4 th Grade PSSA Reading Vocabulary

affix

a prefix or suffix Example: hopeful (ful =full of)

alliteration

the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words Example: Slimy slugs slither slowly down the sidewalk.

author's purpose

The author can persuade, entertain, or inform the reader/audience.

character traits

the personality traits of a character in the story (adjectives that describe a character) Examples: The boy was determined to win the race.

climax

-the high point or turning point of the story -happens after the rising action

falling action

the main events of the story after the climax

first person point of view

A main character tells the story using words such as I, me, and myself.

hyperbole

an exaggeration Example: I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!

idioms

an expression that cannot be taken literally Example: The test was as easy as pie.

imagery

words that appeal to one of the senses: sight, taste, touch, hear, or smell Example: The ice cream sundae melted in my mouth because it was so creamy.

metaphor

a comparison of two objects without using like or as Example: He is a giant.

onomatopoeia

the use of a word to suggest the meaning Examples: Crunch! Crackle! Buzz!

personification

an object that is given human qualities Example: The flowers were dancing in the grass.

plot

a summary of the story that includes the rising action, climax, and falling action

resolution

the solution of the story

rising action

the main events of the story before the climax

setting

the time and the place of the story where and when Example: The setting of the story Cinderella is in a castle a long time ago.

simile

a comparison of two objects using like or as Example: The sisters are like two peas in a pod.

symbolism

an object representing an idea Example: The eagle is a symbol of the United States.

third person point of view

The author tells the story about the main characters using the words such as them, he, and she.