English I STAAR Academic Vocabulary #1

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Simile

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A figure of speech that compares two different things using 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'Her smile was as bright as the sun.'

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Sarcasm

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Witty language used to convey insults or scorn, often in a humorous way. Example: 'Oh, great! Another rainy day!' (when one is not actually pleased).

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Flashback

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A narrative technique that interrupts the chronological order of a story to provide background information or context. Example: A character remembers their childhood while reflecting on their current situation.

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Allusion

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A passing reference or indirect mention to a person, event, or literary work. Example: 'He was a real Romeo with the ladies.'

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Foreshadowing

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A literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story.

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Metaphor

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A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'. Example: 'Time is a thief.'

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Personification

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Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities or objects. Example: 'The wind whispered through the trees.'

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Oxymoron

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A figure of speech in which contradictory terms appear in conjunction. Example: 'Deafening silence.'

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Pun

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A form of word play that exploits multiple meanings of a term or similarity in sound for humorous or rhetorical effect. Example: 'Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.'

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Theme

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The central topic, subject, or message within a narrative. Example: The theme of love in 'Romeo and Juliet'.