Punctuation and Composition Review

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary related to punctuation, composition, and literary skills, which are crucial for English 112 midterm exam preparation.

Punctuation

The use of symbols, such as periods, commas, and semicolons, to clarify meaning in writing.

Semicolon

A punctuation mark (;) used to connect closely related ideas.

Colon

A punctuation mark (:) used to introduce a list, quote, or explanation.

Quotation Marks

Punctuation marks used to indicate spoken words or quotations from text.

Italics

A style of writing where letters are slanted to emphasize titles and foreign words.

FANBOYS

An acronym for coordinating conjunctions: For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So.

SWABIs

An acronym for subordinating conjunctions: Since, When, After, Because, If.

Comprehension

The ability to understand and interpret written text.

Inferences

Logical conclusions drawn from evidence and reasoning, rather than from explicit statements.

Vocabulary in context

Understanding the meaning of a word based on its context in a passage.

Allusion

A reference to another work of literature, person, or event.

Characterization

The method an author uses to develop characters.

Direct Characterization

The author explicitly describes a character's traits.

Indirect Characterization

The author reveals a character's traits through actions, thoughts, and dialogue.

Round Character

A complex character with depth and development.

Flat Character

A simple character that does not change throughout the story.

Dynamic Character

A character who undergoes significant change throughout the narrative.

Static Character

A character who remains the same throughout the story.

Chronological Order

The arrangement of events in the order they occur in time.

Conflict

A struggle between opposing forces in a story.

Internal Conflict

A struggle within a character's mind.

External Conflict

A struggle between a character and outside forces.

Figurative Language

Language that uses figures of speech to be more effective, persuasive, and impactful.

Simile

A comparison using 'like' or 'as'.

Metaphor

A direct comparison between two unlike things, implying they are alike.

Personification

Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities.

Flashback

A scene set in a time earlier than the main story.

Foreshadowing

Hints or clues about what will happen later in the story.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something that the character does not.

Situational Irony

When the outcome is significantly different from what was expected.

Verbal Irony

When a speaker says one thing but means another.

Narrator

The person or character who recounts the story.

Point of View

The perspective from which a story is told.

First-Person Point of View

Narration from the perspective of a character using 'I'.

Third-Person Limited Point of View

Narration that focuses on the thoughts and feelings of one character.

Third-Person Omniscient Point of View

Narration that knows the thoughts and feelings of all characters.

Protagonist

The main character around whom the story revolves.

Antagonist

A character or force that opposes the protagonist.

Setting

The time and place in which a story occurs.

Suspense

The feeling of excitement or anxious uncertainty about what may happen next.

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Theme

The central idea or message in a literary work.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject matter.

Mood

The emotional atmosphere created in a literary work.

Composition

The act of writing and structuring texts.

Paragraph Format

The organization of sentences into a cohesive block of text.

Textual Evidence

Quotations, summaries, or paraphrases from a text used to support an argument.

Transitions

Words or phrases that connect ideas and ensure the flow of writing.

Literary Skills

Techniques used to analyze or create literature.

Writing Process

The series of steps taken to produce writing, including brainstorming, drafting, and revising.

Editing

The process of correcting and improving a written work.

Revision

The act of re-examining and reworking a text to enhance its clarity and effectiveness.

Context Clues

Hints found within a text that help deduce the meaning of an unfamiliar word.

Thesis Statement

A sentence that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay.

Argumentative Writing

A type of writing that presents arguments for or against a particular issue.

Persuasive Techniques

Methods used to convince readers of a certain viewpoint.

Narrative Structure

The organized way in which a story is told.