Taken from Burke County High School

.Paradox is a statement or a group of statements. Oxymoron is a combination of two contradictory terms.2.Paradox consists of a whole sentence or a paragraph. Oxymoron on the other hand comes with only two words that contradicts itself.3.Paradox is an action that is contradictory and oxymoron is a description of a phrase.

Read more: Difference Between Oxymoron and Paradox | Difference Between | Oxymoron vs Paradox http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-oxymoron-and-paradox/#ixzz1GINM3S7I

ProseProse: consists of a story written in sentences and paragraphs that come from the author’s own imagination.

PoetryPoetry is set up in groups of lines called stanzas which have a certain rhythm or beat as you read them. Poetry also contains vivid images in very compact language.

The two main types

of literature on this test are proseprose

and poetrypoetry.

CHARACTERCHARACTERA person(s), animal, or natural force

appearing in a literary work.PROPROTAGONISTTAGONIST

The main character or hero of a short story.

ANTANTAGONISTAGONISTA rival or opponent of the hero.

SettingSettingWhen and where a story takes place

Point of ViewPoint of ViewThe vantage point from which the story is told– the relationship of the narrator to the

story.ConflictConflict

The struggle between different forces in a storyPlotPlot

The sequence of events in a story that leads to the resolution

Exposition Resolution

Ris

ing A

ctio

n

Climax

Falling Action

Narrative Hook/Conflict Introduced

First-personFirst-person is told by a character who uses the first-person pronoun “I”.

Third-personThird-person (Limited or Omniscient) (Limited or Omniscient) is the point of view where the narrator uses third-person pronouns such as “he” and “she” to refer to the characters.

LIMITED: this perspective is distinct from the omniscient mode in that the reader experiences the story through the senses and thoughts of just one character.

OMNISCIENT: this perspective is told from the point of view of a storyteller who plays no part in the story but knows all the facts, including the characters' thoughts.

The struggle between different forces in a story.

InternalInternal conflict is a mental or emotional struggle that occurs within a character(Man vs. Himself)

ExternalExternal conflict is a struggle that occurs between a character and outside forces, which could be another character or the environment.(Man vs. Man, Society, Nature, etc)

Verbal ironyVerbal irony is when a speaker says one thing but means another, or when a literal meaning is contrary to its intended effect. An example of this is sarcasm.

Dramatic ironyDramatic irony is when words and actions possess a significance that the listener or audience understands, but the speaker or character does not.

Situational ironySituational irony is when the result of an action is contrary to the desired or expected effect . . . what you expect to happen does not come to pass.

ToneTone is a reflection of a writer’s or speaker’s attitude toward a subject of a poem, story, or other literary work. ToneTone may be communicated through words and details that express particular emotions and that evoke and emotional response from the reader. For example, word choice or phrasing may seem to convey respect, anger, lightheartedness, or sarcasm.

FlashbackFlashback is action that interrupts to

show an event that happened at an

earlier time which is necessary to better

understanding. Often flashbacks

are presented as a memory of the

narrator or of another character.

ForeshadowingForeshadowing is theuse of hints or clues to suggest what will

happen later in literature.

Writers use foreshadowing to build their readers’ expectations and to create suspense. This

is used to help readers prepare for what is to come.

ThemeTheme is the general idea or insight about life that a writer wishes to express—sometimes referred to “a life lesson.” All of the elements of literary terms contribute to theme. A simple theme can often be stated in a single sentence.

Poetry consists of imagery, rhythm and rhyme, and figures of speech.

LYRICLYRIC:An emotional writing focusing on

thought andemotion - can consist of a song-like

quality. Subdivisions include elegy, ode and

sonnet. Lyric poetry does not attempt to tell a

story.

NARRATIVENARRATIVEA poem which tells a story. Includes the subdivision epic, a long story which tells of

the heroic ideals of a particular society, and

ballad, which generally tell of an event of interest

such as a crime. Ballads were originally intended

to be sung while dancing.

EpicsEpicsEpics are long, complicated story-poems. They tell of extraordinary deeds by supernatural heroes and villains.

BalladsBalladsBallads are part of the oral tradition and tella

story through song. Their subjects can be heroic, satirical, romantic, or political. They focus on

the actions and dialogue of a story—not the characters.

