6th Grade Honors Language Arts (Academic Language) Core Standards Plus

singinheart R. (United States of America)
June 2013
Hi, This is a work in progress, combining literary devices vocab with other 6th grade lists... I am working on making definitions & examples user-friendly for middle school... Thanks especially to these sites for their resources: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/grammar-composition/
http://quizlet.com/19611006/6th-grade-ams-academic-vocabulary-flash-cards/
http://literary-devices.com/content/characterization
http://school.familyeducation.com/gifted-education/cognitive-psychology/38660.html
142 words 104 learners

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words only definitions & notes
  1. affix
    attach or become attached to a stem word
    other definition: A word part that cannot stand alone, such as a "prefix" or "suffix" (morpheme), and changes the meaning of a base word.

    Examples:
    Prefixes: co- (copilot), dis- (disappear)
    Suffixes: -ist (chemist), -less (endless)
  2. alibi
    proof that someone accused of a crime could not have done it
    another definition: proof that someone accused of a crime could not have done it
  3. allegory
    a visible symbol representing an abstract idea
    Other definitions:
    * A short moral story

    More: An allegory is a symbolism device where the meaning of a greater, often abstract, concept is conveyed with the aid of a more corporeal object or idea being used as an example. Usually a rhetoric device, an allegory suggests a meaning via metaphoric examples.
    Example:
    Faith is like a stony uphill climb: a single stumble might send you sprawling but belief and steadfastness will see you to the very top.
  4. alliteration
    use of the same consonant at the beginning of each word
    More:A literary device where words are used in quick succession & begin with letters belonging to the same sound group. Whether the consonant sound or a specific vowel group, alliteration creates a repetition of similar sounds. Alliterations are also created when the words all begin with the same letter. Alliterations are used to add character to the writing and often add an element of ‘fun’ to the piece.

    Example: Jackola joyfully jumped into the jamboree.
  5. allusion
    passing reference or indirect mention
    More: The author refers to a subject matter such as a place, event, or literary work by way of a passing reference. It is up to the reader to make a connection to the subject being mentioned.

    Example:
    "It’s no wonder everyone refers to Mary as another Mother Teresa in the making; she loves to help and care after people everywhere- from the streets to her own friends." In the example the author uses the mention of Mother Teresa to indicate the sort of qualities that Mary has.
  6. ambiguous
    having more than one possible meaning
    *** ambiguous pronoun: when it's not clear to what a pronoun is referring because it could refer to one of two antecedents (His dad gave him his coat.)
  7. amplification
    addition of extra material or illustration or clarifying detail
    More: A literary practice wherein the writer embellishes the sentence by adding more information to increase its worth/understandability. When a plain sentence is too abrupt and fails to convey the full implications desired, amplification comes into play when the writer adds more to the structure to give it more meaning.


    Example:
    Original sentence- The essay was difficult. After amplification- The essay was difficult because it required extensive research, hours of revising, and careful edi
  8. analogy
    drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity
    More: An analogy is a literary device that helps to establish a relationship based on similarities between two concepts or ideas. By using an analogy we can convey a new idea by using the blueprint of an old one as a basis for understanding. With a mental linkage between the two, one can create comprehension regarding the new concept in a simple and succinct manner.

    Example:
    Just as one cannot have the rainbow without the rain, one cannot achieve success and riches without hard work.
  9. analysis
    abstract separation of something into its various parts
    *** Start big, go into small parts.
    Analysis involves breaking down information into parts, or examining (and trying to understand the organizational structure of) information.
  10. analyze
    break down into components or essential features
    Related:

    Asking the Right Questions:
    Use words and phrases such as: what are the differences, analyze, explain, compare, separate, classify, arrange, etc., to encourage your child to break information down into parts.

    Sample questions:
    What is one difference between eggs laid by a frog and a chicken?
    Compare and contrast some significant contributions...
  11. anecdote
    short account of an incident
    other definition: a brief story that speaks to an issue or topic

    examples:
    * At the beginning of a speech about fire safety, the speaker tells a short cautionary tale about a serious injury that occurred as a result of not following protocol.
    * A mother tells her son a story about a family vacation when she was growing up.
  12. annotate
    add explanatory notes to or supply with critical comments
    other definition: add comments, questions, and explanations to help understand a text
  13. antagonist
    someone who offers opposition
    *** often is in conflict with the protagonist in a story
  14. antecedent
    a preceding occurrence or cause or event
    *** In reference to pronouns: the word, phrase, or clause to which a pronoun refers.

