8th Grade ELA GMAS Review

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the 8th Grade ELA GMAS Review, helping students review essential writing techniques, literary definitions, and reading comprehension skills.

Writing Process

The steps one follows to produce written work, typically including prewriting, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing.

Introduction Elements

The components of an introductory paragraph that includes a hook, background information, and a thesis statement.

Counterclaim Paragraph Elements

Elements that present an opposing viewpoint or argument, including a statement of the counterclaim, refutation, and evidence.

Body Paragraphs Elements

The parts of the essay that support the thesis, including topic sentences, supporting details, and examples.

Conclusion Elements

The components of a concluding paragraph, summarizing main points and providing closure.

Transition Words

Words or phrases that help connect ideas and paragraphs, such as furthermore, however, additionally, consequently, and nevertheless.

Descriptive/Sensory Details

Details that appeal to the senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) to enhance writing and create vivid imagery.

Theme

The central message or underlying meaning of a literary work.

Central Idea

The main point or message that the author wants to convey in a text.

Objective Summary

A brief retelling of a text that includes the main ideas without personal bias or opinion.

Propelling Action

The actions in a story that drive the plot forward and keep the reader engaged.

Inference

A conclusion reached based on evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements.

Connections

Links made between texts or between text and personal experiences or other knowledge.

Distinctions

Recognizing differences between similar concepts or ideas.

Figurative Language

Language that uses figures of speech, such as metaphors and similes, to create more impactful meanings.

Metaphor vs. Simile

A metaphor compares two unlike things directly, while a simile uses 'like' or 'as' for comparison.

Alliteration

The repetition of the same initial consonant sound in a series of words.

Personification

Attributing human characteristics to non-human entities or abstract ideas.

Onomatopoeia

Words that imitate the natural sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to.

Hyperbole

Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis.

Idiom

A phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning.

Allusion

An indirect reference to a person, event, or literary work, used for comparison or effect.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses and paints a picture in the reader’s mind.

Context Clues

Hints found within a text that help readers determine the meanings of unfamiliar words.

Tone vs. Mood

Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject, while mood is the emotional atmosphere created for the reader.

Suspenseful Narrative

A story designed to keep the reader anxious and eager to find out what happens next.

Elements of Poetry

Components such as rhyme, meter, imagery, and structure that contribute to the meaning and experience of a poem.

Forms of Media

Different formats through which information and entertainment are delivered, such as books, films, newspapers, and websites.

Author's Claim

The primary argument or assertion that an author makes in a text.

Relevant vs. Sufficient Evidence

Relevant evidence directly supports the claim, while sufficient evidence provides enough support to substantiate it.

Irrelevant Evidence

Information that does not relate to or support the main argument or claim.

Conflicting Information

Data or statements that contradict each other, leading to uncertainty or confusion.