Key Literary Terms

Front

To say something that someone else has said or written using different words.

Back

PARAPHRASE

Front

To form an opinion from evidence; to reach a conclusion based on known facts.

Back

INFER

Front

A text that is explaining or describing something.

Back

EXPOSITORY

Front

The most important or central thought unifying elements of a text.

Back

CENTRAL IDEA

Front

The reason an author has for writing a text and engaging their audience; these reasons often overlap (e.g., persuade, inform, entertain).

Back

AUTHOR’S PURPOSE

Front

Hidden inside

Back

IMPLICIT

Front

Explained exactly in the text

Back

EXPLICIT

Front

Personal story (weak evidence)

Back

ANECDOTE

Front

The essay's central idea/ the answer to the writing prompt.

Back

THESIS

Front

State it or SAY it again

Back

RESTATE