CAHSEE Academic Vocabulary Helen Hunt Jackson College Prep High
School
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Academic Vocabulary #1 CONTROLLING IMPRESSION The central
impression or idea a writer aims to communicate EX: Thesis; main
idea
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Academic Vocabulary #2 Essay A short piece of non-fiction
writing with a thesis statement EX: intro paragraph, 2-3 body
paragraphs, concluding paragraph
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Academic Vocabulary #3 REVISE To make changes and improve
writing based on content, organization, style, and purpose EX:
Rough Draft, Final Draft
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Academic Vocabulary #4 Evidence Support for an idea EX:
examples, elaboration
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Academic Vocabulary #5 Setting Where and when a story takes
place EX: A rooftop in Dublin during the Civil War (The
Sniper)
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Academic Vocabulary #6 Chronological Order The order, from 1 st
to last, in which events take place. EX: First, I Then, Next
Finally Finally
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Academic Vocabulary #7 Cause & Effect Organization to show
the reasons for and results of something EX: Mrs. Hyde gets no Diet
Coke in the morning, therefore she is grumpy. Students get a 6-page
test and fail. Parents yell at kids for failing test. Students get
Mrs. Hyde a Diet Coke. Everyone gets an A.
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Academic Vocabulary #8 EXTERNAL CONFLICT A struggle or
opposition caused by an outside force EX: Man v. man (Capulet v.
Montague) or Man v. nature (Mrs. Hyde v. The Skunk)
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Academic Vocabulary #9 Internal Conflict A struggle within
oneself EX: Fear of heights, being in love with your best friends
girlfriend
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Academic Vocabulary #10 Plot The series of related events that
make up a story. EX: Romeo & Juliet, who are supposed to be
sworn enemies, fall in love, get married and die.
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Academic Vocabulary #11 Exposition The beginning part of the
story that introduces the characters, gives the setting, and
introduces the conflict(s). EX: In Contents Clare goes to the
movies and the paper flies out the window.
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Academic Vocabulary #12 Rising Action This part of the story
begins to develop the conflict(s). Tom is stuck out on the ledge
and tries various ways to get to safety.
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Academic Vocabulary #13 CLIMAX The most exciting or high point
of the story EX: When Jack saves Rose and sacrifices himself in
Titanic
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Academic Vocabulary #14 Falling Action/Resolution The end of a
story, when the conflict is resolved and loose ends are tied up EX:
They all live happily ever after!
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Academic Vocabulary #15 PROTAGONIST The main character in a
story. EX: Timmy Turner, from The Fairly Odd Parents
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Academic Vocabulary #16 Antagonist A character who opposes the
protagonists efforts Example: Scar, from The Lion King Any bad guy
or villain in a book or movie
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Academic Vocabulary #17 Foreshadowing Hints or clues to the
outcome of the action in a story. In The Hunger Games, Peeta picked
poison berries, thinking they were edible, and Kat put a couple in
her pocket just in case she might need to use them on another
contestant later.
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Academic Vocabulary #18 Flashback A scene that looks back at
events from an earlier time EX: In The Outsiders, when Ponyboy is
dreaming and remembering how things used to be when his parents
were around
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Academic Vocabulary #19 Flash-forward A scene that jumps ahead
to events in the future. EX: As a father is holding his newborn
baby, he imagines walking her down the aisle at her wedding.
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Academic Vocabulary #20 Theme An authors overall message about
life or human nature that is revealed in a work of literature. EX:
Good wins over evil (theme of most superhero cartoons)
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Academic Vocabulary #23 Suspense The excitement or tension that
builds in a story; makes the reader want to know what will happen
next. EX: Wondering when the killer will strike while watching a
scary movie.
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Academic Vocabulary #21 Characterization The way a writer
reveals how characters think, feel, and act By using actions and
dialogue
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Academic Vocabulary #22 Direct Characterization The writer
describes the characterization directly EX: Maggie was shy.
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Academic Vocabulary #23 Indirect Characterization Readers must
figure out the characterization EX: Maggie would not look up and
spoke in a whisper.
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Academic Vocabulary #24 Dynamic Character A character who
changes in a dramatic way during a story EX: Tom from Contents of
the Dead Mans Pocket
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Academic Vocabulary #25 Static Character A character who
remains the same during a story. EX: Clare, from Contents of the
Dead Mans Pocket
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Academic Vocabulary #26 Stock Character A one-sided character
who represents specific, familiar types EX: the nutty
professor
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Academic Vocabulary #27 Flat Character A character with only
one or two personality traits EX: Shaggy from Scooby Doo
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Academic Vocabulary #28 Round Character One who is complex,
with many personality traits. EX: Harry Potter, Anakin
Skywalker
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Academic Vocabulary #29 Dramatic Monologue A long speech made
by one character to one or more other characters Juliet: 'Tybalt is
dead, and Romeo--banishd!' That 'banishd,' that one word 'banishd,'
Hath slain ten thousand Tybalts.
