Key Literary and Informational Terms

Front

Argument

Back

Words to persuade; includes claim, counterclaim, reasons, evidence.

Front

Analyze

Back

Break into parts for study or examination.

Front

Author’s Purpose

Back

Reason for composing a text.

Front

Central Idea (Information)

Back

Main thought or concept; may be implied or stated.

Front

Central Idea (Literary)

Back

Main thought; akin to theme; may be implied or stated.

Front

Citation

Back

Exact location of a quote or reference; includes line or paragraph number.

Front

Claim

Back

Assertion of truth, often disputed.

Front

Compare

Back

Note similarities.

Front

Conclusion

Back

Logical assumption based on text and prior knowledge.

Front

Contrast

Back

Note differences.