Literary Terms and Concepts

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Inference

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A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning; Taking what text says and what you know to come to a conclusion.

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Author's Purpose

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The reason why an author decides to write about a specific topic; typically to persuade, inform, entertain, or explain.

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Craft

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The art of writing; intentional use of various devices (figurative language, imagery, details, etc.) to create an effect on the reader. Anything done on purpose by a writer to make their writing look or sound a certain way.

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Poetry

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Literary work; characteristics include a quality of beauty and intensity of emotion; expression of feelings and ideas by using a distinctive style and rhythm.

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Rhyme

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Repetition of similar sounds at the end of words.

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Meter

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Stressed and unstressed patterns in a poem; gives poetry a rhythmical and melodious sound.

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Stanza

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A division of (four or more) lines having a fixed length, meter, or rhyming scheme; similar to a paragraph; includes connected thoughts; set off by a space.

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Scheme

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Pattern of sounds that repeat at the end of a line or stanza; e.g., ABAB.

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Figurative Language

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Word or phrase that does not have its normal everyday, literal meaning; e.g., hyperbole, personification, similes, metaphors.

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Sensory Details

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Sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste; using the senses to engage a reader's interest.