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Academic Vocabulary #30 Dialogue Conversation between
characters How do you pronounce this name? (Mama) You dont have to
call me by it if you dont want to (Dee/Wangero)
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Academic Vocabulary #31 Soliloquy A speech given by a character
alone "Well, Juliet, I will lie with thee tonight" (Romeo, in
5,1)
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Academic Vocabulary #32 Paraphrase Restating information in
your own words approximately the same length as the original The
air was cool and the ground was frozen. = It was cold outside.
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Academic Vocabulary #33 Direct Quote Most employers require a
candidate to have a bachelors degree in accounting or a related
field (Bureau of Labor Statistics). To use the exact words from a
source, giving credit to that source.
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Academic Vocabulary #34 Summarize Restating only the main ideas
of a source in your own words. The team gave a valiant effort, but
came up short. = They lost.
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Academic Vocabulary #35 Elaboration The addition or extension
of ideas to support ideas already presented In SUTW, the red
stop/explains support the yellow star ideas
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Academic Vocabulary #36 Parenthetical Citations Used to
document any external sources used within a research report Most
employers require a candidate to have a bachelors degree in
accounting or a related field (Bureau of Labor Statistics 1).
(Smith 49).
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Academic Vocabulary #37 Works Cited A separate page of the
research essay that lists sources used within the report. Jones,
Nick. How to Become a Photographer. Boston: Little, Brown, &
Company, 1993
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Academic Vocabulary #38 Synthesis or synthesize The merging of
information gathered from more than one source. Both Brown and
Jones state that..
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Academic Vocabulary #39 Primary Source An information source
with direct participation with the subject (first hand knowledge)
EX: diaries, letters, autobiographies
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Academic Vocabulary #40 Secondary Source An information source
by someone who did not participate in or observe the events. EX:
Textbooks, encyclopedias, most newspaper/ magazine articles.
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Academic Vocabulary #41 POINT OF VIEW The vantage point, or
perspective, from which a writer tells a story. EX: I was about to
fall asleep when I heard a terrible scream. ( 1 st person)
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Academic Vocabulary #42 FIRST PERSON POINT OF VIEW (or first
person narrator) When the narrator is a character in the story,
using the I voice EX: The next thing I knew, I was waking up in the
hospital.
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Academic Vocabulary #43 Omniscient point of view All-knowing
narrator; can see into the hearts and minds of more than one
character EX: Startled, he looked down, cocking his head to one
side and watching with great interest while the man rattled the
blades of grass as he tried to hide himself behind the tree.
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Academic Vocabulary #44 Third person limited point of view
Narrator knows only the thoughts and feelings of one character As
she walked, she realized it was just too quiet.
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Academic Vocabulary #45 Narrator The person telling the story
EX: John from By the Waters of Babylon
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Academic Vocabulary #46 Tone The authors attitude toward his or
her subject, shown through diction and voice EX: It is forbidden to
go to any of the Dead Places.
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Academic Vocabulary #47 Credibility The believability or
reliability of the information given Not credible=John from By the
Waters of Babylon Credible=Occupational Outlook Handbook
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Academic Vocabulary #48 Voice An authors special style set up
through diction and tone Yo baby, what up? Good day. How are you
fairing this fine afternoon?
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Academic Vocabulary #49 Persona The voice or character an
author chooses to narrate a story Narrator (1 st or 3 rd
person)
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Academic Vocabulary #50 Motivation The reasons why a character
acts or thinks in a certain way. EX: In Cold Equations, the
stowaway is motivated by a desire to see her brother.
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Academic Vocabulary #51 Figurative Language Words used in
imaginative ways to expand their meaning and impact Hes such a
dream! The toast jumped out of the toaster.
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Academic Vocabulary #52 Simile A comparison of two unlike
things using like or as or resembles Alex is like a ray of
sunshine! A=
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Academic Vocabulary #53 Metaphor A comparison of two unlike
things, not using like or as Sebastian is a beautiful rose S=
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Academic Vocabulary #54 Personification Giving human qualities
to inhuman things such as animals or objects My stapler must have
gotten up and walked away!
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Academic Vocabulary #55 Parallel Structure Joining several
related ideas in a sentence in a similar way. EX: At the beach, the
girls love tanning, swimming, and talking.
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Academic Vocabulary #56 Imagery EX: ( After Apple- Picking) -
the rumbling.. of load on load of apples coming in. Descriptive
language that creates vivid word pictures to appeal to the
senses.
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Academic Vocabulary #57 Diction A writers careful selection of
words to create a desired effect A smile crept up on Jonathons face
as he realized this house was his home.
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Academic Vocabulary #58 Connotation A words emotional
connections I may live in a house, but it feels like home!
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Academic Vocabulary #59 Literal Meaning (aka Denotation) The
precise, dictionary definition of a word or phrase EX: Chair=piece
of furniture to sit on.
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Academic Vocabulary #61 Interior Monologue A characters inner
thoughts and feelings. EX: I wish I were cool enough to hang out
with Brian Huerta and his friends, the new kid thought sadly.
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Academic Vocabulary #62 EXPOSITORY Writing that provides
information or explains something about a topic EX: a science
textbook, a cookbook, an essay about 3 causes of the Civil War.
Just the facts!
