Vanderpool Gant Semester Exam

Body Paragraphs

1) Each body paragraph gets a topic sentence to support your thesis. 2) Each body paragraph has supporting details. 3) Each body paragraph has evidence from the text 4) Each body paragraph clearly states the main idea of your essay

Introductory Paragraph

1) Introductory Sentence to capture your reader's interest 2) Introduction to the text you are writing about 3) Identify WHAT you are writing about 4) Thesis sentence

Conclusion Paragraph

1) Wrap up your thoughts in a clear, thoughtful manner 2) Connect all the evidence

metaphor

A comparison WITHOUT using like or as A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action Example: He is a shining star. The snow is a white blanket. The calm lake was a mirror.

simile

A comparison using "like" or "as" A figure of speech that compares one thing with another thing of a different kind; typically using the words like or as Example: You were as brave as a lion. This house is as clean as a whistle. Watching the show was like watching grass grow.

paradox

A contradiction. An absurd or contradictory statement Example: Save money by spending it. If I know one thing, it's that I know nothing. This is the beginning of the end.

irony

A contrast between expectation and reality A literary device is a situation where there is contrast between the expectation and reality. Example: A fire station burns down. A marriage counselor files for divorce. A traffic cop gets his license suspended because of unpaid parking tickets.

Symbolism

A literary device that uses symbols (such as words, people, marks, locations, or abstract ideas) to represent something beyond the actual meaning. Example: The Great Gatsby - The "green light" at the end of Daisy's dock, represented the "American Dream" for Gatsby's hope to win Daisy back. Between the World and Me - Howard University symbolizes the Mecca for Ta-Nehisi Coates as the place where he learned the way the world worked.

linear plot structure

A plot line that is told in the exact order in which the event occurred.

nonlinear plot structure

A plot line that is told out of the order in which the events occurred. Example: A Rose for Emily is a story that is told completely out of the order in which the events occurred. The story begins when Miss Emily died and then proceeded to tell the rest of the story.

allusion

A reference to a historical person, place, or event. Example: He studies all the time and is a regular Einstein. (Refers to Albert Einstein a historical figure.) Chocolate is my Achilles' Heel! (Achilles' Heel - refers to Greek Mythology.) She was a Good Samaritan when she helped the older lady with her groceries. (Good Samaritan is a historical figure that was in the Bible.)

conflict

A struggle between two opposing forces A literary device by a struggle between two opposing forces. It can provide tension in the story. Examples: Man vs. Self In A Rose for Emily, Miss Emily refuses to accept the reality of her father's death and having a relationship with Homer Barron. Man vs. Man In The Great Gatsby, Tom and Gatsby are in conflict because they both love and want Daisy. Man vs. Nature In Sweat, Sykes has conflict with the rattlesnake that he tried to scare his wife, Delia, with and ends up getting bit and dying. Man vs. Society In A Rose for Emily, Miss Emily struggles with society in that she refuses to pay her taxes.

symbol

A thing that represents or stands for something else, especially a material object representing something abstract.term-34

imagery

A type of figurative language where you can imagine a picture in your mind while reading the text. Example: The familiar tang of his grandmother's cranberry sauce reminded him of his youth. The concert was so loud that her ears rang for days afterward. The sunset was the most gorgeous they'd ever seen; the clouds were edged with pink and gold.

archetype

A universal symbol. Can be a typical character, action, situation, setting, that represent a universal pattern of human nature.

direct characterization

Author directly describes character. (Author just tells us.) Direct characterization: when the character's qualities are described by a narrator, another character, or by the character themselves. Example: She is rich.

theme

Central idea of a work of literature A central topic, subject, or message within a narrative. Example: A theme in The Great Gatsby was the "American Dream". Gatsby longed for Daisy as his American Dream and everything he did was for her. A theme in Between the World and Me was the destruction of the Black body.

mood

Feeling or atmosphere that a writer creates for the reader

Procedure for writing a correct essay

Introductory Paragraph Body Paragraph Conclusion Paragraph * Indent your paragraph * Cite your sources

hero's journey

Pattern of narratives that described the typical adventure of a hero.

alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds Example: The sweet birds sang softly. Shut the shutters before the banding sound makes you shudder. Please put away your paints and practice the piano.

indirect characterization

The character is revealed through their personality, appearance, words, actions, and effect on others Indirect characterization: when the character's qualities are revealed by his or her actions, thoughts, or dialogue. Example: She got ice on her wrist.

The American Dream

The widespread belief that the United States is a land of opportunity and that individual initiative and hard work can bring economic success.

stream of consciousness

narrative mode where the reader knows what is going on in the author's head. A style or technique of writing that tries to follow the natural flow of a character's thought process. Example: The Yellow Wallpaper is a story that shows the main character's thoughts throughout the story. (Vanderpool) The Jilting of Granny Weatherall is a story that shows the main character's thoughts throughout the story. (Gant)

rhetoric

the art of using language effectively and persuasively Ethos: appeal to credibility Logos: appeal to logic Pathos: appeal to emotion

Social Justice

the defense of human dignity by ensuring that essential human needs are met and that essential human rights are protected for all people

characterization

the process by which the writer reveals the personality of a character

diction

word choice The choice and use of words and phrases in speech or writing. Example: "I regret to inform you that is not the case." (A nicer way to say "you're wrong!") "It is a pleasure to see you again! How are you today? (A nicer way to say "Hey, what's up?")