English (all coverage topics and concepft for periodical test)
π English Comprehensive Reviewer
---
I. Poetry Basics
Poetry β a literary form that uses imaginative language, rhythm, sound devices, and figures of speech to express emotions, tell a story, or present ideas in a concentrated style.
Meter β the structured pattern of stressed (Β΄) and unstressed (Λ) syllables in a line of poetry. It gives poems a musical quality.
Pattern β the arrangement or structure used in poetry, which may include rhyme scheme, meter, stanza form, and repetition.
Rhythm β the overall beat and pace of a poem, produced by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables.
Stanza β a group of lines in a poem, often separated by space; functions like a paragraph in prose. Stanzas may follow a set rhyme or rhythm.
Rhyme β repetition of similar sounds at the ends of words, often at the end of lines. It makes poems musical and memorable.
Verse β a single line of poetry OR poetry in general (opposite of prose).
Tone β the poetβs attitude toward the subject matter, which can be serious, joyful, bitter, sarcastic, hopeful, etc.
Style β the distinct way a poet writes, which includes choice of words (diction), structure, figures of speech, and sound devices.
Mood β the atmosphere or emotion felt by the reader, such as suspenseful, gloomy, cheerful, or romantic.
---
II. Types of Poetry
1. Lyric Poetry β short, musical poems expressing emotions, thoughts, or feelings rather than telling a story. Examples: sonnet, ode, elegy.
2. Narrative Poetry β tells a story with characters, plot, and setting, usually in verse. Examples: epics, ballads, metrical romances.
3. Dramatic Poetry β written in verse and meant to be spoken by characters, often in plays or monologues. Example: Shakespeareβs plays in verse.
---
III. Conflict in Literature
Conflict β the struggle between opposing forces that drives the plot.
Types of Conflict:
Man vs. Man β character struggles against another person.
Man vs. Self β internal struggle with decisions, morals, or emotions.
Man vs. Nature β character faces survival against natural elements (storms, animals, disasters).
Man vs. Society β conflict with traditions, rules, or expectations of society.
Man vs. Supernatural β struggle with forces beyond nature (fate, gods, ghosts, magic).
Man vs. Technology β conflict with modern inventions, machines, or AI.
---
IV. Plot
Plot β the sequence of events in a story, structured to create conflict and resolution.
Elements of Plot:
1. Exposition β introduction of characters, setting, and background.
2. Rising Action β events and conflicts that build suspense and lead to climax.
3. Climax β the turning point; moment of greatest tension where conflict peaks.
4. Falling Action β events after the climax leading toward resolution.
5. Resolution/Denouement β conclusion where conflicts are solved or the story ends.
Types of Plot:
Linear Plot β events are told in chronological order (beginning β middle β end).
Non-Linear Plot β events are not in order; may use flashbacks, foreshadowing, or circular structure.
---
V. Characters
Character β the people, animals, or figures in a story.
Types of Characters:
Round β complex, fully developed, realistic.
Dynamic β undergoes significant change in personality or attitude.
Flat β simple, one-dimensional, limited traits.
Static β does not change throughout the story.
Protagonist β the main character, often the hero.
Antagonist β opposes the protagonist, often the villain.
Characterization:
Direct/Explicit β author directly describes traits.
Indirect/Implicit β reader infers traits from actions, thoughts, or dialogue.
SMART method:
Speech β what the character says.
Manner/Looks β physical appearance and behavior.
Actions β what the character does.
Reactions β how others respond to the character.
Thoughts β inner feelings and beliefs.
---
VI. Rhyme & Rhythm
Types of Rhyme Schemes:
Couplet β two consecutive lines rhyme (AA).
Alternate β every other line rhymes (ABAB).
Monorhyme β all lines rhyme with the same sound (AAAA).
Enclosed Rhyme β first and last lines rhyme, enclosing the middle lines (ABBA).
Rhythm & Meter:
Meter β the basic rhythmic structure in a line of poetry.
Iambic β Λ Β΄ (unstressed + stressed). Example: βaWAY.β
Trochaic β Β΄ Λ (stressed + unstressed). Example: βTAble.β
Syllables β the unit of sound; meter is based on counting syllables and stress patterns.
---
VII. Filipino Literary Forms
Tanaga β 4 lines, 7 syllables each, with rhyme (expresses deep meaning).
Awit β 12 syllables per line, themes of love and romance.
Corrido β 8 syllables per line, themes of adventure, chivalry, religion.
Haiku β Japanese form, 3 lines with 5-7-5 syllables; nature-focused.
Free Verse / Malayang Taludturan β no fixed rhyme or meter; free expression.
---
VIII. Patterns & Motifs in Poetry
Patterns β recurring structures in poetry: rhyme scheme, stanza form, meter, repetition.
Motifs β recurring themes or symbols that reinforce meaning.
Common motifs: Nature, Time, Journey, Family, Relationships.
Style, Pattern, and Motifs β when combined, they create a poemβs artistic effect and deeper meaning.
---
IX. Figures of Speech
Simile β comparison using like or as.
Metaphor β direct comparison without like/as.
Personification β giving human qualities to non-human objects.
Hyperbole β deliberate exaggeration for effect.
---
X. Sound Devices
Oxymoron β two opposite ideas joined together (e.g., βbittersweetβ).
Onomatopoeia β words that imitate natural sounds (buzz, hiss).
Alliteration β repetition of initial consonant sounds.
Assonance β repetition of vowel sounds within words.
Consonance β repetition of consonant sounds, usually at the end or middle of words.
---
XI. Point of View (POV)
First Person β narrator is part of the story; uses βIβ or βwe.β
Second Person β narrator addresses reader directly as βyou.β
Third Person β narrator tells the story about others:
Omniscient β knows everything about all characters.
Limited β focuses on thoughts/feelings of one character.
Objective β only actions and dialogue, no inner thoughts.
---
XII. Literary Techniques in Narratives
Foreshadowing β hints of future events.
Cliffhanger β suspenseful ending to a chapter/scene.
Flashback β recalling past events.
Pathetic Fallacy β nature reflects mood/emotions.
Plot Twist β unexpected change in story direction.
Red Herring β misleading clue.
Epiphany β sudden realization by character.
Parody β humorous imitation of a serious work.
Organic Unity β all elements work together to create meaning.
Coherence β logical flow and connection of ideas.
Unity of Purpose β all parts serve one central idea.
---
XIII. Context in Literature
Historical Context β how the time period and events influence a text.
Social-Cultural Context β how traditions, values, and society shape meaning.
Biographical Context β how an authorβs life experiences influence their work.
---
XIV. Maxim, Universal Truths & Philosophies
Maxim β short, wise sayings that express moral lessons (e.g., βHonesty is the best policyβ).
Universal Truths β facts or realities that apply to all people (e.g., βEveryone will die somedayβ).
Philosophies β deeper principles or beliefs about life, morality, and existence.