8th Grade ELA Terms Part 1

Front

What is an objective summary?

Back

A brief account of a text’s central or main points, themes, or ideas that is free of bias, prejudice, and personal opinion and does not incorporate outside information.

Front

What is the central idea of a text?

Back

The unifying concept within an informational text to which other elements and ideas relate; the main point of an informational text.

Front

Who is the antagonist in a story?

Back

The character in a text that works against the main character.

Front

What does the term 'theme' refer to in literature?

Back

The universal truth, lesson, or moral about life that a text presents.

Front

What is textual evidence?

Back

Evidence found within a particular text used to support or explain conclusions, opinions, and/or assertions about the text itself.

Front

Define 'protagonist'.

Back

The main character in a story, often facing a conflict that must be resolved.

Front

What is a supporting detail?

Back

Information or evidence that helps to explain or support the central idea or theme of a text.

Front

What is the difference between theme and central idea?

Back

Theme refers to the universal lesson or moral of a text, while central idea is the main point or concept that the text conveys.

Front

What is the purpose of dialogue in a text?

Back

To convey characters' thoughts, feelings, and interactions, helping to develop the plot and characters.

Front

What is a claim in writing?

Back

A statement or assertion that is open to challenge and requires evidence to support it.