Glossary
Assumptions
Underlying beliefs or ideas that an author expects the reader to accept as true without direct proof.
Example:
A proposal for a new public park might operate under the assumption that green spaces inherently improve community well-being.
Author's Purpose
The reason an author writes a particular text, such as to inform, persuade, entertain, or express an opinion.
Example:
An article detailing the benefits of recycling likely has an author's purpose to persuade readers to adopt eco-friendly habits.
Cause & Effect
A relationship where one event or action directly leads to another, identifying how things happen.
Example:
The heavy rainfall was the cause of the river overflowing, which was the effect.
Context
The surrounding information, circumstances, or background that helps to understand the meaning of a word, phrase, or passage.
Example:
Understanding the historical context of a speech from the Civil Rights era helps interpret its references to equality and justice.
Explicit Information
Information that is clearly and directly stated in the text, requiring no interpretation.
Example:
The passage stated that the event occurred on October 26, 2024, providing clear explicit information.
Implicit Information
Information that is suggested or implied but not directly stated, requiring the reader to infer its meaning.
Example:
A character's constant sighing and downcast eyes provide implicit information about their sadness, even if not directly stated.
Implicit Meanings
The deeper, unstated messages or themes suggested by the text, often requiring interpretation of literary devices or context.
Example:
The recurring image of a locked gate in a story might convey the implicit meaning of confinement or missed opportunities.
Inference
A conclusion reached by combining textual clues with one's own reasoning, going beyond what is directly stated.
Example:
If a character is described as always carrying a sketchbook and paints, you can make the inference that they are an artist.
Literary Devices
Techniques used by authors to create specific effects, convey meaning, or enhance their writing, such as symbolism or figurative language.
Example:
The phrase 'the classroom was a zoo' uses a metaphor, a common literary device, to describe the chaotic environment.
Logical Conclusions
Reasonable deductions made by connecting ideas, analyzing relationships, and combining information from different parts of a passage.
Example:
Given that the company's sales dropped significantly after a negative news report, the logical conclusion is that public perception impacted their revenue.
Relationships and Patterns
Connections between ideas, events, or characters, and recurring elements that help predict outcomes or understand structure.
Example:
Observing a pattern of characters making similar mistakes in a story helps reveal a recurring theme about human nature.
Textual Evidence
Specific words, phrases, or sentences from a passage used to support an inference or answer a question.
Example:
When asked to support an inference about a character's bravery, citing the line 'She faced the dragon without hesitation' provides strong textual evidence.