Key Concepts in Writing and Literature

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and definitions related to writing and literature, designed to help students prepare for their exam.

To appeal to an audience

To connect with and persuade them using appropriate language, tone, examples, and appeals.

Formal Tone

A serious and professional tone that uses proper language.

Informal Tone

A casual, conversational, and relaxed tone.

Thematic Concept

A broad idea or topic.

Thematic Statement

A complete sentence explaining what the text says about a thematic concept.

Introduction of Argumentative Text

Should include a hook, background information, and a clear thesis statement.

Body of Argumentative Text

Should include claims, supporting evidence, explanations, and counterarguments with rebuttals.

Conclusion of Argumentative Text

Should restate the thesis, summarize key points, and leave the reader with a final thought or call to action.

Transitions

Words or phrases that connect ideas, improve flow, and help the reader follow the text.

Archetype

Recurring patterns, themes, symbols, and characters that appear across cultures and time periods.

Tone

The author's attitude toward the subject or audience conveyed through word choice and style.

Mood

The atmosphere or emotional feeling a writer creates for the reader.

Verbal

Relating to or derived from a verb.

Gerund

A verb form ending in "ing" that acts as a noun in a sentence.

Infinitive

A versatile verbal that acts as a noun, adjective, or adverb.

Independent Clause

A group of words with a subject and verb that expresses a complete idea.

Dependent Clause

A group of words with a subject and verb that does not express a complete idea.

Coordinating Conjunction

A conjunction placed between words, phrases, clauses, or sentences of equal rank.

Dialogue

The spoken exchange between characters used to advance the plot.

Claim

The central argument or assertion an author makes about a text.

Transition

A word or phrase that bridges ideas and creates a smooth logical flow.

Context of a Text

Includes background information, situation, time period, audience, and circumstances of the text.

Alliteration

The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.

Consonance

Repetition of the same consonant sounds in words in close proximity.

Simile

A figure of speech comparing two unlike things using like or as.

Metaphor

A figure of speech that compares two unlike things directly, without using like or as.

Idiom

A phrase with a figurative meaning not understood from the literal meanings of its individual words.

Personification

Assigning human qualities, emotions, or actions to inanimate objects or abstract ideas.

Rhetoric

The art of using language effectively to persuade or inform an audience.

Pathos

Appealing to the audience's feelings, values, and imagination.

Logos

Persuading through facts, evidence, data, and rational arguments.

Ethos

Convincing the audience through the speaker's character or authority.

Theme

The central, underlying idea, message, or universal concept of a text.

Inciting Incident

A disruptive event that sets the plot in motion.

Climax

The peak moment of tension or conflict in a narrative.

Resolution

The final part of the plot where main conflicts are resolved.

Allusion

A brief, indirect reference to a famous person, place, or work used to add depth.