NJSLA Glossary
Literary Forms
Figurative Language
Text Organization
Reading & Writing Skills
100

The term used to describe opinion backed with facts.

What is "reasoned judgment"?

100

A written work that tells a story through action and speech and is meant to be acted on a stage.

What is "drama"?

100

Compares two unlike things using "like" or "as."

What is a "simile"?

100

This organizational structure shows how things are alike and different.

What is "compare/contrast"?

100

To give a brief statement of the main points of a text.

What is "summarize"?

200

This term refers to the rate at which a story moves or is told.

What is "pacing"?

200

Literature that is written in verse and emphasizes the rhythmic use of words to create imagery.

What is "poetry"?

200

The repetition of initial consonant sounds.

What is "alliteration"?

200

When a present time story stops and we go back to reveal information.

What is a "flashback"?

200

To retell someone else's ideas in your own words.

What is "paraphrase"?

300

The main point an author is trying to make in their argument.

What is a "claim"?

300

A fictional plot that takes place in the setting of particular real historical events.

What is "historical fiction"?

300

Assigning human qualities to non-living things.

What is "personification"?

300

This organizational structure presents chronological or time order.

What is "sequence"?

300

To deduce or conclude from evidence.

What is "infer"?

400

Terms used in content-specific areas, such as social studies and science.

What is "academic vocabulary"?

400

Traditional stories, beliefs, and customs of a community passed through generations by word of mouth.

What is "folklore"?

400

A reference to another well-known work of literature, movie, TV show, etc.

What is an "allusion"?

400

An organizational structure that presents what was wrong and how it's solved.

What is "problem/solution"?

400

To examine methodically and in detail the structure of something with the purpose of explaining or interpreting it.

What is "analyze"?

500

Support for an author's position using logical reasoning and evidence, formerly called "persuasive" on prior tests.

What is an "argument"?

500

In history, this is also called original source or evidence created during the time period being studied.

What is a "primary document/source"?

500

A speech where a character reveals his thoughts and feelings to the audience.

What is a "soliloquy"?

500

Hints or clues about what will happen later in a story.

What is "foreshadowing"?

500

One thing/object standing for or representing something else in a work of literature.

What is "symbolism"?