Common Literary Terms

Question 1

Allusion

Answer 1

Reference to something

Question 2

Analogy

Answer 2

Comparison
similarity of functions or properties
likeness

Question 3

Anecdote

Answer 3

Short account of the incident

often autobiographical

Question 4

Antithesis

Answer 4

Direct opposite

Question 5

Argumentative

Answer 5

Presenting a logical argument

Question 6

Assertion

Answer 6

Positive statement

declaration

Question 7

Cite

Answer 7

To refer to

To quote as an authority

Question 8

euphemism

Answer 8

Mild or indirect expression substituted for one felt offensive or harsh
example: downsizing employees is a euphemism for firing them

Question 9

Expository

Answer 9

Concerned with explaining ideas, facts, etc

Question 10

Generalization

Answer 10

Simplification

general idea or principle

Question 11

Metaphor

Answer 11

An expression used to suggest a similarity between two things that are not literally equivalent
example: he’s a tiger!

Question 12

Narrative (adjective)

Answer 12

Relating to telling a story

Question 13

Paradox

Answer 13

Statement that contradicts itself

example: I always lie

Question 14

Rhetorical

Answer 14

Relating to the effective use of language

Question 15

Thesis

Answer 15

The central idea and a piece of writing

a point to be defended