english terms test

rhetoric

art of speaking or writing effectively: a term used to describe an authors favored stylistic choices

syntax

how an author arranges words in a sentence in a specific order to create an effective complete thought

diction

the choice and use of certain words and phrases in speech or writing

mood

the overall feeling or atmosphere of a story or scene scary, joyful,tense,uncomfortable

motif

a distinctive feature or dominant idea in a work of literature often shown or emphasized through repitition

simile

a figurative comparison between two unlike things, using like, as, than

suspense

the feeling of tension over the course of a narrative, created through structural choices and use of detail

hyperbole

a figurative exaggeration or overstatement (“ive told you a million times")

tone

the authors attitude in a piece of writing that creates a particular feeling or reaction from the reader

connotation

the idea or feeling that a reader associates with a word or phrase as opposed to its literal meaning

irony

language or narrative choices that use combinations of opposites and unexpected turns of events for humor or emphasis. Can be situational, verbal, or dramatic

metaphor

figurative comparison between two unlike things in which one thing is directly stated to be another

imagery

an authors use of descriptive language that appeals to the five senses

symbolism

a person place or thing that has meaning in itself but also stands for a greater idea or set of ideas beyond itself

figurative language

words or phrases used to create an effect beyond their literal meaning

logos

the use of structure, analysis, facts, information, examples, comparisons, and logic in speaking or writing to appeal to an audience

ethos

the use of character, trust, credibility, confidence, and personal branding in speaking or writing to appeal an audience

pathos

the use of vivid description, inspirational quotes, loaded language, or real experiences used to evoke an emotional response from an audience; includes tone and connotation

resolution

the conclusion of a storys plot. stories can conclude happily or tragically. usually a storys theme is strongly influenced by its ending.

climax

the highest point of dramatic tension in a storyline, often depicted by a confrontation between the protagonist and antagonist

3rd person omniscient

point of view in which the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters are revealed, giving the reader a combination of perspectives through which to follow the story

1st person pov

point of view in which the narrator is a participant in the story, telling it from his/her perspective

chronology

the order of events in a story. authors choose whether or not the events unfold in order or out of order

inciting incident

the part of the story in which the main conflict is introduced or revealed; this traditionally kicks off the rising action of the story

in media res

latin for “in the middle of things” ; an authors choice to start the narrative of a story in the middle of events that have already started to unfold.

rising action

the part of a story in which the tension starts to build as the protagonist tries to solve the conflict. this causes suspense as complications build towards the climax

third person limited

the story follows one main characters perspective on the events and their thoughts and feelings are revealed. however, other characters inner monolouges are hidden

conflict

the struggles the characters encounter over the course of a story or that people face in real life. they lead to complications

expositions

the opening part of a story in which the setting and main characters are introduced

juxtaposition

placing two things side by side for comparison. authors tend to do this in a way that leads to irony

3rd person objective

a point of view in which the story is told from outside the characters perspectives and the reader is only given dialogue and action descriptions; characters thoughts and feelings are not revealed.

falling action

the part of a story in which the tension decreases as the characters move on from the climax