DRAMATICDRAMATICAny drama written in verse which is

meant to be spoken, usually to tell a story or

portray a situation. The majority of dramatic

poetry is written in blank verse.

Imagery Imagery is words or phrases that recreate an experience of a feeling. It usually appeals to one or more of the five senses—sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch.

RhythmRhythm is a pattern of sound you hear as the poetry is spoken or read.

RhymeRhyme refers to the repetition of sounds or words within lines (internal rhyme) or at the end of lines (end rhyme).

The most common rhythm in English poetry.

Consists of a line ten syllables long that is accented on every second beat.

Blank verse Blank verse is written in unrhymed iambic pentameter. Whereas, free free verse (verse (sometimes referred to free free form) form) is not written in iambic pentameter.

Couplet = a two line stanzaTriplet = a three line stanzaQuatrain= a four line stanzaQuintet = a five line stanzaSestet = a six line stanzaSeptet = a seven line stanzaOctave = an eight line

stanza

Figures of Speech Figures of Speech are images that depart from

standard wording to achieve a specialmeaning of effect.

Assonance Assonance is the repetition of vowel-sounds within non-rhyming words.

ConsonanceConsonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within words.

AlliterationAlliteration is the repetition of same sounds at the start of words.

There is an example of all three of these terms in one line of the poem, “The Raven,” written by Edgar Allan Poe:

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtainAssonance is the repetition of the ur sound in "purple" and "curtain.“Consonance is the repetition of the s sound within "uncertain" and

"rustling.“Alliteration is the repetition of the s sound at the start of "silken" and

"sad.”

HyperboleHyperbole is exaggeration or overstatement.

Example:I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.He's as big as a house.

SimileSimile is the comparison of two unlike things using like or as.Example:He eats like a pig. Vines like golden prisons.

Metaphor Metaphor is the comparison of two unlike things using the verb "to be" and not using like or as as in a simile. Example:He is a pig.

OnomatopoeiOnomatopoeiaa is a word that imitates the sound it represents.

Example:splash, wow, gush, kerplunk

PersonificatioPersonification n is giving human characteristics to something non-human.

Example:smiling moon

OxymoronOxymoron is a combination of contradictory or opposite words.

Examples: “pretty ugly”

“jumbo shrimp”“legally drunk”

ParadoxParadox is a statement that at first appears false but in reality is true.

Example:“Tis better to have loved and lost than

never to have loved at all.”

Understanding the Literary Periods

Native American (30,000BC-1730AD):

Characteristics—focus on the common origin of all things, tribal traditions and rituals, respect for all nature.

Types of literature—mostly oral, some written, consisting of ceremonial songs and prayers, historical narratives, and poems.

Puritan/Colonial (1620-1730): Characteristics—focus on

predestination, plainness in all things.

Types of literature—sermons, diaries, journals, narratives, and poetry; fiction or drama was forbidden.

Revolutionary (1750-1800): Characteristics—high regard for

reasoning and scientific observation; strong belief in human progress; freedom from restrictive laws and government; moderation and self-control in all things; stress on elegant, ornate style of writing.

Types of literature—political writings, almanacs, speeches, essays, and some poetry.

Romantic (1800-1840): Characteristics—high regard for

inner feelings and emotions; focus on the individual; reverence for the imagination; use of language of the common people.

Types of literature—poetry, novels, short stories, sketches, and folklore.

Transcendentalism & Anti-Transcendentalism (1840-1860):

Characteristics—(T) reverence for nature; happiness comes from individualism and self-reliance; (AT) critical of optimistic views; human nature a mixture of good and evil.

Types of literature—essays, novels, short stories, and poetry.

Realism & Naturalism (1855-1918): Characteristics—(R) expression of life as it

is actually lived; factual description of ordinary characters and events; regionalism or local color; focus on dialect, customs, and characters of a particular region; (N) heredity, environment, and economics determine one’s destiny; nature as a brutal force; influence of scientific method.

Types of literature—stories, novels, poetry, travel books, songs, and spirituals.

Modern Age (1918-present): Characteristics—opposition to

dehumanizing trends in modern life; short stories with a more open form that stress mood and character rather than plot; loss of idealism due to war; experimental forms of poetry--free verse, imagism, and confessional poetry; rise in African-American heritage, culture, and concerns.

