8th Grade Unit 4 Test Prep (StudySync, Argumentative Texts)

Theme

The central message or life lesson in a story that the author wants readers to understand (not directly stated)

Situational Irony

When the opposite of what you expect happens in a story

Verbal Irony

When a character says one thing but means the opposite

Simile

A comparison using "like" or "as"

Metaphor

A direct comparison without using "like" or "as"

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things

Hyperbole

Extreme exaggeration used for effect

Connotation

The feelings and emotions associated with a word (beyond its dictionary definition)

Denotation

The literal dictionary definition of a word

Context Clues

Hints in surrounding sentences that help you figure out the meaning of an unfamiliar word

Figurative Language

Words used in creative ways beyond their literal meanings to create vivid imagery

Text Evidence

Specific quotes from a passage used to support your answer or interpretation

Argumentative Text

Writing that presents a claim or position and supports it with evidence and reasoning to convince readers

Persuasive Device

A technique writers use to convince readers to agree with their point of view (examples: emotional appeals, facts, expert opinions)

Rhetorical Questions

Questions asked for effect or to make a point, not to get an actual answer (makes readers think about the topic)