FSA Grade 7 key terms

The main point an author wants readers to understand about a topic. It is broader than a detail and is usually stated or strongly suggested in the opening and closing sections of a text.

A message about life or human nature that a literary work explores, such as courage or loyalty. Unlike a topic, a theme is a full statement the reader infers from events and characters.

A fact, example, statistic, or quotation that backs up a claim or main idea. Strong readers check whether each detail truly connects to the point it is supposed to prove.

A direct quotation or specific passage from a reading that supports an answer or claim. Answers should cite where the evidence appears and explain how it proves the point.

A conclusion drawn by combining clues in a text with what a reader already knows. An inference is not stated directly, so it must be defended with evidence from the passage.

A short restatement of a text's main ideas and most important details in the reader's own words. A good summary leaves out minor examples and personal opinions.

Restating a passage's meaning in different words while keeping the original ideas and approximate length. Paraphrasing differs from summarizing, which shortens the text considerably.

Presenting someone else's words or ideas as your own without credit. It includes copying text, using another person's unique analysis, or failing to cite a source properly.

To name the source of information used in writing, usually with the author, title, and location. Citing sources lets readers verify claims and gives credit to original authors.

A statement the writer asks readers to accept as true. In argument writing, a claim is the position taken on an issue and must be supported by reasons and evidence.

Writing that states a position and supports it with logical reasons and evidence. A strong argument also acknowledges opposing views and responds to them fairly.

An opposing position that challenges a writer's claim. Skilled writers state the counterclaim accurately and then answer it with evidence, which makes their own argument more convincing.

The part of an argument that answers or refutes a counterclaim. It usually points out weak evidence or faulty reasoning in the opposing view and restates the writer's position.

A strategy used to persuade an audience, commonly through logic, emotion, or the writer's credibility. Recognizing these appeals helps readers judge whether a persuasive text is trustworthy.

An unfair leaning toward or against an idea that shapes how information is presented. Bias can appear through word choice, omitted facts, or one-sided examples.

The believability of an author or source, based on expertise, accuracy, and fairness. Readers test credibility by checking the author's background, the publisher, and whether claims are documented.

The perspective from which a story is told, such as first person or third person limited. In informational texts, it also means the author's position or attitude toward the topic.

The reason a character acts, thinks, or changes during a story, such as fear, loyalty, or ambition. Motivations are often revealed through dialogue, choices, and reactions to conflict.

The way information in a passage is organized, such as cause and effect, comparison, chronological order, or problem and solution. Structure signals help readers follow how ideas connect.

Words used in a nonliteral way to create vivid meaning, including simile, metaphor, personification, and hyperbole. Figurative language shapes tone and requires readers to interpret beyond the literal words.

The feeling or association a word carries beyond its dictionary meaning. For example, "thrifty" and "stingy" describe similar behavior but suggest different attitudes.

The author's attitude toward the subject, revealed through word choice and details, such as humorous, critical, or admiring. Tone differs from mood, which is the feeling a reader gets.

Information in nearby words or sentences that helps a reader figure out an unfamiliar word's meaning. Clues include definitions, examples, contrasts, and cause-and-effect relationships.

A word or phrase that links ideas and shows how sentences or paragraphs relate, such as however, therefore, or in contrast. Transitions guide readers through an argument or narrative.

Mixing sentence lengths and patterns so writing sounds natural and keeps readers interested. It includes combining short and long sentences and avoiding repeated openings.

A number that can be written as a fraction with integers in the numerator and a nonzero denominator. This includes integers, terminating decimals, and repeating decimals.

A whole number from the set of positive and negative counting numbers plus zero, such as -4, 0, or 7. Integers have no fractional or decimal part.

The distance of a number from zero on the number line, always zero or positive. For example, the absolute value of -6 is 6, written as |-6| = 6.

Two numbers located the same distance from zero on a number line but on different sides, such as 5 and -5. Their sum is always zero.

A horizontal line marked with evenly spaced points that represent numbers, with zero and positive and negative directions. It models ordering, distance, and operations with rational numbers.

A relationship between two quantities in which one is a constant multiple of the other, so their ratio stays the same. Its graph is a straight line through the origin.

The fixed multiplier that relates two proportional quantities, found by dividing one quantity by the other. In the equation y = kx, the value k is this constant.

A rate expressed as an amount per one unit of another quantity, such as miles per hour or cost per item. It is found by dividing the first quantity by the second.

A comparison of two quantities by division, often written as a to b, a:b, or a/b. Ratios can compare parts to parts or parts to a whole.

An equation whose graph is a straight line, typically written as y = mx + b. The constant m gives the slope, and b gives the y-intercept.

A measure of a line's steepness, equal to the vertical change divided by the horizontal change between two points. It describes the rate of change in a linear relationship.

A mathematical statement comparing expressions that are not necessarily equal, using symbols such as <, >, ≤, or ≥. Its solutions form a range shown on a number line.

A decimal in which one or more digits repeat forever, such as 0.333... It can always be written as a fraction, so it is a rational number.