Literal & Inferential Understanding; Writer’s Purpose & Pattern

Literal understanding Literal understanding refers to information that is directly stated in a passage.

A main idea is the basic topic of a passage. It is often stated directly at the beginning of a passage. Sometimes it can be stated at the end, and, occasionally, it may not be stated at all.

A supporting detail expands or clarifies the main idea of a passage. Since the supporting details develop the main idea, there are usually several. They may explain the main idea by cause-effect examples, sequence, or comparing and contrasting.

Inferential understanding Inferential understanding is information not directly stated in a passage. You may be asked to make various types of inferences—reading between the lines, an educated guess—about a passage.

These inferences will take the form of (1) implied main idea—main idea that is not stated directly; (2) conclusion—forming a judgment or opinion based on what is stated; or (3) prediction—applying information from a passage to a new situation.

Propaganda is information that tries to falsely influence your opinions or feelings. It is found in television commercials, newspaper ads and editorials, political speeches, and everyday conversations too.

Continue for examples . . .

Example(s):

Michael Jordan eats Wheaties.

Sarah Jessica Parker states in a commercial that

Preference hair color has better conditioners.

(1) testimonials—a commonly

used technique in which famous persons

endorse a product even though they may not be

qualified experts.

Example(s):

Everyone is having sex before marriage so it

must be OK.

The cool kids wear Polo and Tommy Hilifiger.

(2) plain folks—a technique

which persuades us

to think or act a certain way

because other people are doing the

same thing.

Example(s):

The Statue of Liberty represents Liberty Insurance

so people will respect the company’s products.

A political candidate gives a speech with the American flag in the background so people

will trust in what he is saying.

(3) transfer—a technique in

which we connect our

feelings about something to

another unrelated thing (often symbols

like flags, respected

leaders, or historical figures

are used).

Example(s):

Uncommon, unusual, unlike the rest – Avanti!

The height of fashion is a Coach purse.

(4) snob appeal—a high social

status is the reward for thinking or

acting a certain way.

Example(s):

New, improved Speed Hair Spray!

Vote for a future of progress and prosperity.

(5) glittering generality—a general claim with no proof to support it.

PurposePurpose refers to why an

author writes. Readers can

better understand

written material when they can determine the

reason an author writes.

Four common purposes for writing are: (1) narrative—tells a story through a series of unrelated events; (2) description—recreates a person, place, or thing through words that appeal to the five senses; (3) expository—presents information about a topic, usually through facts or examples; and (4) persuasion—urges an audience to do something or accept an opinion.

Type of Writing Examples

Narration “The Time I Wrecked my New Car”“Falling in Love for the First Time”

Description “The Beach at Sunset”“My Grandmother’s Hands”

Exposition “Tips for Conserving Water at Home”“How to Change a Tire”

Persuasion “Homeless People Need Homes!”Why We Should Raise the Minimum Wage!”

PatternPattern means how a

writer organizes the

details of a passage.

These details will follow a

certain pattern in

explaining the main idea.

Four common patterns writers use are: (1) climactic—sometimes this pattern is called order of importance because the writer starts with the least important details and ends with the most important details to make a point; (2) comparison/contrast—shows similarities or differences between two ideas or things; (3) cause-effect—cause refers to the reason for an action whereas effect is the result of an action; and (4) subordination—helps us see the logical relationship between facts by using transitions.

Key Words: First in

addition Second next Third then Finally most of all Also worst of

all

Least Important

MostImportant

MostImportant

LeastImportant

Examples:Ranking Household ExpensesMost/Least Favorite Class

Comparison Contrast

Alike Differ

Compare Contrast

Similar Unlike

Same On the other hand

Equally But

Resembles However

Examples:How My Mom and Dad are Alike (Comparison)How My Mom and Dad are Different (Contrast)

Cause Effect

Reason Result

Because Affect

Source Consequence

Basis Outcome

Examples:Why Earthquakes HappenHow Earthquakes Affect California

Subordination helps us see logical

relationships between facts; the

relationship is made

clearer by subordinating one idea to another.

