ELA Academic Vocabulary

Front

What is an antagonist?

Back

The main character's opponent in a story. The character who is trying to stop the main character from achieving a goal.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.6.2D

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

Front

What is the definition of climax?

Back

The turning point of the story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9

Front

What does it mean to support an argument?

Back

To justify or prove an answer.

Tags

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Front

What is an analogy?

Back

A figure of speech that shows the relationship between words or ideas.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.5B

CCSS.L.8.5B

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Front

What is tone in writing?

Back

The attitude of an author in a piece of writing.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.3A

CCSS.L.4.3A

CCSS.L.5.3A

CCSS.L.6.3A

CCSS.L.6.3B

Front

What is a protagonist?

Back

The main character in a story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What is a theme?

Back

The central idea or message in a piece of writing.

Tags

CCSS.L.6.6

CCSS.L.7.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.7.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

Front

What is a 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

Front

What is a simile?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Front

What is foreshadowing?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.5