1. 4 th Grade PSSA Reading Vocabulary

2. affix

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

4. alliteration

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

6. author's purpose

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

8. character traits

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

10. climax

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

12. falling action

13. the main events of the story after the climax

14. first person point of view

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

16. hyperbole

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

18. idioms

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

20. imagery

21. 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.

22. metaphor

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

24. onomatopoeia

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

26. personification

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

28. plot

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

30. resolution

31. the solution of the story

32. rising action

33. the main events of the story before the climax

34. setting

35. 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.

36. simile

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

38. symbolism

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

40. third person point of view

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