Author's Point of View | Author's Purpose | Cause | Chart | Compare | Conclusion | Contrast | Devices of Persuasion | Diagram | Difference | Effect | Fact | Graph | Inference | Main Idea | Map | Most Accurate | Opposing Point of Views | Outcome | Primary Sources | Relevant/Supporting Details | Similarity | Statistical Illustration | Statistics | True | Alliteration | Central Problem | Character | Character Development | Conflict | Dialogue | Fiction | Imagery | Literary Form | Major Events | Metaphor | Mood | Nonfiction | Personification | Plot | Repetition | Resolution | Rhyme | Rhythm | Sequence of Moods | Setting | Simile | Theme | Tone

The author’s attitude or opinion about the subject; the viewpoint from which something is written.

What the author is trying to accomplish through the writing.

The reason, or motive, for an action; why something happens.

A group of facts about something, set up in the form of a diagram, table, graph, etc.

To examine in order to observe or discover similarities and differences.

A reasonable outcome that one can predict based on one’s own knowledge, combined with the information obtained from the next; it is related to the information that is given in the text but may not be directly stated in the text.

To show differences when two or more things are compared.

Strategies that a writer uses convince a reader of something; common persuasive techniques include the following:

Bandwagon – Suggests that one should do or believe something because everyone is doing it

Testimonial – An expert or famous person gives a personal "testimony" about a product or idea

Plain Folks – Ordinary people are often used to persuade others; the thinking behind this technique is that people tend to believe others who seem to be similar to themselves

Emotional Words – Uses words that appeal to a person’s emotions rather than to his/her ability to reason. (Sometimes these words are so general that they are meaningless.)

A drawing that shows how an item is made or how it works.

The way in which two or more things are not the same.

The result, or consequence, of an action.

A statement that can be proven or tested to be true or false.

An illustration of quantity or amount and how it relates to another variable (examples: bar graph, circle graphs, line graphs).

A combination of one’s own knowledge and information supplied in the text which leads to a conclusion or generalization about a subject.

The most important point that the writer makes in a reading selection; it can be stated or implied.

A small-scale representation of an actual piece.

Most correct based on the information provided.

Opposite ideas or opinions on the same topic.

The result of something; the way something turns out; the effect.

An informational test passage or graphic representation such as in map, chart, photo, graph, illustration, advertisement, statistical table, letter, autobiography, works of literature, historical document, interview, or other first hand source of information. (A secondary source is derived from a primary source; it includes an encyclopedia, a documentary film, literary criticism, or history book.)

The small pieces of information that support, develop, or explain the main idea.

The way in which two or more things are the same.

A graph or chart representing facts, numbers, or other data.

Facts or data or a numerical kind which represent significant information about a given subject.

Not false; real; that which is so.

The repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words (example: Betty, the bug, bit Bob, the boy.)

The primary struggle, or conflict, faced by the main character in the plot of a literary work.

A person or animal who takes part in the action of a literary work; also the qualities and traits that define an individual’s personality.

The ways in which a character changes, or grows, throughout the course of literary work (a dynamic character changes; a static character does not change)

The "problem" in a story which triggers the action; struggle between two opposing forces.

Conversation between characters in a story, work of nonfiction, novel, or play.

Writing that comes from a writer’s imagination; it is not factual but may be based on facts, real experiences, or people the writer has known.

Words and phrases that appeal to the reader’s senses.

A term used to specify the distinct types or categories into which literary works are grouped; also known as genre (examples include fiction, drama, nonfiction, poetry, short stories, and novels).

The most important incidents that occur in a work of literature; the events that cause the greatest impact on the characters of a literary work.

A comparison of two unlike things in which no words of comparison are used (example: That test was a bear!)

The feeling the author wants to convey to the reader through a work of literature, such as excitement, anger, sadness, happiness, or pity.

Prose writing about real people, places, things, and ideas.

A figure of speech in which human qualities are attributed to an object, animal, or idea.

The sequence of events in a work of literature; the action in a story.

The repeating of sounds, letters, words, or lines, which helps give poetry its meaning, form, and sound.

The final part of a plot; the events in the story that work out the problem or the conflict.

The similarities or likeness of sound existing between two or more words.

The pattern of accented and unaccented syllables in poetry; it brings out the musical quality of language and can create a particular mood.

The order in which events occur in a work of literature; collectively known as the plot.

The time, place and conditions under which a story takes place.

A comparison of two unlike things using the words like or as (example: When he’s mad, Mr. Carter’s eyes are like charging bulls.)

The statement about life or human nature a particular work is trying to convey to the reader.

The author’s attitude toward his/her subject.