Literary Terms Vocabulary

Define the term 'infer/inference'.

• to make an educated guess

• to draw a conclusion from what is known

• to the facts

• to look closely at

Define the term 'theme'.

• The central idea or message in a literary work.

• A character's physical appearance.

• The time and place of a story.

• The sequence of events in a story.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Define the term 'conflict; internal vs. external'.

• Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces; internal conflict occurs within a character, while external conflict occurs between a character and an outside force.

• Conflict is a peaceful agreement between two characters; internal conflict is always positive.

• Conflict is only about physical fights between characters; internal conflict does not exist.

• Conflict is a setting in a story; internal conflict is the location of the main character.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

Define the term 'static vs. dynamic'.

• A static character does not change throughout the story, while a dynamic character undergoes significant change.

• A static character is always the main character, while a dynamic character is always a side character.

• A static character is only found in non-fiction, while a dynamic character is only found in fiction.

• A static character changes their name, while a dynamic character changes their appearance.

Define the term 'internal vs. external'.

• Internal refers to something within a character (such as thoughts or feelings), while external refers to something outside the character (such as events or other characters).

• Internal refers to events that happen in the setting, while external refers to the character's emotions.

• Internal refers to the actions of other characters, while external refers to the main character's thoughts.

• Internal refers to the weather, while external refers to the time of day.

Define the terms 'emerge; shape; refine'.

• To emerge is to become visible or known; to shape is to influence or determine; to refine is to improve or perfect.

• To emerge is to disappear; to shape is to destroy; to refine is to worsen.

• To emerge is to remain hidden; to shape is to ignore; to refine is to neglect.

• To emerge is to become smaller; to shape is to flatten; to refine is to make rough.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.8.2D

Define the term 'summary/summarize'.

• A summary is a brief statement of the main points; to summarize is to give a brief statement of the main points.

• A summary is a detailed explanation of every event; to summarize is to elaborate on all details.

• A summary is a list of unrelated facts; to summarize is to mention random information.

• A summary is a collection of opinions; to summarize is to provide personal viewpoints.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

What is the meaning of the literary phrase 'advance the plot'?

• To move the story forward through events, decisions, and/or cause->effect sequences of events.

• To describe the setting in detail without any action.

• To introduce new characters without affecting the story.

• To repeat previous events without any change.

Define the term 'dialogue'.

• Conversation between two or more characters in a literary work.

• A description of the setting in a story.

• A list of characters in a play.

• A summary of the plot.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.4C

CCSS.L.6.4C

CCSS.L.7.4C

CCSS.L.8.4C

CCSS.L.9-10.4C

Define the term 'diction'.

• The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing.

• A type of poetic device involving rhyme.

• The structure of a plot in a story.

• A method of character development in novels.

Tags

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D