| Term | Definition |
| Allusion | An indirect or subtle reference to another work of literature |
| Anti-hero | A protagonist who has qualities opposite to those normally expected from a hero |
| Assertion | A claim that needs support to be persuasive |
| Slang | The lowest and least acceptable level of diction in writing |
| Characterization | The development of a character through speech, actions etc. |
| Climax | The highest point of action in literature |
| Compare/Contrast | When one discusses two or more topics by detailing the ways in which they are similiar or different |
| Conflict | A struggle between opposing forces |
| Theme | The central idea or message in a work of literature |
| Mood | The feeling or atmosphere the writer creates |
| Thesis | A central claim in an essay |
| Example | Providing concrete instances or illustrations to support a writer's claims |
| Foreshadowing | When an author provides hints or clues of events that may occur in the future |
| Genre | Drama, Fiction, Nonfiction and Poetry |
| Illustration | Another term used for example |
| Imagery | Descriptive and vivid language that appeals to the 5 senses |
| Introduction | 1st part of a formal essay |
| Irony | A contrast between what is expected to happen and what actually happens |
| Jargon | Another term for technical language |
| Personification | Attributing human/animal characteristics to inanimate objects |
| Dramatic irony | When readers know more than the character does in the story |
| Parallelism | When events, characters or conflicts in a story relate or mirror one another |
| Protagonist | Main character in a play/story |
| Antagonist | Character who opposes the protagonist |
| Pathos | Writing that excites a feeling of pity or sadness |
| Symbol | Something that represents something else |