7th Grade Language Arts Study Guide

Vocabulary Definitions and Usage

In the study of language arts at the 7th-grade level, mastering specific vocabulary allows for more precise communication and better reading comprehension. The term "scurry" refers to the action of moving quickly with short steps, often used to describe the rapid movement of small creatures or hurried people. To "collaborate" is defined as the process of working together on a task or project. Information is considered "relevant" when it is closely connected to the topic or matter at hand. "Skepticism" denotes a state of doubt or disbelief regarding the truth or validity of something. Finally, to "orchestrate" is to organize something skillfully, ensuring all parts work together effectively.

Figurative Language and Literary Examples

Figurative language includes various devices that writers use to convey meanings beyond the literal definition of words. A "simile" is a type of comparison that utilizes the words "like" or "as" to find similarities between two different things, such as in the example, "She's as fast as lightning." In contrast, a "metaphor" is a direct comparison that does not use the words "like" or "as," such as the phrase "Time is money," which equates time to a finite resource. "Personification" involves giving human traits or characteristics to inanimate objects or natural phenomena, notably illustrated by the phrase, "The stars danced in the sky."

Additional devices include "alliteration," which is the repetition of the same beginning sounds in a series of words; a common example provided is "Silly snakes slither silently." "Onomatopoeia" refers to sound words that mimic the actual noise they describe, such as "Boom," "Buzz," and "Crash." Lastly, "hyperbole" is defined as a big exaggeration used to emphasize a point rather than to be taken literally. An example of this is the statement, "I waited forever in line," which emphasizes a long duration of time through exaggeration.

Categories of Author's Purpose

Every text is written with a specific intent, known as the author's purpose. One major purpose is to "inform," where the writer's goal is to give facts or explain something to the reader. Examples of informative writing include textbooks, articles, and sets of instructions. Another purpose is to "persuade," which is used when a writer wants to convince the audience of a particular viewpoint or to take a certain action. This intent is typically found in advertisements, speeches, and opinion writing. The third primary purpose is to "entertain," which focuses on telling a story or providing enjoyment. Examples of texts designed to entertain include comics, works of fiction, and poems.