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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.



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S

spondee

:
a two-syllable foot with both syllables stressed.

stanza

:
a part of a poem, based on form of meter and rhyme

static character

:
A character who does not change during a story.

stereotype

:

A character who possesses "expected" traits of a group rather than being an individual.

Using stereotypes is usually considered an indication of poor quality, especially in cases such as members of minority groups, people with disabilities, or women. However, stereotypes can be useful in furthering the story quickly and are acceptable in minor roles if they do not provide hurtful portraits of the groups in question.

stereotyping

:
A standardized mental picture that is held in common by members of a group and that represents an oversimplified opinion, prejudiced attitude or uncritical judgment.

stress

:
the emhasis given to certain syllables in words.

style

:
An author's distinctive manner of expression.

subplot

:
The secondary action of a story that reinforces or contrasts with the main plot.

suffix

:
An affix attached to the end of a base, root or stem that changes the meaning or grammatical function of a word, as -en added to form oxen.

suspense

:
A state of tension, a sense of uncertainty, an emotional pull which keeps the reader reading. All plots need some suspense to sustain interest.

symbol

:
A concrete thing used to suggest something larger and more abstract.

synonym

:

One of two or more words in a language that have similar meanings

Example:

  • answer and respond

syntax

:
The way in which sentences are formed; the grammatical rules that govern their formation; the pattern or structure of word order in sentences, clauses and phrases.

synthesizing question

:
A question that asks a responder to combine separate elements into one concept.

T

tale

:

A story for children that includes fantastic forces and elements of magic.

tautonym

:
1. A word composed of two identical parts

Examples:
  • pawpaw
  • yo-yo
  • tutu
  • bye-bye
2. In biological nomenclature, a taxonomic name in which the genus and species names are identical

Examples:
  • puffinus puffinus (manx shearwater)
  • apus apus (common swift)
• From Greek taut (=same)

tempo

:

The rate of speed in which a presentation is given.

testimonial

:
A propaganda technique based on quotations or endorsements from famous people, in or out of context, that attempts to connect a famous or respectable person with a product or item.

tetrameter

:
a four-foot line.

text features

:
Organizers of written materials such as indexes, prefaces, appendices, definitional footnotes, sidebars, tables of content, illustrations or photographs.

text structure

:
An author's method of organizing a text (e.g., sequencing, compare and contrast, cause and effect or problem-solution).

theme

:

The main idea or underlying meaning of a literary work. A theme may be stated or implied. Theme differs from the subject or topic of a literary work in that it involves a statement or opinion about the topic. Not every literary work has a theme. Themes may be major or minor. A major theme is an idea the author returns to time and again. It becomes one of the most important ideas in the story. Minor themes are ideas that may appear from time to time.

It is important to recognize the difference between the theme of a literary work and the subject of a literary work. The subject is the topic on which an author has chosen to write. The theme, however, makes some statement about or expresses some opinion on that topic. For example, the subject of a story might be war while the theme might be the idea that war is useless.Four ways in which an author can express themes are as follows:

1. Themes are expressed and emphasized by the way the author makes us feel.. By sharing feelings of the main character you also share the ideas that go through his mind.

2. Themes are presented in thoughts and conversations. Authors put words in their character’s mouths only for good reasons. One of these is to develop a story’s themes. The things a person says are much on their mind. Look for thoughts that are repeated throughout the story.

3. Themes are suggested through the characters. The main character usually illustrates the most important theme of the story. A good way to get at this theme is to ask yourself the question, what does the main character learn in the course of the story?

4. The actions or events in the story are used to suggest theme. People naturally express ideas and feelings through their actions. One thing authors think about is what an action will "say". In other words, how will the action express an idea or theme?

thesis

:
The basic argument advanced by a speaker or writer who then attempts to prove it; the subject or major argument of a speech or composition.

third person narration

:
Narration in which the point of view is that of someone outside the story who refers to all characters by name or as "he," "she" and "they."

tone

:

The reflection of an author's attitude toward his or her subject.

topic

:
The general category or class of ideas, often stated in a word or phrase, to which the ideas of a passage as a whole belong.

topic sentence

:
A sentence intended to express the main idea in a paragraph or passage.

toponym

:
1. A place name

Examples:
  • London
  • Mount Everest

2. A word derived from a place name

Examples:
  • champagne from Champagne in France
  • cashmere from Kashmir in India.
• From Greek topos (=place).

transfer

:
A persuasive technique in which a product is associated with something attractive or respectable.

transitions

:
Words and phrases that help explain relationships between sentences and allow a reader or writer to move from one idea to another.

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