NY Regents ELA key terms

The most important point a text makes about its topic. It may be stated directly or implied, and it is supported by details throughout the passage.

A message about life or human nature that a literary work conveys. Themes are usually implied rather than stated directly, and readers infer them from characters, events, and repeated ideas.

A conclusion a reader draws by combining clues in the text with background knowledge. The idea is not stated outright, so the reader must reason from evidence.

Specific quotations, facts, statistics, or details taken from a passage and used to support an interpretation, claim, or analysis in discussion or writing.

The reason a writer creates a text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain. Purpose shapes the content, structure, and language an author chooses.

The perspective from which a text is told or written. Common choices include first person and third-person limited or omniscient narration, and each affects what readers know.

The attitude a writer expresses toward the subject, characters, or audience. Word choice, sentence structure, and details all help reveal whether the tone is serious, humorous, or critical.

The feeling or atmosphere a reader experiences while reading a text. Setting, imagery, word choice, and pacing work together to create it.

The methods an author uses to develop a character's personality and motives. These include direct description, dialogue, actions, thoughts, and how other characters respond.

A struggle between opposing forces that drives a story forward. Common types include person versus person, person versus nature, person versus society, and person versus self.

The sequence of related events in a story, usually moving from exposition and rising action through a climax to resolution. Conflict and character choices drive the plot.

The time and place in which a story takes place. Setting can influence characters' choices, create mood, and reflect the values of a particular society.

A brief, neutral restatement of a text's main points and key details, written without personal opinion or judgment. It captures what the text says, not what the reader thinks.

The way an author organizes information in a text, such as cause and effect, comparison and contrast, chronology, or problem and solution. Structure helps readers follow ideas.

Language that goes beyond literal meaning to create comparisons or vivid effects. Examples include metaphor, simile, personification, and hyperbole, which writers use to deepen description and meaning.

A direct comparison that states one thing is another, without using the words like or as. Metaphors help readers see familiar ideas in fresh ways.

A comparison between two unlike things that uses the words like or as. Similes make descriptions more vivid and can shape the tone of a passage.

A figure of speech that gives human qualities, feelings, or actions to animals, objects, or abstract ideas. It can make descriptions memorable and create emotional effects.

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Imagery helps readers picture a scene and often contributes to mood and theme.

The use of an object, person, or event to stand for a larger idea beyond its literal meaning. Symbols can carry emotional or thematic weight in a text.

Hints or clues an author drops about events that will happen later in the story. Foreshadowing builds suspense and can make later developments feel believable.

A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens, or between what is said and what is meant. Irony can create humor or underline serious criticism.

A brief reference to a well-known person, event, work of art, or piece of literature. Allusions let writers convey meaning by relying on readers' prior knowledge.

The emotional or cultural associations a word carries, beyond its dictionary meaning. Connotations can be positive, negative, or neutral and strongly influence tone.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, without the feelings or associations it may suggest. Distinguishing denotation from connotation helps readers detect an author's attitude.

An author's choice of words and phrases. Diction shapes tone, creates a particular voice, and affects how clearly or persuasively a text communicates.

The arrangement of words and sentences in a text, including sentence length, word order, and punctuation. Writers vary syntax to control pace, emphasis, and clarity.

A persuasive strategy that aims to win readers over through credibility (ethos), emotion (pathos), or logic and evidence (logos). Skilled writers often combine all three.

A statement that asserts a position on an issue and can be supported with reasons and evidence. A strong claim is debatable rather than a simple fact.

An opposing position that a writer acknowledges and then responds to. Addressing a counterclaim shows that an argument is balanced and can make it more convincing.

A sentence, usually placed near the beginning of an essay, that states the main claim and suggests how the argument will be developed.

Information that directly relates to a claim and comes from credible sources. Relevant evidence may include facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions, or quotations from the text.

A writer's explanation of how a piece of evidence supports a claim. Commentary goes beyond summary by analyzing, interpreting, and connecting evidence to the argument.

The process of combining information from two or more sources to develop a unified understanding or argument. Synthesis requires comparing ideas and integrating them smoothly.

Identifying the source of a quotation or idea so readers can locate it and credit the original author. Accurate citation helps writers avoid plagiarism.

Restating a source's idea in one's own words and sentence structure while keeping the original meaning. Paraphrasing still requires citation of the source.

A reasoned position supported by evidence and explanation, intended to persuade readers. A complete argument includes a clear claim, supporting reasons, evidence, and commentary.

The intended readers of a text whose needs, background, and expectations shape the writer's choices about content, tone, and language.