1. Adjective: A word that describes or modifies a noun, providing more information about it (e.g., "blue," "tall," "happy").

2. Noun: A word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea (e.g., "dog," "city," "love").

3. Verb: A word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being (e.g., "run," "is," "think").

4. Adverb: A word that modifies a verb, an adjective, or another adverb, often indicating how, when, where, or to what extent something occurs (e.g., "quickly," "very," "yesterday").

5. Simile: A figure of speech that compares two different things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "as brave as a lion").

6. Metaphor: A figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two unlike things, suggesting that one is the other (e.g., "Time is a thief").

7. Hyperbole: An exaggerated statement or claim that is not meant to be taken literally, used for emphasis or effect (e.g., "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse").

extract

Question highlight all the terms above in this extract

In the quiet *city* of Maplewood, the *tall* buildings stood like giants, casting long shadows on the cobbled streets. Every morning, *the sun* rose slowly, painting the sky orange. People *hurry* to their jobs, walking *quickly* to catch the train. Emily, a *young* artist, always felt like she was in a dream. Her heart raced as she painted, feeling as if *time was a thief* stealing her moments.

*"My ideas come to me like clouds in a storm,"* she often said. Each stroke of her brush was a dance, and her canvas was* alive. Sometimes, she would exaggerate, telling her friends, *“I painted for twenty hours straight!”* But they knew it was just *hyperbole* to express her passion. She believed that art, like life, was a* *journey* where every color mattered.

Literary Devices

1. Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words (e.g., "wild and windy").

2. Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds within words (e.g., "mellow wedding bells").

3. Imagery: Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

4. Personification: Giving human traits to non-human things (e.g., "The wind whispered").

5. Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds (e.g., "buzz," "crash").

6. Oxymoron: A combination of contradictory terms (e.g., "deafening silence").

7. Symbolism: Using symbols to represent ideas or concepts.

8. Foreshadowing: Hints or clues about what will happen later in a story.

9. Irony: A contrast between expectation and reality, often for humorous effect.

10. Allegory: A narrative with a deeper meaning, often moral or political.

Text Structure

1. Narrative: A story or account of events.

2. Stanza: A grouped set of lines in a poem.

3. Verse: A single line of poetry.

4. Prologue/Epilogue: Introductory or concluding sections of a narrative.

5. Chronological Order: Events arranged in the order they occur.

6. Flashback: A scene set in a time earlier than the main story.

Language Features

1. Dialect: The language used by a particular group, often reflecting regional characteristics.

2. Colloquialism: Informal language or slang used in everyday conversation.

3. Formal Language: Language that is more structured and reserved, often used in academic or professional settings.

4. Tone: The attitude or emotion conveyed by the writer through word choice.

5. Register: The level of formality or informality in language.

Persuasive Techniques

1. Ethos: Credibility or ethical appeal used to convince the audience.

2. Pathos: Emotional appeal to persuade the audience.

3. Logos: Logical reasoning or facts used to persuade.

4. Repetition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.

5. Rhetorical Questions: Questions posed for effect, not requiring an answer.

Poetry Terms

1. Rhyme: The repetition of similar sounds, typically at the end of lines.

2. Rhythm: The pattern of sounds in speech or writing.

3. Theme: The central idea or message in a literary work.

4. Tone: The writer’s attitude toward the subject.

Characterization

1. Protagonist: The main character in a story, often facing a conflict.

2. Antagonist: The character opposing the protagonist.

3. Round Character: A well-developed character with depth.

4. Flat Character: A one-dimensional character lacking complexity.

5. Dynamic Character: A character who undergoes significant change.

6. Static Character: A character who remains the same throughout the story.

Other Concepts

1. Theme: The underlying message or main idea of a text.

2. Motif: A recurring element that has symbolic significance in a story.

3. Conflict: The struggle between opposing forces, which drives the plot.

4. Setting: The time and place in which a story occurs.

5. Point of View: The perspective from which a story is told (e.g., first-person, third-person).

In the heart of the small town of Elderview, the gloomy clouds hung low, casting shadows over the cobbled streets. As Anna walked home, she could hear the whispering wind through the trees, like a soft lullaby. She paused, her heart racing, as a sudden flashback to last summer flooded her mind—a time when the sun shone brightly and laughter filled the air.