    Examples:
    "Adeline bit her lip." Adeline = antecedent; her = pronoun.
    "Eating with your mouth closed has several benefits. Most importantly, it keeps people from turning away in disgust." Eating with your mouth closed = phrase as antecedent; it = pronoun.
  15. antonym
    a word that expresses an opposite meaning
  16. apposition
    a relation between a word and a noun phrase that follows
    Apposition is a grammatical construction in which two elements, normally noun phrases, are placed side by side, with one element serving to define or modify the other. When this device is used, the two elements are said to be in apposition. For example, in the phrase "my friend Alice", the name "Alice" is in apposition to "my friend".
  17. argument
    a discussion for and against some proposition or proposal
    other definitions:
    * a reasoned, logical form of writing that shows the writer's claim is valid/true
    * a methodical process of logical reasoning
    * an assertion offered as evidence that something is true
  18. bibliography
    a list of writings with time and place of publication
    other definition: information about source(s) used (title, author, publisher, date of publication, etc.)
  19. characterization
    the act of describing essential features
    More: Characterization in literature refers to a step-by-step process wherein a character of a story is brought to notice and then detailed upon in front of the reader. Characterization is a sort of initiation wherein the reader is introduced to the character. The initial step is to introduce the character with a marked emergence, then his behavior is discussed, followed by an insight into his thought-process, then the character voices his opinions. Lastly, others respond to the character.
  20. cite
    make reference to
    other definition: identify a part of a piece of writing as being derived from a source
  21. claim
    assert or affirm strongly
    other definition: an assertion that something is true or factual that is supported by evidence
  22. clause
    an expression including a subject and predicate
    other definition: group of related words that contains both a subject and a verb

    *** independent clause: "He is younger than his brother..." (this could be a sentence all by itself)
    *** dependent clause: "Because he is younger than his brother...." (this is now incomplete)

    Useful website for understanding clauses: http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/clauses.htm
  23. climax
    the decisive moment in a novel or play
    other definition: In a narrative (within an essay, short story, novel, or play), the turning point in the action (also known as the crisis) and/or the highest point of interest or excitement.

    In writing, there has to be a series of events that leads to a climax that captivates the audience and makes them tense and anxious to know what is going to happen. In its simplest form, the classical structure of a narrative can be described as rising action, climax, falling action - beg./mid./end.
  24. conflict
    a state of opposition between persons or ideas or interests
    More:
    The conflict usually follows 3 regular formats:
    a) characters in conflict with one another
    b) characters in conflict with their surroundings and
    c) characters in conflict with themselves.
    A literary device used for expressing a resistance the protagonist of the story finds in achieving his aims/ dreams.

    Other definition:
    * opposition in a work of drama between characters or forces
    * a disagreement or argument
  25. connotation
    an idea that is implied or suggested
    Connotative meaning: the meaning suggested by the ideas/emotions triggered by a word/phrase

    More: Connotation is a complex literary device wherein the intended meaning is not stated clearly and is instead conveyed through covert, indirect means. Connotations leaves a little of the meaning unstated so that the reader can decode it for himself.

    Example:
    "And once again, the autumn leaves were falling." This phrase uses ‘autumn’ to signify something coming to an end.
  26. context
    the set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation
    **** context clues: use surrounding words to figure out the meaning of a word or passage

    There are at least six common types of context clues:
    definition, antonym/contrast, synonym/restatement, inference, description, summary (see website ref below for examples)

    Useful website: https://sites.google.com/site/mrlangcpa/assignments/week-2-april-5---april-9/context-clues
  27. contradiction
    opposition between two conflicting forces or ideas
    other definitions:
    * a direct opposition between things compared, inconsistency
    * a statement that is necessarily false
    * the speech act of opposing someone
  28. convention
    something regarded as a normative example
    conventions: accepted rules of written and spoken language (proper grammar, usage, punctuation, spelling, etc.)

