th
4
Grade
PSSA
Reading
Vocabulary
affix
a prefix or suffix
Example: hopeful
(ful =full of)
alliteration
the repetition of initial
consonant sounds in
neighboring words
Example: Slimy slugs
slither slowly down the
sidewalk.
author's
purpose
The author can
persuade, entertain,
or inform the
reader/audience.
character
traits
the personality traits of a
character in the story
(adjectives that describe a
character)
Examples: The boy was
determined to win the race.
climax
-the high point or
turning point of the
story
-happens after the
rising action
falling
action
the main
events of the
story after
the climax
first person
point of
view
A main character
tells the story
using words such
as I, me, and
myself.
hyperbole
an exaggeration
Example:
I’m so hungry
I could eat a horse!
idioms
an expression that
cannot be taken
literally
Example:
The test was as easy
as pie.
imagery
words that appeal to one
of the senses: sight, taste,
touch, hear, or smell
Example: The ice cream
sundae melted in my
mouth because it was so
creamy.
metaphor
a comparison of two
objects without
using like or as
Example: He is a giant.
onomatopoeia
the use of a word to
suggest the meaning
Examples:
Crunch! Crackle! Buzz!
personification
an object that is
given human
qualities
Example:
The flowers were
dancing in the grass.
plot
a summary of the
story that includes
the rising action,
climax, and falling
action
resolution
the solution
of the story
rising action
the main events
of the story
before the climax
setting
the time and the
place of the story
where and when
Example: The setting of the story
Cinderella is in a castle a long time
ago.
simile
a comparison of two
objects using like or as
Example: The sisters are
like two peas in a pod.
symbolism
an object
representing an idea
Example: The eagle
is a symbol of the
United States.
third person
point of
view
The author tells the
story about the main
characters using the
words such as them,
he, and she.