Unit 5: Additional Literary Terms

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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. clause
    an expression including a subject and predicate
    A clause is a group of words that has both a subject and a verb.
  2. independent clause
    a section in a complex sentence that can stand alone
    An independent clause can stand by itself as a sentence.
  3. dependent clause
    a section in a complex sentence that cannot stand alone
    A dependent, or subordinate, clause has a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
  4. subordinate clause
    a section in a complex sentence that cannot stand alone
    A dependent, or subordinate, clause has a subject and a verb, but it cannot stand alone as a complete sentence.
  5. myth
    a traditional story serving to explain a world view
    With a small group, write a contemporary myth.
  6. script
    a written version of a play or other dramatic composition
    Write a brief script for a documentary film about these events.
  7. retelling
    a new version or adaptation of a story
    Present your own retelling of the myth to the class.
  8. semicolon
    a punctuation mark used to connect independent clauses
    Use a semicolon to join independent clauses that are not already joined by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, or, nor, for, so, and yet).
  9. colon
    a punctuation mark used after a word introducing a series
    A colon directs the reader's attention to the text that follows it.
  10. ellipsis
    a mark indicating that words have been omitted
    The three spaced periods that form an ellipsis represent a gap or a pause within a sentence.
  11. idiom
    expression whose meaning cannot be inferred from its words
    Idioms are common expressions that are characteristic of a region, community, or class of people.
  12. technical
    relating to or requiring special knowledge to be understood
    Technical terms are words used by people in specific fields to describe their activities.
  13. jargon
    technical terminology characteristic of a particular subject
    Jargon, like technical terminology, is the specialized language used in a specific field.
  14. dialogue
    the lines spoken by characters in drama or fiction
    Dialogue refers to characters' spoken words and the conversations they share.
  15. literary criticism
    a written evaluation of a serious written work
    Write a work of literary criticism in which you analyze the humor in "Arthur Becomes King of Britain."
  16. criticism
    a written evaluation of a serious written work
    Write a work of literary criticism in which you analyze the humor in "Arthur Becomes King of Britain."
  17. introduction
    the first section of a communication
    Introduction: Present the thesis.
  18. body
    the main or central part of a written work
    Body: Introduce evidence from the text to support the thesis.
  19. conclusion
    the last section of a communication
    Conclusion: Summarize the evidence and evaluate the author's style.
  20. frame
    enclose in a supporting structure
    A frame story is a story that brackets—or frames—another story.
  21. informal
    not in accord with established conventions and requirements
    Share your findings in an informal speech for the class.
  22. analytical
    using or skilled in using reasoning
    Write an analytical essay in which you discuss the beliefs the main characters express in both the frame story and the interior poem.
  23. parody
    humorous or satirical mimicry
    A parody is a humorous piece of writing that mocks the characteristics of a literary genre, work, or style.
  24. exposition
    a systematic interpretation or explanation of a topic
    Exposition is writing or speech that explains a process or presents information.
  25. persuasive
    intended or having the power to induce action or belief
    Write a persuasive essay in which you express and defend a position on the ethics of the knight's code of chivalry.
  26. connotation
    an idea that is implied or suggested
    The connotation of a word is the set of emotional associations it carries.
  27. tone
    a quality that reveals the attitudes of the author
    Tone is the writer's attitude toward his or her subject and can often be described by a single adjective, such as formal, serious, playful, gentle, or bitter.
  28. blog
    an online journal where people post about their experiences
    Share your findings in a travel article or blog post.
  29. reflective
    deeply or seriously thoughtful
    Write a reflective essay in which you describe how a text—whether a story, a film, a TV show, a graphic novel, or a comic book—inspired you as a child and still inspires you today.
Created on Fri Oct 16 15:47:59 EDT 2020 (updated Tue Jul 20 12:05:18 EDT 2021)

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