    (what we have to do even when sometimes we don't want to do it! LOL)
  29. credible
    capable of being believed
    credible source: information that is believable and trustworthy
  30. criticism
    a serious examination and judgment of something
  31. critique
    an essay or article that gives an evaluation
  32. deductive reasoning
    reasoning from the general to the particular
  33. denotation
    the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression
    Denotative meaning: the literal or dictionary meaning of a word or phrase

    More: Denotation refers to expressing a meaning or the significance of a part of a story in a straightforward, clear-cut manner. There is no roundabout, covert manner employed and hence denotation is the opposite of connotation.

    Example:
    He packed his bags and made his way out of the house, leaving his old life behind forever.
  34. denote
    have as a meaning
  35. dependent clause
    a section in a complex sentence that cannot stand alone
  36. editing
    putting something into acceptable form
    stage of the writing process: reading carefully and changing grammatical, usage, capitalization, and punctuation errors in a piece of writing; proofreading
  37. elaborate
    add details to clarify an idea
    amplify
  38. end-rhymed
    rhymed on the terminal syllables of the verses
    From:
    The Road Not Taken, by Robert Frost

    Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
    And sorry I could not travel both
    And be one traveler, long I stood
    And looked down one as far as I could
    To where it bent in the undergrowth;
  39. environment
    the totality of surrounding conditions
  40. epilogue
    a short speech by an actor at the end of a play
    More: An inherent part of any story or poem - essential to the structure of any written form. Acts as the afterword once the last chapter is over. The purpose is to add insight to developments that happen once the major plot is over. Can act as a teaser trailer to later sequels. Sometimes adds a little bit about the life/future of the main characters. Can be written differently: the same narrative style can be continued, or one of the characters might speak one-to-one with the audience.
  41. etymology
    a history of a word
  42. evaluate
    estimate the nature, quality, ability or significance of
    Another definition: form a critical opinion of
    Ex: Apple stressed that each request was evaluated on its merits and not automatically granted.

    The Guardian Jun 17, 2013
  43. evidence
    knowledge on which to base belief
    other definitions:

    * an indication that makes something apparent
    * means by which an alleged matter is established or disproved
    * show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
    * provide grounds for
  44. exposition
    a systematic interpretation or explanation of a topic
  45. first person
    pronouns and verbs used to refer to the speaker
    The first-person point of view is used primarily for autobiographical writing, such as a personal essay or a memoir.

    Example: I am going to school today with my friends.

    Useful website for "persons": http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/first-second-and-third-person.aspx
  46. flashback
    a transition in a story to an earlier event or scene
    More: A literary device used to create a background to the present situation, place or person. The author depicts specific events to the reader, which have taken place before the present time the narration is following, or events that have happened before the current events in the story. Flashback devices: past narratives by characters, depictions and references of dreams and memories, and authorial sovereignty wherein the author directly refers to a past occurrence in a straightforward manner.
  47. fly in the face of
    go against
  48. flying colors
    complete success
  49. fly off the handle
    get very angry and fly into a rage
  50. footnote
    a printed comment placed below the main text on a page
  51. foreshadowing
    the act of providing vague advance indications
    More: The literary device foreshadowing refers to the use of indicative words/phrases and hints that set the stage for a story to unfold and give the reader a hint of something that is going to happen without revealing the story or spoiling the suspense. Foreshadowing is used to suggest an upcoming outcome to the story.
  52. homophone
    a word pronounced the same with another meaning or spelling
  53. hyperbole
    extravagant exaggeration
    More: A literary device wherein the author uses specific words and phrases that exaggerate and overemphasize to produce a grander, larger-than-life effect and overly stress a specific point. Such sentences usually convey an action or sentiment that is generally not realistically possible but helps emphasize an emotion.
    Examples:
    These books in your bag weigh a ton.
    I am so tired I could sleep for a year.