Examples: Before we left for vacation, we asked out neighbors to watch the house. Americans want to lower taxes so that more of us can pay our bills. If you pass the final, you will pass your English class.

Key Words for Subordination

after so if because

as since unless which

before whereas though although

when that while until

Logic refers to reasoning writers use to communicate their ideas. Unfortunately, writers can sometimes make errors in reasoning or fallacies.

Certain questions on sequencesequence will

ask you to organize a

group of sentences into

a logical logical sequence of sequence of

eventsevents. These events would

then lead to a final

concluding sentence.

ExampleExample:Organize the following sentences into a sequence of events that will lead to this conclusion: All the animals sought refuge from the fury of the storm.

1.The pines swayed and branches feel from trees.2.There was a sudden calm and the air was heavy.3.Black, ominous clouds gathered overhead.4.Birds screeched and dogs barked as the wind intensified.

A. 3, 2, 4, 1 C. 2, 3, 1, 4B. 2, 3, 4, 1 D. 3, 1, 2, 4

Since a storm usually begins quietly and then picks up strength, the best answer is B.

A generalization is a statement

that summarizes

or ties together

information in a

passage. It may be stated

directly or it may be

inferred from evidence in

the passage.

ExampleExample:Which of the following statements is the best generalization about this passage?

The blood carries oxygen from the lungs to each cell in the body. In addition, the blood carries carbon dioxide from the cells to the lings where it is expelled as a waste product. Nutrients like protein and glucose depend on the blood for their dispersal throughout the body.

1.The blood serves many functions in the body2.Protein and glucose provide food for the blood.3.No one can survive without a plentiful supply of blood.4.The blood provides oxygen to every cell in the body.Based on the evidence in the passage, the best answer is A. This generalization summaries what the passage is about.

Not questions Not questions require you to find irrelevant statements in

a selection. These

irrelevant statements

are examples, facts, or ideas

not mentioned in a passage.

Types of NOT QuestionsTypes of NOT Questions: Which statement would not be useful for establishing a new community center? Which sentence is irrelevant to the persuasive purpose of the writer? The American literary movement least influenced by the Industrial Revolution was… All of the following statements are necessary for supporting this argument except… Which statement is not an example of fallacious (erroneous) reasoning?

Tips for Answering “Not” Questions1.Read the question two or three times, eliminating statements that are relevant.2.The one that is left is your irrelevant statement.3.Always verify your answer by going back through the passage.

An argument argument

is a method of logic or

reasoning. The writer

uses reasons to support a

claim or assertion

about a topic or

issue.

Tips for Analyzing an ArgumentTips for Analyzing an Argument1.Identify the assertion or claim of the argument. Usually it is the first sentence of the passage. In some kinds or argument, it may appear at the end as the conclusion. Occasionally, you will have to arrive at your own conclusion based on the evidence.2.Decide whether each reason supports the claim. Some reasons will strongly support the claim –they will be logical and relevant to the argument. However, other reasons may be weak and irrelevant to the argument, providing little support for the assertion or claim.

Logical fallacies are errorserrors in reasoning. They reveal unclear thinking that weakens an argument.

Sharp readers should be able to spot fallacies.

The four most common fallacies are (1) hasty generalizations, (2) false analogies, (3) circular reasoning, and (4) personal attacks.

Hasty Generalizations Hasty Generalizations – making an inference or judgment based on insufficient evidence.

Example:You arrive to your English class. No one is there, so you decide the class has been cancelled.

This judgment is based on too little evidence. The class could be on a field trip, in another room, at a special assembly, etc.

False Analogy False Analogy – a misleading comparison between two ideas that are not alike in all aspects.

Example:High school students got along without cars in the 1940’s; therefore, they can get along without cars today as well.

Although there are high school students in both time periods, circumstances are different today. Cars are plentiful, more affordable, and, in most cases, a necessity because of greater distances between home, school, and work.

Circular reasoning Circular reasoning – part of a point is used as evidence to support it. This is also called

“begging the question”.

Example:Cheating on exams is wrong because looking at someone else’s test is bad.

No real reasons for cheating are given; the statement merely repeats itself.

Personal Attacks Personal Attacks – attacking a person’s life rather than his or her ideas.

