Literary Focus: Surrealism
Recognizing Genre: Informational Texts
Academic Vocabulary
Informational Text Structure
Language, Style, and Audience
100

What is surrealism?

Surrealism is a literary and artistic movement that seeks to express the unconscious mind, often through bizarre, dream-like scenes and illogical juxtapositions.

100

What defines an informational text?

An informational text is designed to inform or educate the reader about a specific topic, providing facts, data, and explanations.

100

What does "analyze" mean?

"Analyze" means to examine in detail the structure of something, typically for purposes of explanation and interpretation.

100

What is the purpose of a title?

The purpose of a title is to provide a concise summary of the content and draw the reader's attention.

100

What is the central idea?

The central idea is the main point or message that the author wants to convey in a text.

200

Name a common technique used in surrealism.

A common technique used in surrealism is the use of dream imagery or unexpected combinations of objects and ideas.

200

How can you identify an informational text?

You can identify an informational text by looking for characteristics such as headings, subheadings, charts, graphs, and a focus on factual content rather than storytelling.

200

What does "synthesize" mean?

 "Synthesize" means to combine different ideas, influences, or objects into a coherent whole.

200

What is the role of a thesis statement?

The role of a thesis statement is to present the main argument or claim of the text, guiding the reader on what to expect.

200

How do you summarize a text?

To summarize a text, you should condense the main ideas and key points into a shorter form, omitting extraneous details.

300

Who is a notable surrealist artist or writer?

Notable surrealist artists include Salvador Dalí René Magritte; notable writers include André Breton and Paul Éluard. 

300

What are characteristics of informational texts?

Characteristics of informational texts include clarity, precision, organization, and the use of visual aids to enhance understanding.

300

What does "evaluate" mean?

"Evaluate" means to assess or determine the value, significance, or quality of something.

300

How does an introduction help set the stage?

An introduction helps set the stage by providing background information and outlining the main points that will be discussed.

300

What is technical language?

Technical language refers to specialized vocabulary used in a specific field or profession, which can be difficult for general audiences to understand.

400

How does surrealism challenge perceptions of reality?

Surrealism challenges perceptions of reality by presenting dream-like scenarios that defy logical reasoning and conventional narrative structures.

400

What is the difference between informative and narrative texts?

The difference between informative and narrative texts is that informative texts aim to provide facts and information, while narrative texts tell a story and often include characters and plots.

400

What does "articulate" mean?

"Articulate" means to express an idea or feeling fluently and coherently.

400

What elements are found in a cause-and-effect structure?

Elements found in a cause-and-effect structure include a clear explanation of the cause, the effect it produces, and often examples or evidence to support the relationship.

400

How does audience affect writing style?

Audience affects writing style by influencing the tone, vocabulary, and complexity of the language used based on the expected knowledge and interests of the readers.

500

How can surrealism convey complex emotions?

Surrealism can convey complex emotions by exploring the subconscious mind, allowing for deeper expressions of feelings and thoughts that may not be articulated in a linear or realistic manner.

500

Why is recognizing genre important?

Recognizing genre is important because it helps readers understand the purpose of the text and the best way to approach reading it.

500

What does "context" mean?

"Context" refers to the circumstances or setting surrounding an event, statement, or idea, which can help clarify its meaning.

500

What are the components of a conclusion?

The components of a conclusion typically include a restatement of the main points, a summary of the discussion, and a final thought or call to action.

500

How do you identify the main idea in a paragraph?

To identify the main idea in a paragraph, look for the topic sentence or the sentence that expresses the primary concept, often supported by additional details or examples.