Literary Analysis and Writing Techniques

Front

What is explicit meaning?

Back

What the text directly states

Front

What is implicit meaning?

Back

What you can conclude based on clues in the text

Front

Define textual evidence.

Back

Specific quotes, passages, or details from the text

Front

What does ambiguity refer to in a text?

Back

Places where the text is unclear or open to interpretation

Front

What is the key skill in analyzing textual evidence?

Back

Locate and cite specific evidence from the text

Front

What is figurative language?

Back

Metaphors, similes, personification, symbolism, imagery, hyperbole, etc.

Front

What is connotative meaning?

Back

The emotional or cultural associations of a word (beyond its dictionary definition)

Front

What is tone in literature?

Back

The author's attitude toward the subject (serious, playful, ironic, somber, etc.)

Front

What is diction?

Back

Word choice

Front

What is the purpose of analyzing text structure?

Back

To understand how the organization affects the reader's experience