Name: ___________________________________
English 11 Terminology Pre-Test/Reference Sheet
The most important terms of the following categories Literary Devices, Poetic Devices, Rhetorical
(Persuasive) Devices, Rhetorical Elements, Literary Elements, Stylistic Elements, Stylistic Devices,
Genres
Directions: Write in the term that you think matches the definition provided, or write out the definition to the term
provided. Do your best and use pencil so we can fix it together later!
Term
1. Figurative language
2. Theme
3. Simile
4. Omniscient POV
5. Allusion
6. Cinematic POV
7. Tone
8. Dramatic irony
9. POV
10. Round character
11. Mood
12. Irony
13. Understatement
14. Imagery
15. Metaphor
16. Symbol
17. Central POV
18. Personification
19. Diction
20. Situational irony
21. Peripheral POV
22. Verbal irony
Definition
A type of language that varies from the norms of literal language, in which a writer
uses various devices to enhance the meaning for the reader.
(lit/poetic device)
Important message/lesson author intends to get across through their work, often
about human nature.
(lit element)
A type of figurative language that makes a comparison between two unlike objects
or ideas by connecting them with the words “like” or “as.” (lit/poetic/rhetorical
device)
In this type of third person point of view, the narrator knows everything about all
the characters, places, and events involved.
(lit device)
Reference to well-known people/places/things/ideas; most common kind is
biblical.
(lit/rhetorical device)
In this type of third person point of view, the narrator details only observable
action, just as if you were watching a movie. (lit device)
Author’s attitude about a subject; usually shown through their diction.
(stylistic element)
When facts are not known to the characters in a work of literature but are known
by the audience. (lit device)
The perspective from which a story is presented to a reader; the vantage point. (lit
element)
Character with multiple dimensions/traits. (lit device)
The atmosphere or feeling created through the setting by a literary work
(experienced by the reader). (stylistic element)
When an author twists the reader’s expectations in some way. (lit/rhetorical
device)
A deliberate representation of something as much less in magnitude or importance
than it really is; also called meiosis; opposite of exaggeration. (lit/rhetorical device)
Sensory details and comparisons used to paint an image of something in the
reader’s mind; most common kind is visual. (lit/poetic/rhetorical device)
A comparison between two unlike things not using “like” or “as”. In connecting
one object, event, or place to another, new and intriguing qualities of the original
can be uncovered.
(lit/poetic/rhetorical device)
A person/place/thing representing a greater concept. (lit/poetic device)
In this first-person point of view, the narrator of the story is the main character
and he/she is telling his/her own story.
(lit device)
Assigning human attributes to something nonhuman. Makes objects and their
actions easier to visualize, and more interesting.
(lit/poetic device)
Word choice. (stylistic element)
A situation that turns out completely differently than expected.
(lit device)
In this first-person point of view, the narrator of the story is not its main
character. The narrator is telling someone else's story; however, she is often
changed by her observations.
(lit device)
When the speaker means something totally different than what he is saying or the
audience realizes that the opposite of what a character is saying is true. (lit device)
23. Flat character
24. Allegory
25. Indirect
characterization
26. Direct characterization
27. Pun
28. Genre
29. Hyperbole
30. Pathos
31. Static character
32. Suspense
33. Paradox
34. Internal conflict
35. External Conflict
36. Oxymoron
37. Style
38. Satire
39. Parody
40. Rhetorical question
41. Persona
42. Parallelism
43. Motif
44. Juxtaposition
45. Flashback
46. Logos
47. Ethos
48. Dynamic character
49. Analogy
50. Syntax
Character with only one dimension/trait; stereotypical.
(lit device)
Story with a literal meaning and one or more symbolic meanings, like LOTF.
(genre/lit device)
Shows readers what a character is like through physical description, appearance;
speech, private thoughts and feelings, motives, actions, speech of other characters,
effect on other characters.
(lit device)
Tells readers what a character is like.
(lit device)
Play on words. (lit/poetic/rhetorical device)
Type of text; can be categorized based on structure (short story vs. novel vs.
article), or content (fiction vs. non-fiction vs. science fiction vs. historical fiction).
Exaggerated statement or claim.
(lit/poetic/rhetorical device)
A type of persuasion that taps into the reader’s/listener’s emotions.
(rhetorical element)
An unchanging character.
(lit device)
Feeling of tension in a literary work.
(lit device)
When two opposing or contradictory ideas are being simultaneously explored.
(lit/rhetorical device)
Conflict experienced by a character that does not involve others; usually a moral
struggle.
(lit device)
Conflict where a character struggles against an outside force – another person, a
physical obstacle, or society itself.
(lit device)
When two opposite words are placed near each other, producing a contradictory
effect; such as jumbo shrimp. (lit/poetic/rhetorical device)
Unique patterns in an author’s writing; can relate to themes they generally tackle,
certain types of characters they create, a special tone/diction/syntax they are
known for, etc.
A type of text (written or visual) that ridicules or criticizes individuals, ideas,
institutions, social conventions, etc. for the purpose of inciting change. (genre)
A type of text (written or visual) that mocks an existing text, person, creation, etc.
(genre)
A question asked by a writer or speaker with a seemingly obvious answer; used to
invite the reader/listener to draw their own conclusion and subtly persuade them
to agree with the argument being made (rhetorical device)
A character in a literary work created by the author through which the author
conveys his/her perception.
(lit device)
A special type of syntax in which words, phrases, or sentences have a repetitive
structure; creates a rhythmic effect for listeners; emulates strong writing to increase
credibility. (stylistic device)
Repeated patterns in a literary work in regard to objects or concepts that
contribute to themes; not to be confused with symbols (i.e. violence in LOTF;
flowers/snakes in Romeo & Juliet) (lit device)
When normally unassociated ideas, words, or phrases are placed next to one
another for effect.
(lit/poetic/rhetorical device)
An interruption of the chronological sequence (as of a film or literary work) of an
event of earlier occurrence.
(lit device)
A type of persuasion using logic, reasons, sound evidence.
(rhetorical element)
A type of persuasion that discusses ethics and morals, or attempts to build the
writer’s/speaker’s credibility so the reader/listener feels they have the same morals.
(rhetorical element)
A character that changes based on the plot of the story.
(lit device)
Extended metaphor/comparison. (rhetorical device)
Sentence structure
(stylistic element)