Literary Terms for Elementary Students

Question 1

The central character of a piece of writing.

Accepted Answer

protagonist

Question 2

Facts revealed by the author that support the attitude or tone in poetry or prose

Accepted Answer

details

Question 3

The perspective from which a story is told (first person, or third person).

Accepted Answer

point of view

Question 4

He was as red as a lobster.

Accepted Answer

simile

Question 5

The autumn leaves danced across the yard in the wind

Accepted Answer

personification

Question 6

The atmosphere or main emotion in a literary work

Accepted Answer

mood

Question 7

The telling of a story in writing or speaking

Accepted Answer

narration

Question 8

A comparison of two different things through the use of the words "like" or "as."

Accepted Answer

simile

Question 9

I used to have a fear of hurdles, but I got over it.

Accepted Answer

pun

Question 10

A play on words that are identical or similar in sound but have different meanings.

Accepted Answer

pun

Question 11

The practice of beginning several consecutive words with the same sound is called

Accepted Answer

alliteration

Question 12

In writing/reading, the time and place in which events take place.

Accepted Answer

setting

Question 13

The use of words that mimic the sounds they describe.

Accepted Answer

Onomatopoeia

Question 14

Peter Piper picked a pack of peppers is an example of

Accepted Answer

alliteration

Question 15

When two unlike things are compared NOT using "like" or "as"

Accepted Answer

metaphor

Question 16

When an author uses very descriptive words or "paints" a picture with words

Accepted Answer

imagery

Question 17

The sequence of events or actions in a piece of writing.

Accepted Answer

plot

Question 18

"My homework is a monster" is an example of

Accepted Answer

metaphor

Question 19

A metaphor that gives non-living objects human characteristics

Accepted Answer

personification

Question 20

swoosh, ding-dong, meow, pop, hiss, buzz, beep, plop, snip

Accepted Answer

Onomatopoeia

Questions 20