Example:Carla is always joking with her friends, so how could she run for student council president?!

Carla’s sense of humor has little connection with how she would lead students. In fact, it could turn into an asset.

Research

Some of the questions on the test will test your ability to locate specific information found in features of printed materials.

Reference Materials

Table of contents Preface

Introduction Titles and subtitles

Glossary Index

Bibliography Dictionary

Appendix Encyclopedia

Almanac

Pay close

attention to the endings of web

addresses.

.com Commercial site; usually selling something

.net Network

.org Non-profit organization

.gov Local or National Government

.edu Educational site

When you are looking at websites, it is useful have an understanding of implications of the common suffixes used in the addresses for websites (called URLs). Some suffixes give a clue about the nature of the organization which owns the website.

AUTOBIOGRAPHYAUTOBIOGRAPHYA non-fictional account of a person's life--usually a

celebrity, an important historical figure, or a writer--written by

that actual person.

BIOGRAPHYBIOGRAPHYA non-fictional account of a person's life written by

someone other than who is being highlighted.

A fact is a true statement that can be proven through observations, research, or statistics.

An opinion is a statement of judgment or personal belief. It may or may not be true. Adjectives or the word “I” is often used.

Problem solving is a technique used to arrive at a solution to some difficulty.

Brainstorming Generating ideas, often with others, to find new ways of solving a problem. Example: Discussing ways to build racial understanding.

Creating Metaphors Solving a problem by connecting it to a similar problem. Example: Visiting a recycling center in Macon to learn how to recycle waste in Waynesboro.

Constructing Models

Creating a chart or design to solve a problem. Example: Making a drawing of the new auditorium for a high school.

Role Playing Solving a problem by acting it out. Example: Rehearsing an upcoming job interview with a friend so you’ll know what to expect.

Analogy Finding pairs of words that are related in some way to a first pair of words. Both sets of words are separated by a double colon. Example:

writer : pen :: painter : brush

Remember: The first two words in an analogy are related to each other in some way. You have to figure out what the relationship is. Then look for a similar relationship in one of your choices.

1. Cause – effect cut : pain2. Size whale :

mouse3. Shape balloon : sphere4. Time Sunday :

Monday5. Similarities faith : belief6. Opposites day : night7. Part to a whole branch :

tree8. Purpose or use hammer :

nail9. Object to an action football :

kick10.Worker & tool farmer :

plow

Common Types of Analogies

The English we use may be appropriate in one situation but not in another.

On the test, you may be asked specific questions about language; make sure you can distinguish between (1) slang, (2) colloquial language, (3) inappropriate English, and (4) Standard American English.

Slang Informal language that enjoys brief popularity then generally becomes obsolete. Examples: crib, dis, sike, yo’ mama, word, peace, my bad, etc.

Colloquial English

Words that are appropriate in dialogue and informal writing but inappropriate in formal writing [contractions, short words, or clichés]. Examples: You bet I’ll be there! He’s in so deep there’s no way out! The apple never falls far from the tree.

Inappropriate English

Contains grammar and usage that do not follow the standard rules for English. Example: I done really bad on that test yesterday! Ain’t no way I’m gonna pass that class.

Standard American English

English most widely accepted in the United States; it is the language of educated people. Example: I preformed really badly on yesterday’s test. Now there is no way I can pass the class.

Grammar rules state that the subject of a sentence MUST agree with the corresponding verb of the sentence. The subject is the word performing the action (verb).

The number of the verb is not affected by material that comes between the verb and subject. Determine the real subject of the verb; watch out for intervening words that might mislead you. Remember that the number of the verb is not altered when other nouns are attached to the subject by means of prepositions such as in addition to, together with, as well as, with, along with. Remember also that indefinite pronoun subjects like either, neither, each, one, everyone, no one, somebody take singular verbs. Examples:Immediate settlement of these problems is vital. The cost of replacing the asbestos shingles with cedar shakes was considerable.Mr. Shelton, together with several other division heads, has left.

A pronoun is a word that substitutes for a noun or another pronoun. The word for which a pronoun stands is called its antecedent. 

Examples: I called Harry, but he didn’t answer. [He substitutes for Harry. Harry is the antecedent of he.]

