Refer to (a passage, book, or author) as evidence for or justification of an argument or statement, especially in a

scholarly work.

- Synonyms – quote, reproduce, refer to, refer to, give an example, point to

- Example - When you are answering a question that relates to a text, you should cite evidence from the text.

Detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.

- Synonyms - examination, investigation, inspection

- Example - By a process of task analysis, we can understand much more about what take place within a text. Through analysis,

we examine texts in-depth.

Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt.

- Synonyms - clear, direct, plain, obvious, straightforward, clear-cut, crystal clear, clearly expressed, easily understandable,

blunt

- Example - When reading a text, some information is stated explicitly within the text; other information is implied.

A conclusion reached based on evidence and reasoning.

- Synonyms - conclusion, reasoning, speculation, theorizing, hypothesizing, presumption, assumption, reading between the lines

- Example – When answering reading comprehension or discussion questions, sometimes you must make an inference based on

the evidence.

An individual fact or item. Give full information about.

- Synonyms - particular, feature, characteristic, specific, point, component

- Example – When reading a text, we need to pay attention to the details.

The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or inference is true or valid.

- Synonyms - proof, confirmation, authentication, documentation

- Example – When providing an explanation for your answer, you need to provide evidence from the text.

An idea that recurs in a work of art or literature. It is the “life lesson” that the text is trying to teach. It is not the main

idea of the text.

- Synonyms - subject, topic, subject matter

- Example – When reading a text, the theme is what makes it apply to our lives. It gives a the “big picture” about the text – what

the author is trying to teach us.

The aim or purpose of a text. The main idea of the text. It is not the life lesson that the text is trying to teach.

- Synonyms - purpose, point, aim, object, objective, goal, intention, end, reason, use, motive

- Example – The central idea of a text is much like a one-sentence summary of the text. When writing, a paragraph begins with

the central (main) idea. The rest of the paragraph contains supporting details of the central (or main) idea.

A scene in a film, novel, etc. set in a time earlier than the main story. It is a place in a text where the author,

narrator, or character looks back and discusses something in the past.

- Synonyms – look back, remember, recall, reminiscence

- Example - Authors use flashbacks to fill in the details that lead up to an event.

Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain. It is also a genre in literature.

- Synonyms - puzzle, riddle, secret, unsolved problem, problem, question

- Example – Authors use several different literary elements to create mystery within a text, especially a story.

A quality in a work of fiction that arouses excited expectation or uncertainty about what may happen.

- Synonyms - tension, uncertainty, doubt, doubtfulness, anticipation, expectation, expectancy, excitement, anxiety, nervousness,

apprehension

- Example – The element of suspense within a text is what makes the reader want to continue to read the text because he/she

wants to see what happens next.

A feeling of mild astonishment or shock caused by something unexpected.

- Synonyms - A feeling of mild astonishment or shock caused by something unexpected.

- Example – Authors allow events and characters to surprise with unexpected events or changes within the text.

Departing from a literal use of words; metaphorical. A way of using words to give something hidden meaning or

to connect something to something else that the reader may be able familiar with.

- Synonyms - metaphorical, non-literal, symbolic, allegorical, representative

- Example – Authors use figurative language to give words or phrases a deeper meaning. Some of examples of figurative

language are similes, metaphors, hyperboles, idioms, etc.

meaning (of a word) that implies or suggests (an idea or feeling) in addition to the literal (dictionary definition)

or primary meaning.

- Synonyms - have overtones of, have undertones of, hint at, give a feeling of, have an atmosphere of, give the impression of, be

associated with

- Example – The dictionary definition of a word is the denotative meaning. The connotative meaning of a word is the

association it suggests – muck like, the “hidden meaning of the word” or what the word makes you “feel” because of the way

it is being used. Word meanings are interpreted differently by different people, cultures, etc. To understand an author’s tone,

you should consider the way he/she uses words and the meaning he/she is implying.

Refers to a writer's selection of words as determined by many factors, including meaning (both denotative and

connotative), specificity, level of diction, tone, and audience.

- Synonyms – vocabulary choices, diction

- Example – An author’s word choice creates mood, tone, and meaning within a text.

The general attitude of a piece of writing, created by the author’s word choice and the details he/she uses in a text.

- Synonyms - mood, quality, feel, style, attitude, spirit, temper, effect

- Example - The tone of the story is the author’s use of words and details to make you feel a certain way when he/she uses the

words.

Decide how important, useful, valuable or effective information is.

- Synonyms - assess, assess the worth of, put a price on, put a value on

- Example – It is important to evaluate information before using it to make a judgment.

A book or document used to provide evidence in research.

- Synonyms - reference, authority, informant

- Example – When using a source as evidence, it is important for you to consider who wrote the source and if the source is

reliable and true.

The position from which something or someone is observed. In a text, it could be first person, second person,

or third person. The point of view from which something is told is important when considering how reliable or true the text is.

- Synonyms - position, perspective, viewpoint, outlook, stand, stance, side, frame of reference

Language designed to have a persuasive or impressive effect, but which is often regarded as lacking in sincerity or

meaningful content.

- Synonyms - power of speech, expression, way with words, delivery

- Example – Authors use rhetoric to persuade an audience to believe an idea.

Based on a mistaken belief. Using words to deceive or create a false idea.

- Synonyms - false, untrue, wrong, incorrect, faulty, flawed, inaccurate, mistaken, misinformed, misguided, misleading,

deceptive, fictitious, fabricated, distorted, made up