Praxis Middle School English Language Arts Test Prep Questions and Answers

Informational Texts Texts, such as a biographies, textbooks, articles, reports, etc, that are factual or written to teach something; usually nonfiction Rhetoric The art or study of persuasion through speaking or writing; language that is elaborate or pretentious but actually empty, meaning little Literal Actual, real, true to fact, or following the exact words of; or plain or unadorned. Inferences A logical conclusion made from observations and data collected Theme A central idea or concept. Myths A traditional story that deals with the supernatural, ancestors, or heroes Characterization A method an author uses to let readers know more about the characters and their personal traits. Setting Where the story takes place Plot Development The manner in which the story's events progress; usually there are six steps: (1) Exposition; (2) Establishment of Conflict; (3) Rising Action; (4) Climax; (5) Falling Action or Denoucement; (6) Resolution Exposition Background information presented in a literary work. Technical Language Language associated with a particular profession, activity or field of study Figurative Language A form of language use in which writers and speakers convey something other than the literal meaning of their words. Connotation An implied meaning of a word.