Literary Terms for Semester Exam CFE Frazier

Counterclaim

• A statement made in response to another claim for the purpose of opposing it

• A claim that supports the original argument

• A statement that summarizes the main point of an argument

• A question posed to challenge the validity of a claim

Perspective

• How the narrator and/or characters perceive what is taking place within the story OR an author or speaker's unique attitude toward a topic or perception of an issue or event

• A specific point in time when the story takes place

• The sequence of events that make up a story

• The emotional response of the characters to the events in the story

Fragment

• A complete sentence that expresses a full thought.

• An incomplete sentence; a break in a sentence.

• A type of punctuation used in writing.

• A literary device used to create suspense.

Universal Theme

• An idea that applies to anyone, anywhere, regardless of time period, place, or culture (e.g., the conflict between humans and technology, the impact of the past on the present)

• A specific theme that only applies to a particular culture or time period

• A theme that is only relevant in literary works

• A theme that is universally accepted without any cultural context

Bias

• A tendency to favor one side over another, often leading to unfair judgments.

• A neutral perspective on a topic without any personal feelings.

• A method of presenting information without any personal opinions.

• A comprehensive analysis of all sides of an argument.

Rhetoric

• The art of persuasive and effective communication

• A type of written poetry

• A method of scientific analysis

• A form of visual art

Allusion

• A direct statement about a person or event

• A short, indirect reference to a person, place, thing, or idea of importance

• A detailed description of a character's background

• A narrative that explains a historical event

Suspense

• Uncertainty of an outcome within a text, which can be constructed through the intentional use of specific information

• A feeling of excitement or anxiety about what may happen next

• A literary device used to create a sense of closure

• A technique to develop characters in a story

Verbal Irony

• A form of irony where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning.

• A type of humor that relies on puns and wordplay.

• A situation where the outcome is contrary to what was expected.

• A narrative technique that involves a character's internal thoughts.

Parallel Structure

• Words, phrases, or clauses that have similar or identical forms, structures, and/or sounds

• A technique used to create a rhythmic flow in writing

• A method of organizing ideas in a linear fashion

• A way to compare and contrast different concepts