Academic Vocabulary Unit 1

To write and talk successfully about literature, you need Academic Vocabulary. aspect cite contemporary interpret perspective In Unit 1, you will encounter academic words such as these:

aspect n.: a side of something; part. Interacting with his co-workers is the aspect that Aman enjoys most about his job. Academic Vocabulary Unit 1

The creation of a literary selection involves many aspects, or parts. An assignment might ask you to identify or analyze a specific aspect of a selection. How did the negative aspects of the setting contribute to the tone of the story? characters setting tone theme diction plot point of view Academic Vocabulary Unit 1

cite v.: quote as an authority; give as an example. Dr. Tran often cites current medical journals in his explanation of treatment options. Academic Vocabulary Unit 1

You will often be asked to demonstrate an understanding of something you’ve read. An assignment may ask you to cite evidence from a text. After reading the assigned short story, cite examples of the writer’s use of personification. Academic Vocabulary Unit 1

contemporary adj.: living or happening at the same time. Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were contemporary statesmen who helped form the wording of the Declaration of Independence. Academic Vocabulary Unit 1

Sometimes contemporary means “current or modern.” An assignment may ask you to compare writings or situations from the past with current ones. Describe how contemporary technology has changed the writing process. Academic Vocabulary Unit 1

interpret v.: explain the meaning of. Jaime, who has a business degree, will help us interpret the contract. Academic Vocabulary Unit 1

The ability to interpret a passage—to explain its meaning—is an essential comprehension skill. An assignment may ask you to make sense of something you’ve read by applying prior knowledge. Interpret the imagery in this short story, paying particular attention to the author’s reference to cold. Academic Vocabulary Unit 1

perspective n.: point of view. The dugout was in an uproar, but from the fans’ perspective, the umpire’s call seemed correct. Academic Vocabulary Unit 1

In fiction, the tone, meaning, and even the details are influenced by who is telling the story. An assignment may ask you to explain how literary elements change when the perspective, or point of view, changes. Discuss how a story’s tone might change if the story were told from a different character’s perspective. Academic Vocabulary Unit 1

Practice using Academic Vocabulary to talk and write about literature. With a partner, summarize the main historical events and important types of literature that shaped this time period. Use the words aspect, cite, contemporary, interpret, and outcome in your summary. Academic Vocabulary Unit 1

The End