Unit 1: Additional Literary Terms

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. inference
    a conclusion you can draw based on known evidence
    An inference is a logical guess a reader makes based on details in a text.
  2. irony
    incongruity between what is expected and what occurs
    Irony is a contradiction between appearance and reality.
  3. cause
    any entity that produces an effect
    A cause is an event, action, or feeling that produces a result.
  4. effect
    a phenomenon that is caused by some previous phenomenon
    An effect is the result produced.
  5. analogy
    drawing a comparison in order to show a similarity
    An analogy shows the relationship between pairs of words.
  6. perspective
    a way of regarding situations or topics
    The cultural perspective of a story refers to the customs, beliefs, and values of the place and time in which it is set.
  7. dictionary
    a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words
    A dictionary is a resource that provides different kinds of information to help readers, writers, and speakers use words correctly.
  8. thesaurus
    a book containing a classified list of synonyms
    A thesaurus is a book of synonyms.
  9. denotation
    the most direct or specific meaning of a word or expression
    A thesaurus can also help you locate words that share denotations, or dictionary definitions, but have different connotations, or shades of meaning.
  10. connotation
    an idea that is implied or suggested
    A thesaurus can also help you locate words that share denotations, or dictionary definitions, but have different connotations, or shades of meaning.
  11. quotation
    a passage or expression that is cited
    Exact quotations can illustrate a character's attitude, a writer's word choice, or an essayist's opinion.
  12. example
    an item of information that is typical of a class or group
    Examples of a character's actions or of a specific literary element can enhance your analysis.
  13. paraphrase
    rewording for the purpose of clarification
    Paraphrases, or restatements in your own words, can help you clarify key ideas.
  14. simile
    a figure of speech expressing a resemblance between things
    A simile is a comparison of two unlike things using like or as.
  15. metaphor
    a figure of speech that suggests a non-literal similarity
    A metaphor describes one thing in terms of another.
  16. comparative
    the form of an adjective or adverb with "more" or "-er"
    The comparative degree, which is usually formed by adding -er to the adjective or by using the word more, is used to compare two items.
  17. superlative
    the form of a word denoting the greatest degree or extent
    The superlative degree, which is usually formed by adding -est to the adjective or by using the word most, is used to compare more than two items.
  18. informal
    having the simple or familiar structure of everyday language
    Share your findings in an informal speech or presentation for the class.
  19. speech
    a formal spoken communication to an audience
    Share your findings in an informal speech or presentation for the class.
  20. presentation
    a show or display
    Share your findings in an informal speech or presentation for the class.
  21. journal
    a daily written record of experiences and observations
    Summarize your research in a journal or blog entry about individuality and conformity as it relates to the language one speaks.
  22. blog
    an online journal where people post about their experiences
    Summarize your research in a journal or blog entry about individuality and conformity as it relates to the language one speaks
  23. evidence
    knowledge on which to base belief
    Supporting evidence is the proof used in an argument. It can include facts, examples, statistics, and expert testimony.
  24. argumentative
    given to or characterized by a tendency to dispute
    Write an argumentative essay in which you take a position about Berreby's observation.
  25. diction
    the manner in which something is expressed in words
    Diction, or word choice, is a key part of a writer's style.
  26. biography
    an account of the series of events making up a person's life
    Write a short biography of this person in which you analyze his or her contributions and consider how being different may have contributed to those achievements.
  27. description
    a statement that represents something in words
    Description is the use of sensory details to create a word picture for readers.
  28. autobiographical
    relating to or in the style of an account of one's own life
    Write an autobiographical narrative in which you describe how a special trait of your own has either set you apart from others or helped you fit in.
Created on Mon Oct 12 14:52:32 EDT 2020 (updated Wed Oct 14 11:21:15 EDT 2020)

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