Complete English Test Preparation Guide

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering stylistic devices, fictional analysis terms, narrative perspectives, character types, and quotation conventions.

Alliteration

Repetition of the same initial sound in neighboring words.

Allusion

Reference to an object, circumstance, or event from an external context (history, literature, pop culture).

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.

Antithesis

Putting contrasting ideas together in a parallel structure.

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds within words or phrases.

Climax

Arranging ideas in increasing order of intensity.

Contrast / Juxtaposition

Juxtaposing opposing ideas or elements.

Enumeration

Listing items one after another.

Euphemism

Using mild or indirect words to replace something harsh or unpleasant.

Hyperbole / Exaggeration

Deliberate exaggeration for effect.

Imagery

Language that appeals to the physical senses.

Irony

A contrast between expectation and reality.

Metaphor

Direct comparison without using "like" or "as".

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate the sounds they represent.

Oxymoron

Combining two contradictory terms.

Parallelism

Using similar grammatical structures in a series.

Paradox

A statement that seems impossible at first glance but might be recognized as true on second thought.

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things.

Repetition

Repeating words or phrases.

Rhetorical Question

Asking a question that requires no answer.

Simile

Comparison using "like" or "as".

Symbol / Symbolism

Using an object, person, or event to represent an idea beyond itself.

Fictional Text

An invented or literary text.

Narrator

The voice or character telling the story (not identical with the author).

Point of View

The narrative perspective used in the text.

Character

A person or entity in the narrative.

Kinds of Characterisation

The methods used to present a character's traits (direct vs. indirect).

Plot

The sequence of events in a story.

Setting

The time, place, and circumstances of the action.

First-Person Narrator

A narrator who is a character in the story speaking as "I", takes part in the action as an observer or central character, and is limited to what he/she knows or experiences directly.

Third-Person Limited Narrator

A narrator who is not a character in the story, refers to characters using "he", "she", "they", or proper names, and limits information mainly to the perspective of one character.

Third-Person Omniscient Narrator

An all-knowing narrator outside the story who enters the minds of multiple characters and can add independent comments and explanations.

Protagonist

Main character of the story.

Antagonist

Important character in conflict with the protagonist.

Flat Character

A character that does not change and has no depth.

Round Character

A character that changes and is presented in detail.

Direct Characterisation (Explicit)

A characterisation method where the reader is told directly about traits, looks, and attitudes by the narrator or other characters.

Indirect Characterisation (Implicit)

A characterisation method where the reader infers traits by studying actions, behaviour, clothing, body language, and speech.

Direct Quote

Exact words copied from the text using inverted commas ("…") without changing meaning.

Indirect Quote

A paraphrase in your own words using cf. (compare).