Plot Structure
Known as the turning point of the story, this is the most intense, exciting, or dramatic moment, and where the main character faces their biggest challenge head-on.
Climax
This is the main point or central statement an author is trying to prove in an argument.
Claim (or thesis statement)
If a test question asks you Which two examples from the text support your answer in Part A?... how many answers should you choose?
Two (read all questions CAREFULLY)
What is a synonym for the word credible.
Trustworthy, Reliable, Believable, Dependable
This literary element refers to the underlying lesson, moral, or central message about life that an author wants the reader to learn from a story.
Theme
What is the beginning part of the story called where the reader learns the setting, characters and initial problem?
Exposition
Before stating their claim and diving into reasons and evidence, an author includes these two things at the beginning of an essay to catch the reader's attention and introduce the topic.
Hook and background information
If a test question asks you What is the main idea of paragraph 3 in Passage 2?... what should you do before answering the question?
Go back to Passage 2 and REREAD paragraph 3
What is an antonym for the word hostile.
Friendly, Kind, Amicable, Cordial, Warm
This element is the overall atmosphere or emotion that the reader feels while reading the text.
Mood
What is the main struggle or problem between opposing forces that drives the story forward called?
Conflict
This element acknowledges what people who disagree with or oppose what the author might say or believe about the topic.
Counterargument
What is a comprehension strategy Ms. Jones has said to use when reading texts that are lengthy and full of complex words?
Stop every paragraph or so and summarize in simpler, everyday language.
If you're reading an informational text, stop and use the key details in the paragraphs to think of the main idea.
If you're reading a narrative, stop and make inferences about the characters.
_______ parking _______ car right ______.
Which order are these words used in the above sentence?
A. Their
B. There
C. They're
C. They're, A. their, B. there
An author's choice of words and details help convey this element, which reveals the author's personal attitude toward the topic or audience (such as humorous, serious, or sarcastic).
Tone
This part of plot makes up the largest portion of a story, and is where tension builds through a series of events and complications leading up to the peak of the action.
Rising Action
An argument isn't just an opinion; to be valid, it requires this key element, which includes facts, statistics, or expert quotes that prove the claim is true.
Evidence
This term is used to describe a specific statement or appeal at the end of a persuasive text that tells the audience what to do next.
Call to action
Change the following sentence into ACTIVE voice:
Once the dishes were dry, the dishes were put away by the kids.
The kids put the dishes away once they were dry.
This literary device is being used when someone says one thing but means the exact opposite—like saying "Oh, perfect!" when it starts pouring rain on a day you planned to do something outdoors.
Irony (verbal)
After the peak event of the story, this section focuses on tying up loose ends, resolving secondary conflicts, and showing the direct consequences of the climax before the story reaches its final conclusion.
Falling Action
This is a response to the opposing viewpoint that explains why it is weak and why your viewpoint is strongest.
Rebuttal
This term is used to describe the most important point or big picture message that an author wants you to understand about a topic in a non-fiction or informational text.
Central idea or main idea
Change the following sentence into PASSIVE voice:
The kids folded the laundry at 7:00 pm.
At 7:00pm, the laundry was folded by the kids.
OR
The laundry was folded by the kids at 7:00 pm.
A fire station burning down or a tow truck breaking down on the highway are classic examples of which type of irony?
Situational irony