery) near the store selling office _____ (stationary/stationery).'
stationary / stationery
2 ANSWERS: The series of events that build and intensify the main problem, AND lead up to the turning point of highest tension.
Rising Action / Climax
2 ANSWERS: Extreme exaggeration used to add meaning, AND vivid descriptive details that appeal directly to the five senses.
Hyperbole / Imagery
2 ANSWERS: The author's personal attitude toward their subject matter, VERSUS the feeling/atmosphere created in the reader.
Tone (Author) vs Mood (Reader)
Choose the correct words: 'The school _____ (principal/principle) is a person of strong moral _____ (principals/principles).'
principal / principles
Choose the correct words: 'He couldn't decide _____ (weather/whether) to go out in the bad _____ (weather/whether), so he bought _____ (a lot/alot) of snacks.'
whether / weather / a lot