Suddenly, a rustling sound drew her attention. A rabbit darted across her path, its fur gleaming like silver. In that moment, the gloom seemed to lift, revealing a hidden beauty. "This town is truly magical," she thought, feeling a surge of gratitude, as if the universe had conspired to show her a sign.

"Isn't it ironic," she mused, "how the darkest clouds can hide the brightest stars?" This rhetorical question echoed in her mind, a metaphor for her own life. Sometimes, she felt like a protagonist lost in a story, struggling against her own conflict.

As she continued her walk, she thought about her dreams and how they often felt distant, like clouds drifting away. But deep down, she knew she had the strength to chase them.

“I’ll never give up,” she whispered, her voice barely louder than the rustling leaves. With a renewed sense of purpose, she quickened her pace, determined to turn her dreams into reality, one step at a time.

Q

questions

• Identify and explain one example of personification from the extract. What effect does it have on the reader's understanding of the setting?

• In the extract, Anna experiences a flashback. How does this literary device enhance the reader's connection to her character? Provide specific details from the text to support your answer.

• Discuss the use of imagery in the line "the gloomy clouds hung low, casting shadows." How does this imagery contribute to the overall mood of the passage?

• Analyze the metaphor “how the darkest clouds can hide the brightest stars.” What does this metaphor suggest about Anna's perspective on her life and dreams?

• What role does conflict play in Anna's character development throughout the extract? Provide examples to illustrate your answer.

• How does the use of rhetorical questions enhance the themes presented in the extract? Give an example and explain its significance.

ANSWERS

• Identify and explain one example of personification from the extract. What effect does it have on the reader's understanding of the setting?

  • Answer: The phrase "the gloomy clouds hung low" personifies the clouds by suggesting they have a presence and emotional weight. This creates a dreary atmosphere that mirrors Anna’s feelings, helping the reader understand her mood and the overall somber setting of the town.

• In the extract, Anna experiences a flashback. How does this literary device enhance the reader's connection to her character? Provide specific details from the text to support your answer.

  • Answer: The flashback to last summer allows readers to see a happier, more vibrant side of Anna’s life, contrasting with her current feelings. It provides insight into her character and motivations, showing her longing for joy and highlighting her internal struggles. This deeper understanding fosters empathy towards her situation.

• Discuss the use of imagery in the line "the gloomy clouds hung low, casting shadows." How does this imagery contribute to the overall mood of the passage?

  • Answer: The imagery of "gloomy clouds" and "casting shadows" creates a dark, oppressive atmosphere, suggesting sadness or foreboding. This contributes to a mood of melancholy, reflecting Anna’s feelings and setting the tone for her introspective journey.

• Analyze the metaphor “how the darkest clouds can hide the brightest stars.” What does this metaphor suggest about Anna's perspective on her life and dreams?

  • Answer: This metaphor suggests that although Anna faces difficulties (the darkest clouds), there is still hope and potential (the brightest stars) that can be obscured by her current struggles. It reflects her resilience and belief that brighter days are possible despite challenges, revealing her optimism.

• What role does conflict play in Anna's character development throughout the extract? Provide examples to illustrate your answer.

  • Answer: The conflict in Anna's character arises from her internal struggle between feeling lost and her desire to pursue her dreams. Her reflections on her past joy and current gloom illustrate this tension. As she resolves to “never give up,” it shows her growth and determination to overcome obstacles, marking a shift in her character.

• How does the use of rhetorical questions enhance the themes presented in the extract? Give an example and explain its significance.

  • Answer: The rhetorical question “Isn't it ironic how the darkest clouds can hide the brightest stars?” emphasizes the theme of hope amidst despair. It invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of finding light in dark times. This deepens the emotional impact of Anna's journey and underscores her resilience and desire for a brighter future.