AICE Literary Tools and Terms

Form

The overall presentation and layout of a text as a whole.

Structure

The organization and arrangement of information within a text.

Language

The linguistic and stylistic elements used within a text.

Form Tools

Examples include Alliteration, Asyndeton & Polysyndeton, Anaphora & Epiphora, Chiasmus, Hypophora, Juxtaposition, Punctuation, Repetition, Sentence length, Sentence type, Syntax, and Triadic Structure.

Structure Tools

Examples include Author's Purpose, Audience, Point of View (POV), Register, Bias, Genre Elements, and Overall Text Organization.

Language Tools

Examples include Alliteration, Allusion, Bias, Connotation, Denotation, Diction, Hyperbole, Imagery, Irony, Metaphor/Extended, Mood, Personification, Register, Rhetoric, Simile, Symbolism, and Tone.

Alliteration

The repetition of the same consonant sounds at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

Asyndeton

The omission or absence of conjunctions between parts of a sentence.

Polysyndeton

A literary technique in which conjunctions are used repeatedly in quick succession.

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.

Epiphora

The repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses.

Chiasmus

A rhetorical device in which two or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures.

Hypophora

A figure of speech in which a writer raises a question and then immediately answers it.

Juxtaposition

The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect.

Repetition

The repeating of a word or phrase within a text to secure emphasis.

Triadic Structure

The rule of three; grouping things in threes to create a memorable rhythm or impact.

Audience

The intended group of readers or listeners for whom a text is written.

Point of View (POV)

The perspective from which a narrative is told.

Register

The level of formality or style of language used depending on the context and audience.

Bias

Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another.

Genre Elements

Text features and unique elements specific to fiction and nonfiction texts.

Allusion

An indirect or passing reference to a well-known person, place, event, or literary work.

Connotation

The emotional or cultural association surrounding a word beyond its literal definition.

Denotation

The literal, dictionary definition of a word.

Diction

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

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Imagery

Visually descriptive or figurative language, appealing to the senses.

Irony

The expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite.

Metaphor

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things without using like or as.

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor that is developed in great detail over the course of several sentences or paragraphs.

Mood

The general atmosphere or emotional vibe created by a piece of writing for the reader.

Personification

Giving human characteristics to something non-human, an abstract idea, or inanimate object.

Rhetoric

Effective or persuasive speaking and writing techniques.

Simile

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things using like or as.

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities beyond their literal sense.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject matter or audience.

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a text.

Sentence Length

The physical length of sentences used to influence pacing, rhythm, and tension.

Sentence Type

The grammatical classification of sentences used for stylistic effect.

Punctuation

Marks used in writing to structure sentences and signal pauses, emphasis, or emotional tone.

Textual Meaning and Purpose

How literary tools and techniques work together to shape the author's overarching goal and reader response.

Declarative sentence(statement)

They are usually used to present facts, describe events, or express opinions in a neutral, informative way

interrogative sentence(question)

Create a sense of curiosity, engagement, or suspense

Imperative sentence(command)

Create a sense of urgency, authority, or persuasion

Exclamatory sentence(strong emotion)

Create a sense of surprise, excitement, or enthusiasm but can also show a heighted sense of joy or anger

Long sentence

Help show the pace and pack in more details

Short sentence

Sentences including Staccato sentences can create a sense of urgency, excitement or suspense

Paradox

A statement that appears self-contradictory but reveals a deeper truth.

Oxymoron

A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.

Tone Shift

A noticeable change in the author's attitude or emotional perspective within a text.

Author's Purpose

The reason an author decides to write about a specific topic, used in umbrella statements and PEEL links.

Compare/Contrast Organization

A text organization method focusing on similarities and differences between subjects.

Cause/Effect Organization

A text organization method showing how one event leads to another.

Problem/Solution Organization

A text organization method presenting a dilemma and offering a resolution.

Description Organization

A text organization method detailing characteristics and features of a subject.

Sequence/Process Organization

A text organization method outlining steps or a chronological series of actions.

Time Order/Chronology Organization

A text organization method arranging events in the order they occurred.