I will wash my car tomorrow.One of my friends is painting his house.

 

To use pronouns effectively and without confusing your reader, you must follow two basic principles: (1) You must establish a clear, easily identified relationship between a pronoun and its antecedent, and (2) You must make the pronoun and its antecedent agree in person, number, and gender.

offers signals showing the reader where ideas separate and where they blend together. Punctuation may signal contrasting elements or complimentary ones.

END PUNCTUATIONEND PUNCTUATIONEnd punctuation signals when a sentence is complete. It also signals the type of sentence: statement, with period (.); question, with question mark (?); or exclamation, with an exclamation point (!).

Examples:1.When a tree falls in the woods, it may land in the creek with a splash.2.If a tree falls in the woods onto a moss bed, does it make a noise?3.When that tree fell in the woods onto my car, it made a huge noise!

COMMASCOMMASThe use of commas is varied and valuable. Some comma functions are as follows: signaling restatement; separating two independent clauses when paired with a conjunction; or setting off direct address; and separating simple series items.

Examples:1.Plato, one of the creators of philosophical thought, developed the image of reality as shadows on a cave wall.2.Plato and Aristotle were philosophers in the same age, and they motivated each other to achieving ever greater insights.3.The philosophy of the “winner takes all” in reality programs seems insane to me, Alexis.4.Speaking of Plato’s reality as shadows on a wall, its banality is proven by reality shows like “Survivor,” “The Apprentice,” and “I Want to be a Hilton.”

SEMI COLONSSEMI COLONSSemi-colons signal stronger pause than commas but are used in similar situations. They are used to separate independent clauses (without conjunctions), and they separate complex items in a series.

Examples:1.Ms. Flores said that it was a philosopher who first asked that if a tree falls in the woods does it make a sound if no one is there to hear; this kind of unsolvable question can be used as an ice breaker for people who are getting acquainted. 2.The membership of our philosophy club may surprise most people as it includes Troy Birch, a start basketball player; Jason Simpson, the high dive champion; and Penelope Weaver, our top tennis ace.

COLONSCOLONSA colon is a definite break in the flow of a text. Some textual uses include signaling new information to be added or attaching a list of items to the sentence.

Examples:1.It is said that History repeats itself: at least if it is not remembered and the lessons are not learned.2.Spanish-born George Santayana wrote on many topics such as the following: life/death, individuality/society, and knowledge/faith.

Let’s apply what you’ve learned . . . .

Answer: C. Does the water in this community meet health and safety standards?

Answer: D. Please consider supporting the band, which is vital to our school.

Answer: A. Pat has the best grades in the school.

Answer: D. Puritans

Answer: C. Read Thoreau’s Walden

Answer: A. American “ex patriots” who disappeared in Europe

Answer: D – No correction is needed.

Answer: D. All of the above

Answer: C. Women

Answer: A/B. To Inform/persuade

Answer: A. A novel by the author, an interview with the author, and a letter written to the author

Answer: B. Paraphrasing

Answer: A. A direct quote

Answer: C. How did Henry David Thoreau’s friendships influence his writing?

Answer: B. A textbook

Answer: B. Let’s go through the tunnel, around the park, and down Melcher Street to get home.

Answer: C. Was

Answer: B. Bandwagon

Answer: D. An ellipses

Answer: B. Simile

Answer: A. Dialect

Answer: D - Romanticism

Answer: A – Transcendentalism

Answer: D - Third person omniscient point of view

Answer: A - Realism

Answer: D – role-playing

Answer: D – Business Writing

Answer: B – They’re

Answer: D - improve

Answer: D – guys/is Corrected – guys/are

Answer: C – It’s - (It is) going to rain.

Answer: B – First-person

Answer: A - Realism

Answer: C - Sermons

Answer: D – Oral Tradition

Answer: C - Client

Answer: B – Harlem Renaissance

Answer: C - Dialect

Answer: C - inform

Answer: D

Answer: D

Answer: C

The following resources were used in the creation of this PowerPoint:

1.AMC’s Passing the Georgia High School Graduation Test in English Language Arts (2007).2.CPC’s Passing the Georgia High School Graduation Test in Mathematics, Writing, and English Language Arts (1995).3.Miscellaneous Internet sites.