Language Arts Key Terms

Front

What is a genre?

Back

A category used to classify fiction, poetry, drama, and nonfiction, usually by form, technique, or content. Examples include fantasy, historical fiction, and science fiction.

Front

What is the main idea of a passage?

Back

The central or main thought or premise of a passage.

Front

What is imagery?

Back

Descriptive words or phrases that appeal to the senses in order to create a mental image for the reader (see, hear, taste, touch, smell).

Front

What is onomatopoeia?

Back

Words that mimic the sounds they describe.

Front

What is a plot?

Back

The sequence of events or actions in a literary text.

Front

What are supporting details?

Back

Facts, examples, or descriptions that help explain or support the main idea.

Front

What is figurative language?

Back

Language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation, often used to create effects.

Front

What is a metaphor?

Back

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

Front

What is a simile?

Back

A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.

Front

What is hyperbole?

Back

An exaggerated statement or claim not meant to be taken literally.