Analogies
An extended explanation or description of something unfamiliar
or difficult to explain by comparison with something familiar.
Root Word
Forms the basis of a word.
Allusions
A reference to a specific place, a historical event, famous
literary figures, or a work of art within a literary work.
Context Clues
The words or ideas in the text surrounding a word. They help
us determine the meaning of the word.
Reference Books
Dictionaries, thesauruses, and glossaries provide the
definition, synonyms, antonyms, pronunciations, derivation,
spelling, and usage of words.
Prefix
An addition to a word at the beginning of the word to change
the meaning.
Denotations
The literal definition of words.
Suffix
An addition to a word at the end of the word to change the meaning.
Literal Language
Words used in their ordinary sense without hidden meaning or
strong imagery.
Figurative Language
Words used to help readers understand layers of meaning in a
text or visualize images through words.
Idioms
A common saying that has a figurative meaning.
Metaphors
A direct comparison between two unlike things without using
the words like or as.
Connotations
The emotional associations of words.
(A3) Building background knowledge
Take steps to familiarize about a topic you know you�re going
to have to read about
(C3) Organizing information
make an outline or list to help organize information
(B) During-Reading Strategies
Strategies readers can use while reading a text.
(A4) Determining text type
Determine what kind of text it is. (Fiction? Nonfiction?
Argument? Informative? Poetry?)
(B2) Understanding key vocabulary
Use dictionaries, glossaries, context clues to understand
words an author uses
(A2) Accessing prior knowledge
Using information about a topic that you already know to
understand the text.
(B1) Determine main idea
What is the main point? What is the author trying to say?
(A5) Setting a purpose for reading
Why are you reading this text? What�s the end goal?
(A) Pre-Reading Strategies
Methods readers can turn to before diving into a text.
(B3) Adjusting reading rate
Go faster if you are grasping the idea, but slow down if you
are struggling. Skim, scan, and read in-depth.
(B5) Demonstrating comprehension
Ask questions of the text to understand
(B4) Applying knowledge of text type
When you know the reason for an author�s writing, you can
adjust your reason for reading.
(C) Post-Reading Strategies
Strategies to use after reading the text.
(B6) Inferring
An assumption you make based on information in the text
(C1) Recalling details
You remember key things that were said or described to help
reveal the purpose
(C4) Using graphic organizers
Use graphic organizers to organize the ideas in the text
(A6) Making predictions
Thinking ahead and guessing what may happen.
(A1) Previewing
Look over or survey a text to get a general idea
(C2) Restating main idea
State the main idea of the text
Persuasive Techniques
these can be found in media; they are used to persuade an
audience to agree with an idea or take a certain action
Paraphrase
restate the text in your own words
Inconsistencies
when a text makes two statements that contradict each other
Pathos (appeal to emotion)
an author connects to the reader�s hopes, fears, likes, and
dislikes.
Opinion
a judgement or viewpoint; not everyone will have the same opinion
Ambiguities
statements that can be interpreted in more than one way
Ethos (appeal to authority)
an author uses an authority who is an expert in the field
Summarize
condenses the ideas in the text; use strategies like
identifying main idea and supporting details
Bias
when the feelings of and opinions of writer show
Fact
a statement that can be proved true by evidence or reasons
Logos (appeals to reason)
an author convinces a reader using facts
Hook
Engages the reader
Background
Describes both sides of the argument
Thesis
Includes the topic, claim, and 3 reasons
Topic Sentence
Includes topic plus one reason
Evidence
Provides data for your audience through examples
Commentary
Explains how the evidence supports the claim
Counterclaim
Acknowledges the opposing side
Rebuttal
Proves why your argument is more valid
So what?
Tells your audience why this topic matters
Genre
a category of literature than can be distinguished from other types
by technique, tone, subject matter, and use of literary devices
Fiction
work of literature produced by imagination, not necessarily based on fact
Narrative
tells a story with a beginning, middle, and end
Poetry
literature written in lines and stanzas
Drama
the acted performance of a story that involves action and dialogue
between characters
Nonfiction
writing that is factual or true. The purpose is to inform or teach.