Unit 1 - 6th Grade ELA Key Terms

Style

The unique presence of the text’s creator that distinguishes one text from another.

Comma

A multi-functional punctuation mark used for various purposes including separating items in a series and setting off introductory elements.

Independent Clause

A group of words containing a subject and predicate that expresses a complete thought.

Dependent Clause

A group of words with a subject and predicate that does not express a complete thought.

Sentence Fragment

An incomplete sentence that is missing a subject, a verb, or both.

Denotation

The literal, direct meaning of a word.

Connotation

The feelings or suggested meanings a word evokes.

Audience

Active engagers with a text who interpret information based on their own knowledge and purposes.

Narrative

A story that shows characters, events, and settings connected in a clear sequence.

Metaphor

A comparison of two unlike things, stating that one thing 'is' another.

Imagery

Language that appeals to the senses to help the reader imagine a text or event.

Pacing

The speed and shape of a text (fast/slow, linear/curvy).

Foreshadowing

Hinting at later impactful events in a narrative.

Characterization

The process of developing and revealing a character's personality.

Protagonist

The main character in a story, book, movie, or play.

Conflict

A struggle between opposing forces, either internal or external.

Onomatopoeia

A word that sounds like the actual noise it makes.

Rhyme Scheme

The pattern of end rhymes labeled alphabetically (a, b, etc.).

Tone

The way authors express opinions about the subject, audience, or themselves.

Mood

The overall feeling or atmosphere that a text creates for the reader.

Compound Sentence

A sentence containing two independent clauses joined by a conjunction or punctuation.

Quotation Marks

Punctuation marks used to indicate a direct quotation or the titles of short works.