Nonfiction Terms and Concepts

Front

Analogy

Back

Comparing a familiar object/topic to something the reader knows less about to help make the less familiar subject more understandable.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

Front

Anecdote

Back

Brief story that focuses on a single episode or event in a person’s life; used to illustrate a particular point.

Tags

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.2.6

Front

Argument

Back

A writer expresses a position on a particular issue and supports that position with reasons and evidence.

Front

Stance/Claim

Back

Author’s position on an issue or main argument, sometimes called a thesis.

Front

Reasons

Back

Declarations that support the stance/claim.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RI.8.1

Front

Evidence

Back

Specific pieces of information that support the reasons.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.1

CCSS.RL.9-10.1

CCSS.RI.8.8

CCSS.RL.8.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

Front

Central/Main Idea

Back

Most important idea about a topic that a writer or speaker conveys; usually expressed as a topic sentence but can also just be implied or suggested by details.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RI.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

CCSS.RI. 9-10.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Front

Irony

Back

Contrast between what you expect and what actually happens.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

Front

Verbal Irony

Back

Saying one thing while meaning another.

Front

Situational Irony

Back

Exact opposite of what you would expect.

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.5

CCSS.RL.11-12.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.5

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

CCSS.RL.8.3