    Useful site: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/examples-of-hyperboles.html
  54. idiom
    expression whose meaning cannot be inferred from its words
  55. illusion
    an erroneous mental representation
    other definition: distortion of the senses (optical illusion)
  56. imagery
    the ability to form mental pictures of things or events
    (Make a movie in your reader's mind!)
    More: One of the strongest literary devices. The author uses words and phrases to create “mental images” for the reader. Imagery helps the reader to visualize and more realistically experience the author’s writings. Metaphors, allusions, descriptive words and similes, etc. “tickle” and awaken the readers’ sensory perceptions. Imagery ignites visual, kinesthetic, olfactory, tactile, gustatory, thermal, and auditory sensations.
  57. impact
    have an effect upon
    other definition: The effect or influence of one thing on another
  58. independent clause
    a section in a complex sentence that can stand alone
  59. inductive reasoning
    reasoning from detailed facts to general principles
  60. inference
    a conclusion you can draw based on known evidence
  61. intensive
    characterized by a heightened level or degree
    *** intensive pronoun: adds emphasis to pronoun or named noun; example-I myself will go.
  62. internal rhyme
    a rhyme between words in the same line
    More: In literature the internal rhyme is a practice of forming a rhyme in only one lone line of verse. An internal rhyme is also known as the middle rhyme because it is typically constructed in the middle of a line to rhyme with the bit at the end of the same metrical line.

    Example:
    The line from the famed poem Ancient Mariner, “We were the first that ever burst”.
  63. interpretation
    an explanation of something that is not immediately obvious
  64. interview
    the questioning of a person, often conducted by journalists
  65. investigator
    someone who inquires carefully
    other definition: someone who inquires carefully
  66. irony
    incongruity between what is expected and what occurs
    other definition: opposite of its literal meaning
  67. irrelevant
    having no bearing on or connection with the subject at issue
  68. issue
    some situation or event that is thought about
    other definition: a question or idea that can be argued
  69. legacy
    a gift of personal property by will
    other definition: something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past
  70. literal
    limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text
    *** nothing special, just what it says
  71. lore
    knowledge gained through tradition or anecdote
  72. memoir
    an account of the author's personal experiences
  73. metaphor
    a figure of speech that suggests a non-literal similarity
    More: The purpose of using a metaphor is to take an identity or concept that we understand clearly (second subject) and use it to better understand the lesser-known element (the first subject).

    Example: “Henry was a lion on the battlefield”. This sentence suggests that Henry fought so valiantly and bravely that he embodied all the personality traits we attribute to the ferocious animal. This sentence tells us that Henry was courageous and fearless while in conflict.
  74. meter
    a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in verse
    other definitions:
    1a : systematically arranged and measured rhythm in verse:
    (1) : rhythm that continuously repeats a single basic pattern
    (2) : rhythm characterized by regular recurrence of a systematic arrangement of basic patterns in larger figures
    b : a measure or unit of metrical verse —usually used in combination
    c : a fixed metrical pattern : verse form

    2: the basic recurrent rhythmical pattern
  75. modifier
    a content word that qualifies the meaning of a noun or verb
    other definition: a word or phrase that makes specific the meaning of another word or phrase

    Ex:In “a red hat,” the adjective “red” is a modifier describing the noun “hat.”
  76. mood
    a characteristic state of feeling
    What do you think the author is feeling towards the characters or about the theme? How does he/she get you to feel the same way?
    other definitions:
    * the expression of mood especially in art or literature
    * a predominant emotion
    * a prevailing attitude
    * a distinctive atmosphere or context
    * a receptive state of mind predisposing to action
    * a distinctive atmosphere or context
  77. morpheme
    the smallest meaningful language unit
    more with example:
    A morpheme is the smallest meaningful unit in the grammar of a language.
    Unladylike: 3 morphemes (un - not, lady - female adult, like - sharing characteristics)
    Dogs: 2 morphemes (dog - canine, s - plural)
  78. mystery
    something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
  79. narration
    giving an account describing a course of events
  80. nuance
    a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
    other definition: a slight difference in meaning, tone, expression
  81. onomatopoeia
    using words that imitate the sound they denote
    More: The term ‘onomatopoeia’ refers to words whose very sound is very close to the actual sound they represent. They create vivid mental imagery.
    Examples of words: boom, huff, moo, buzz, snap, slither
    Examples of phrases: “the whispering of the forest trees” or “the hum of a thousand bees” or “the click of the door in the nighttime”
  82. opposition
    being against something that you disapprove or disagree with
  83. paraphrase
    express the same message in different words
  84. passage
    a section of text, particularly a section of medium length
  85. personification
    attributing human characteristics to abstract ideas
    also includes: attributing human characteristics to animals

