ela academic vocab

ts pmo icl

Plot

The sequence of events that make up a story, including the exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

Climax

The point of highest tension or conflict in a story, often the turning point.

1st Person Point of View

A narrative perspective where the story is told by a character using 'I' or 'we.'

3rd Person Point of View

A narrative perspective where the story is told by an external narrator using 'he,' 'she,' or 'they.'

Setting

The time and place in which a story occurs.

Characterization

The methods an author uses to develop a character's personality, including direct description, actions, thoughts, and dialogue.

Protagonist

The main character of a story, often facing a central conflict.

Antagonist

A character or force that opposes the protagonist.

Conflict

The central struggle or problem faced by the characters in a story.

Flashback

A scene that interrupts the present timeline to show events from the past.

Foreshadowing

A literary device in which hints or clues suggest events that will occur later.

Symbol

An object, character, or event that represents a larger idea or concept.

Situational Irony

A situation where the outcome is opposite of what is expected.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience knows something that the characters do not.

Theme

The central idea or message in a work of literature.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

Thesis

A statement that presents the main argument or claim of a piece of writing.

Analysis

A detailed examination of the elements of a text to understand its meaning.

Inference

A conclusion drawn from evidence and reasoning.

Archetype

A typical character, situation, or symbol that recurs in literature.

Diction

The choice of words used by an author to convey tone and meaning.

Connotation

The implied or emotional meaning of a word, beyond its literal definition.

Evidence

Information or details from a text that support an argument or analysis.

Perspective

The point of view or attitude of a character or narrator.

Purpose

The reason an author writes a text, such as to inform, entertain, or persuade.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject.

Repetition

The intentional reuse of words or phrases for emphasis.

Hyperbole

An exaggerated statement for effect.

Voice

The unique style of expression of the author or narrator.

Metaphor

A comparison between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as.'

Audience

The intended readers or viewers of a text.

Simile

A comparison using 'like' or 'as.'

Personification

Giving human characteristics to non-human things.

Alliteration

The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.

Allusion

A reference to a well-known work, person, or event.

Oxymoron

A figure of speech that combines contradictory terms.

Onomatopoeia

A word that imitates a sound.

Mood

The atmosphere or emotional feeling of a work.

Genre

A category of literature based on style or subject.

Foil

A character who contrasts with another character to highlight traits.

Motif

A recurring element that has symbolic significance.