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Academic Vocabulary #63 SENTENCE STRUCTURE (aka SYNTAX) The way
words are put together to create a writing style. Ice melts. The
ice melts quickly. The ice on the river melts quickly under the
warm March sun. Lying exposed without its blanket of snow, the ice
on the river melts quickly under the warm March sun.
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Academic Vocabulary #60 Consumer Documents Texts that provide
information about products and services. Car warranty Directions on
how to assemble a bookshelf
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Academic Vocabulary #61 Workplace Documents Documents used in
the workplace to communicate information. EX: contracts, business
letters, emails, memos
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Academic Vocabulary #62 Public Documents Documents that inform
the public EX: Newspapers, bus schedules, government
regulations
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Academic Vocabulary #64 Technical Documents Documents used to
explain procedures for using technology. Windows for Dummies
Instruction booklets
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Academic Vocabulary #65 Functional Documents Any documents
prepared for a specific function. EX: Consumer, public, workplace,
and technical documents.
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Academic Vocabulary #66 Boldface Dark, heavy type. I like to
put important words in boldface type.
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Academic Vocabulary #67 Format The design of a document EX:
bullet points, numbering, headings, margins
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Academic Vocabulary #68 Graphics Visual elements that add to
the text EX: art, photos, drawings, diagrams
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Academic Vocabulary #69 Header A label or heading that begins a
section of a document. Before You Read Terms to Know:
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Academic Vocabulary #70 Point-by-point Sequence A sequence that
lists items in no particular order. EX: our list of academic
vocabulary terms Tone Symbol Irony
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Academic Vocabulary #71 Step-by-step sequence A sequence that
tells you what to do first, second, third, and so on. EX: a recipe
1.Get out ingredients 2.Mix butter and sugar
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Academic Vocabulary #72 Situational Irony When you expect one
thing to happen, but something totally different occurs EX: You
expect to get presents at Christmas, and you end up with coal in
your stocking
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Academic Vocabulary #73 Verbal Irony When you say one thing,
but mean something totally different EX: Youre my Favorite
class!
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Academic Vocabulary #74 Dramatic Irony When the reader or
audience knows something that a character does not know EX: Romeo
& Juliet
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Academic Vocabulary #75 Ambiguity An uncertain interpretation;
lack of precise meaning; unclear The Lady or the Tiger?
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Academic Vocabulary #76 Objective Writing When a writer
includes only the facts Encyclopedia articles
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Academic Vocabulary #77 Subjective Writing When the writer adds
his/her opinions, judgments, feelings R.M.S. Titanic: She was a
deadly reality, this ghastly thing.
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Academic Vocabulary #78 Tragedy A play with tragic events that
usually end in death EX: Romeo & Juliet, Julius Caesar
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Academic Vocabulary #79 Acts/Scenes Plays are divided into
sections, or acts; acts are divided into shorter sections, or
scenes Ex: Act I, scene i
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Academic Vocabulary #80 Drama Literature in play form, meant to
be acted for an audience Julius Caesar
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Academic Vocabulary #81 Foil A character that serves to
contrast the traits of the main character Brutus and Cassius
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Academic Vocabulary #82 Comedy A play with humorous events that
ends happily Midsummer Nights Dream
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Academic Vocabulary #83 Aside A short speech, delivered to the
audience or to another character, that others onstage are not
supposed to hear. Trebonius: ..so near will I be that your best
friends will wish I had been further.
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Academic Vocabulary #84 Tragic Hero An admirable figure who has
a personal failing that leads to his or her downfall. EX: Caesar?
Brutus?
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Academic Vocabulary #85 Tragic Flaw A failing that leads a
character to make choices that result in tragedy. Caesars ego?
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Academic Vocabulary #14 ANTONYMS Words that have the opposite
or nearly opposite meanings. EX: Hot/Cold Big/SmallDark/Light
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Academic Vocabulary #16 PERSUASIVE An essay or speech that
seeks to persuade/convince others to do or believe something EX:
MLKs I Have a Dream speech
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Academic Vocabulary #19 ARGUMENT A series of statements
designed to persuade readers to accept a claim or opinion EX: any
television ad or radio commercial. Youre in good hands with
Allstate!
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Academic Vocabulary #20 Drafting Writing in its
initial/beginning stages EX: 1 st draft, 2 nd draft, Final
Draft
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Academic Vocabulary #21 ORGANIZATION The arrangement of ideas
and information EX: outline, SUTW format I. Literary Terms A.
Foreshadowing 1. Hints or clues B. Flashback
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Academic Vocabulary #28 Anecdote A very brief, often witty
story that makes a point EX: The anecdote of Hyde being sprayed by
a skunk to illustrate conflict
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Academic Vocabulary #31 Idiom A special expression that not
meant to be taken literally EX: Its raining cats and dogs!
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Academic Vocabulary #95 MOOD A storys atmosphere or the feeling
it evokes in the reader Her species must be eradicated..
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Academic Vocabulary #98 Allegory A story where characters and
settings stand for moral qualities or ideas. EX: Animal Farm
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Academic Vocabulary #96 Symbolism When one thing represents
something else Lion=royalty or fearlessness Owl=wisdom or bad
luck