    More: Personification is one of the most commonly used and recognized literary devices. It refers to the practice of attaching human traits and characteristics with inanimate objects, phenomena and animals.
    Examples:
    “The raging winds”
    “The wise owl”
    “The warm and comforting fire”
  86. perspective
    appearance as determined by distance from the viewer
    other definitions: * point of view * a way of regarding situations or topics, etc. Ex: But trying to picture the other guy’s perspective is often the best strategy for solving conflicts. New York TimesJun 6, 2013 ***In grammatical terms, first person, second person, and third person point of view refer to personal pronouns. Each “person” has a different perspective, a “point of view”.
  87. phrase
    an expression consisting of one or more words
  88. plagiarism
    taking someone's words or ideas as if they were your own
    other definition: taking credit for someone else's writing or ideas
  89. plot
    the story that is told, as in a novel, play, movie, etc.
    Usually refers to the sequence of ordered, related events that make up a story.
    There is another kind of plot in literature as well; it refers to the conflict occurring as a part of the story.

    Example of basic plot:
    Many movies follow a similar simple plot. Boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back in the end.
  90. point of view
    a mental position from which things are perceived
    More:
    The ‘point of view’ is a literary device that depicts who it is that tells the story. It therefore determines the angle and perception of the story unfolding, and thus influences the tone in which the story takes place. It controls the reader’s understanding since the point of view can allow or withhold access into the greater reaches of the story. The two most common point of view techniques are the first person (I, me, my...) and the third person (he, she, they, their...).
  91. prefix
    an affix that is added in front of the word
    *** a prefix is added to the beginning of the root/base word and it changes the word's meaning

    List of common prefixes: http://grammar.about.com/od/words/a/comprefix07.htm
  92. problem solving
    the thought processes involved in solving a problem
  93. prologue
    an introductory section of a novel or other literary work
    More: A prologue can be understood to be a sort of introduction to a story that usually sets the tone for the story and acts as a bit of a backgrounder or a “sneak peek” into the story. Prologues are typically a narrative ‘spoken’ by one of the characters and not from the part of the author.
    Examples:


    * "The origin of this story is..."
    *“It all began one day when…”
  94. pronoun
    a function word that is used in place of a noun
    list: http://www.momswhothink.com/reading/list-of-pronouns.html#pronoun%20list

    *** more w/ examples: Subject and object pronouns are used in everyday language. However, it can be tricky to remember which is which. The subject always takes action. The object is part of the activity, but it does not do any acting. Example:

    "Shelby likes talking to Marvin." Shelby is the subject; she is liking/talking. Marvin is the object; all the liking and talking is done to Marvin but not by Marvin.
  95. protagonist
    the principal character in a work of fiction
  96. realism
    the state of being actual
    other definition: the attribute of accepting the facts of life and favoring practicality and literal truth
  97. red herring
    something intended to distract attention from the main issue
    other definition: something that distracts attention from the real issue [from the practice of drawing a red herring across a trail to confuse hunting dogs]

    Ex: The argument is a red herring. It actually has nothing to do with the issue.
  98. reflexive pronoun
    a personal pronoun compounded with -self to show the agent's action affects the agent
    more w/ example:
    Reflexive pronouns rename the subject in a sentence.
    End in -self or -selves & refers to earlier noun/pronoun in sentence (separated by the verb)
    List: myself, yourself, himself, herself, itself, ourselves, yourselves, and themselves
    Ex: She cut herself on the arm. (herself renames the pronoun she)
  99. resolution
    a decision to do something or to behave in a certain manner
  100. revising
    editing that involves writing something again
    stage of the writing process: one considers and improves the meaning and underlying structure of a written draft
  101. root word
    the form of a word after all affixes are removed
    other definition: main part/base of a word
  102. second person
    pronouns and verbs that refer to the person being addressed
    You use the second-person point of view to address the reader, as I just did. Second person is often appropriate for e-mail messages, presentations, and business and technical writing.

