ELA Terms to Know

Front

Audience

Back

The writer's targeted reader or readers.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.7.9

CCSS.RI.8.6

CCSS.RI.8.9

CCSS.RL.8.6

Front

Interpret

Back

To explain the meaning of something; to present something in understandable terms.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

Infer

Back

To figure something out by using evidence and reasoning: 'read between the lines'.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.10

CCSS.RI.7.10

CCSS.RI.8.10

CCSS.RL.7.10

CCSS.RL.8.10

Front

Compare and Contrast

Back

To note the similarities and/or dissimilarities between things.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

Theme

Back

The underlying message; what critical belief about life the author is trying to convey in the writing.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Front

Central Idea

Back

The main point or message that the author wants to communicate.

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Front

Bias

Back

A tendency to favor one side over another, which can affect the objectivity of the writing.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.6

Front

Context

Back

The circumstances or background information surrounding a text that helps to clarify its meaning.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.2

CCSS.RI.8.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Front

Symbolism

Back

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities in literature.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

CCSS.L.6.5

CCSS.L.7.5

CCSS.L.8.5

Front

Metaphor

Back

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as'.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5A

CCSS.L.5.5A

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.W.11-12.2D