Essential Vocabulary for Reading SOL
Hyperbole: an extreme exaggeration. (Example: I have a ton of homework to do tonight.)
Simile: a comparison between two unlike things, using the words “like” or “as” in the
comparison. (Example: He was like a tiny pebble stuck in her shoe. You are as grouchy as a
bear.)
Metaphor: a comparison between two unlike things, NOT using “like” or “as.” (Example: He
was a pebble stuck in her shoe. You are a grouchy bear today.)
Alliteration: the repetition of beginning consonant sounds. (Example: “The Wind in the
Willows.”)
Onomatopoeia: the sound of the word imitates its meaning. (Examples: “quack,” “splash,”
“crackle.”)
Dictionary: a book of definitions. When you don’t know the meaning or spelling of a word, you
use a dictionary. (A glossary is a mini-dictionary at the back of a book.)
Thesaurus: a book of synonyms. When you know the meaning of a word, but need to
brainstorm other synonyms of the word, use a thesaurus. (synonym: words that mean the
same; antonym: words that mean the opposite.)
Encyclopedia: a set of books (in print and/or online form) giving information, arranged
alphabetically.
Plot: the sequence of events in a story.
Setting: the time and place of the story.
Character trait: a characteristic of a person: honest, brave, kind, etc.
Conflict: a problem in the story. Conflicts can be internal (inside the mind of a character) or
external (between a character and another character or force of nature.)
Climax: the turning point (highest point of the conflict) of the story.
Theme: a general lesson about life that one learns from the story.
Resolution: the ending of the story; how the conflict in the story resolves itself by the end.
Fiction: made-up or imaginary happenings.
Nonfiction: factual, informational.
Biography: an account of a person’s life.
Autobiography: an account of a person’s life written by that same person.
Chronological order: time order, sequential order. Signal words/transition words: first, second,
third, next, later, after, finally.
Cause/effect: the cause brings about the effect. Signal words/transition words: as a result,
because, consequently, the effects of, if….. then.
Compare/contrast: similarities and differences. Signal words/transition words: both, also,
similar, on the other hand, however, unlike.
Problem/solution: a problem is stated and possible solutions given. Signal words/transition
words: problem, solve, solution, one answer is, and cause/effect signal words.
Generalization/principle: a general statement followed by supporting details or arguments.
Signal words/transition words: generally, typically, most, usually, normally, always.
Key words: important words.
Author’s purpose: inform (give facts); persuade (author’s opinion, may be backed up with
facts).
Fact: something that can be proven: The Patriots won the Super Bowl in 2015.
Opinion: a personal feeling: The Patriots are the best team ever.
Haiku: a 3-lined nature poem, unrhymed, with syllables of 5 -7 5 in the three lines.
Limerick: a 5-lined rhymed (a-a-b-b-a) poem, silly in tone.
Free Verse: poem without a rhyme or a rhythm pattern.
Ballad: a rhymed, rhythmic poem that tells a story. It often has a refrain/chorus, and it can be
put to music.
Stanza: lines grouped together in a poem.