    Examples:
    * You make breakfast by pouring milk over cereal in a bowl.
    * Luke, you need to be in your seat when the principal arrives.
  103. setting
    facts or circumstances that surround a situation or event
    More: In literature, the word ‘setting’ is used to identify and establish the time, place and mood of the events of the story. It basically helps in establishing where and when and under what circumstances the story is taking place.

    Example:
    In the first of the Harry Potter series, most of the book takes place at the protagonist, Harry’s, aunt’s & uncle’s place, living in the “muggle” (non-magical) world, & Harry is unaware of his magical capabilities & raised normally until 11 yrs. old.
  104. simile
    a figure of speech expressing a resemblance between things
    other definitions:
    * a figure of speech (figurative language) comparing two unlike things, that is often introduced by like or as (as in cheeks like roses)
    * a figure of speech that expresses a resemblance between things of different kinds (usually formed with `like' or `as')

    Examples: He plays his instrument like a wind howling.
    Cody plays with him as a cat plays with a mouse.
  105. sleuth
    a detective who follows a trail
  106. source
    a document from which information is obtained
    *** digital source: a resource that is accessed through a computer or other electronic device
    *** print source: a source that is printed on paper, such as a book or journal
    other definitions:
    * a person who supplies information
    * a publication that is referred to
    * anything that provides inspiration for later work
  107. suffix
    a linguistic element that is added at the end of the word
    *** a suffix is added to the end of the root/base word and it changes the word's meaning

    List of common suffixes: http://grammar.about.com/od/words/a/comsuffixes.htm
  108. summarize
    briefly present the main points of something
  109. suspect
    regard as untrustworthy
    other definition: regard with suspicion; have no faith or confidence in
  110. symbolism
    the practice of investing things with arbitrary meaning
  111. synonym
    a word that expresses the same or similar meaning
  112. synthesis
    the combination of ideas into a complex whole
    *** Start with small pieces, add up to make a big project.

    Synthesis involves applying prior knowledge and skills to combine elements into a pattern not clearly there before.
  113. synthesize
    combine and form a complex whole
    Related:

    Asking the Right Questions:
    Use words and phrases such as: combine, rearrange, substitute, create, design, invent, what if?, etc., to encourage your child to combine elements into a pattern that's new.

    Sample questions:
    What might happen if a cow laid eggs? Knowing what you know about egg-laying animals, what could you say about animals that don't lay eggs?
    What if Abe Lincoln lived today? What problem might he solve?
  114. text
    the words of something written
    *** textual evidence - refers to quotations, summaries or paraphrases, from the text passages to support a position.
  115. theme
    a unifying idea that is a recurrent element in literary work
    other definitions:
    * message or statement about life in the story
    * the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
    Examples:
    The story "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" portrays the author's opinion about honesty.

    Lists of common themes:
    http://homeworktips.about.com/od/writingabookreport/a/themelist.htm
    http://www.vhinkle.com/nightingale/themes.html
  116. third person
    pronouns referring to people besides the speaker or listener
    The third person is the most common point of view used in fiction writing and is the traditional form for academic writing.

    Examples:
    * Once upon a time, there was a lonely elf in a wood.
    * It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. (A Tale of Two Cities by Dickens)
    * He woke up with a deep longing to create a new...
  117. time
    the continuum of experience in which events pass to the past
    other definition:
    the continuum of experience from the past through the present to the future
  118. tone
    a quality that reveals the attitudes of the author
    other definitions:
    * the attitude of the author toward the audience and characters (e.g., serious or humorous)
    * the quality of something (an act or a piece of writing) that reveals the attitudes and presuppositions of the author
    * the general atmosphere of a place or situation
    More info here: http://literary-devices.com/content/tone
  119. verify
    confirm the truth of
    other definition: confirm the truth to make sure
  120. victim
    an unfortunate person who suffers from adverse circumstances
  121. voice
    the distinctive quality or pitch of a person's speech
    other definition: the unique way the writer conveys info, showing his/her personality
  122. witness
    someone who sees an event and reports what happened
  123. stanza
    a fixed number of lines of verse forming a unit of a poem
  124. paragraph
    write subdivisions of text
    *** each paragraph has a main idea
  125. topic sentence
    a statement that provides the main idea of a paragraph
  126. suspense
    excited anticipation of an approaching climax
    More:
    Suspense is the intense feeling that an audience goes through while waiting for the outcome of certain events. It leaves the reader holding their breath and wanting more information. The amount of intensity in a suspenseful moment is what makes it so hard to put a book down. Without suspense, a reader would lose interest quickly in any story because there is nothing that is making the reader ask, “What’s going to happen next?”
  127. cliffhanger
    an episode or story that ends in suspense
    A cliffhanger is a great way to create suspense. Remember when you were a kid and very excited to watch your favorite show? You might recall the feeling you had at the pit of your stomach when you were hoping to find out what happened to your favorite character, however, you didn’t get to find out. Instead they would make the “Tune In Next Week” announcement. "Same time, same place." Suspense is a powerful literary tool because, if done correctly, you know your audience will be back for more.
  128. symbol
    something visible that represents something invisible
    A symbol is literary device that contains several layers of meaning, often concealed at first sight, and is representative of several other aspects/concepts/traits. Symbol is using an object or action that means something more than its literal meaning.

