Academic Language and Literary Terms Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards for academic language, literary terms, and critical nouns and verbs.

Alliteration

Words in a row with the same initial consonant sound.

Analogy

A comparison between two things, typically for explanation or clarification.

Argument

A reason or set of reasons that something is true.

Central Idea

The most important point the author makes.

Conclusion

Summing up of an argument or text; OR a judgment or takeaway reached by reasoning.

Connection

Relating what you read to something else you know.

Connotative Language

The associations that a word brings to mind.

Evidence

Knowledge on which to base a belief; quotations and paraphrases; statements that support a claim.

Figurative Language

Figures of speech used to make meaning clearer.

Metaphor

An indirect comparison.

Allegory

A story or poem that can be used to reveal a hidden meaning, usually moral or political.

Simile

A direct comparison using like, as, or than.

Symbol

Ideas or objects that represent other things.

Mood

The way an author makes the reader feel.

Tone

The author's attitude or outlook.

Purpose

The author's intention or goal (e.g., to inform, persuade).

Interaction

Communication or direct involvement with someone or something (e.g., between/among characters).

Point of View

The vantage point from which a story is told (1st, 2nd, 3rd person, omniscient).

Stanza

A section of a poem.

Structure

Organization of a text.

Motif

An idea that recurs in a work of literature (word or phrase).

Theme

The message(s)/lesson(s) that the author is trying to convey. Stated as a sentence.

Analyze

Break something down into its parts.

Articulate

Express clearly.

Cite

Giving credit to a source.

Compare

Find likenesses.

Comprehend

Understand; find meaning.

Contrast

Find differences.

Delineate

Describe precisely/line by line.

Demonstrate

Show clearly.

Describe

Tell the facts, details.

Determine

Decide.

Develop

Elaborate or expand.

Distinguish

Set apart from other like things.

Draw

Bring out by way of response; as in a conclusion.

Evaluate

Find value; judge.

Explain

Make plain or define.

Identify

Point out/recognize.

Infer

Deduce; conclude.

Integrate

Put together.

Interpret

Explain the meaning of.

Locate

Find.

Organize

Arrange; classify.

Paraphrase

Put in different words.

Refer

Look at again; mention briefly.

Suggest

Put forth; to say.

Summarize

Condense something larger into something smaller/concise.

Support

Use evidence; strengthen/reinforce claims.

Synthesize

Combine to form a more complex product.

Trace

Follow the course of step by step.