Mr. A's Glossary
This glossary contains definitions for words used throughout the website. If you have a suggestion of a word that should be included here, please e-mail me at tim@mr-anderson.com.
Browse the glossary using this index
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | ALL
O |
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onomatopoeiaWords whose sound imitates their suggested meaning, (e.g., buzz, boom, hiss, and clang). | |
onsetThe consonants preceding the vowel of a syllable, (e.g., str in strip). | |
open-ended questionA type of question intended to produce a free response rather than a direct or one-word response. | |
oronymA string of words which is homophonic with another string of
words Examples:
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overlayA transparent sheet containing additional details, such as a chart or map, that is placed on top of another transparency on an overhead projector during a presentation. | |
P |
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paceThe rate at which something moves; the rate at which a writer moves the action or information; the rate a speaker uses in delivery. | |
parodyA literary or musical work in which the style of an author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule. | |
paronymA word from the same root, and usually a similar pronunciation, as
another; Example:
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patronymA name derived from the name of one's father, or another male
ancestor. • From Greek pater (=father). | |
pentametera five-foot line. | |
personaA voice or character representing a speaker or narrator of a literary work. | |
personificationA figure of speech in which human qualities are attributed to animals, inanimate objects or ideas (e.g., happy house). | |
persuasiveOne of the four traditional forms of composition in speech and writing that moves the reader by argument or entreaty to a belief or position. | |
persuasive techniqueA method used in speaking or writing to get an audience to agree with | |
phonemeA minimal sound unit of speech that, when contrasted with another phoneme, affects the naming of words in a language, as /b/ in book contrasts with /t/ in took, /k/ in cook and /h/ in hook. | |
phonemic awarenessThe awareness of the sounds (phonemes) that make up spoken words. Such awareness does not appear when young children learn to talk; the ability is not necessary for speaking and understanding spoken language. Phonemic awareness is a necessary step for learning to read. In alphabetic languages, letters and letter clusters represent phonemes, and in order to learn the correspondences between letters and sounds, one must understand that words are made up of phonemes. phonics A way of teaching reading and spelling that stresses symbol-sound relationships; used especially in beginning instruction. | |
pitchThe difference in the relative vibration frequency of the human voice that contributes to the total meaning of speech. | |
plagiarismTo steal and pass off the ideas or words of another as one's own; to use another's production without crediting the source. | |
plotThe careful sequencing of events in a story generally built around a conflict. Stages of plot include exposition (background), rising action, climax, falling action and denouement (resolution). | |
point of viewThe perspective or attitude of a narrator of a piece of literature. Point of view may be:
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prefixAn affix attached before a base word or root, as re- in reprint. | |
prewritingThe initial creative stage of writing, prior to drafting, in which a writer formulates ideas, gathers information, and considers ways to organize them. | |
primary sourceFirsthand information, such as an eyewitness account. | |
prior knowledgeKnowing that stems from previous experience. Note: Prior knowledge is a key component of schema theories of reading comprehension in spite of the redundancy inherent in the term. | |
problem-solutionAn organizational structure of text that is similar to cause and effect, except that outcomes are a result or solution of a perceived need or problem. | |
propagandaThe spreading of ideas, information or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause or a person. | |
protagonistThe main character in a story. | |
pseudonymAn assumed name, especially by an author. Examples:
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public documentsNonfiction materials such as newspapers, editorials and speeches. | |