    Example:

    The phrase “a new dawn” does not talk only about the actual beginning of a new day but also signifies a new start, a fresh chance to begin and the end of a previous tiring time.
  129. verse
    literature in metrical form
    *** several verses make a stanza
  130. understatement
    something said in a restrained way for ironic contrast
    More: This literary device refers to the practice of drawing attention to a fact that is already obvious and noticeable. Understating a fact is usually done by way of sarcasm, irony, wryness or any other form of dry humor. Understating something is akin to exaggerating its obviousness as a means of humor.
    Examples:
    "It is a little cool." - when the temperature is 5° below zero.
    "The food was almost tolerable." - food that from the best chef in the world.
  131. tragedy
    an event resulting in great loss and misfortune
    In literature, refers to a series of unfortunate events by which one or more of the characters undergo several misfortunes, finally culminating into a disaster of ‘epic proportions’. Tragedy is generally built up in 5 stages:
    a) happy times
    b) the introduction of a problem
    c) the problem worsens to a crisis/dilemma
    d) the characters are unable to prevent the problem from taking over
    e) the problem results in some catastrophic, grave ending
  132. noun
    a content word referring to a person, place, thing or action
  133. adjective
    the word class that qualifies nouns
  134. adverb
    a word that modifies something other than a noun
  135. verb
    a word denoting an action, occurrence, or state of existence
  136. conjunction
    a function word that serves to conjoin words or phrases
    and, but, or, yet, for, nor, so
  137. preposition
    a word before a noun or pronoun connecting to another word
    other definition: The definition of a preposition is a word or phrase that connects a noun or pronoun to a verb or adjective in a sentence.

    "I'm going to the church at Rocky Peak with my family."
    Useful website: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/examples-of-prepositions.html

    in, on, by, for, with, to, at
  138. article
    a determiner indicating the specificity of a noun phrase
    a, an, the
  139. interjection
    an abrupt emphatic exclamation expressing emotion
    wow, hmm, eh, ew, eeks, woot

    Useful website list: http://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples/examples-of-interjections.html
  140. spoonerism
    transposition of initial consonants in a pair of words
    More: Spoonerism refers to the practice of interchanging the first letters of some words in order to create new words or even to create nonsensical words in order to create a humorous setting. While they are often unintentional and known as a “slip of the tongue”, in literature they are welcomed as witty word-play.

    Examples:
    I hit my bunny phone (I hit my funny bone)
    flutter by (butterfly)
    my zips are lipped (my lips are zipped)
  141. literary
    relating to or characteristic of creative writing
    literary devices: literary terms/tools of the trade
  142. figurative
    not literal
    figures of speech/figurative language:

    One meaning of "figure" is "drawing" or "image" or "picture". Figurative language creates figures (pictures) in the mind of the reader or listener. These pictures help convey the meaning faster and more vividly than words alone. Opposite of literal.

    Examples of figurative speech:
    He ran fast. (literal)
    He ran like the wind. (figurative)

    Useful website: http://www.englishclub.com/vocabulary/figures.htm
Created on Wed Jun 19 13:47:00 EDT 2013 (updated Thu Jun 20 16:24:58 EDT 2013)

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