a sentence composed of at least two independent clauses linked with a conjunction or semicolon: compound sentence. a stage in the writing process when a written text is prepared for an audience by attending to and correcting mechanics, grammar, and spelling: Editing. language not intended to be taken literally but layered with meaning through the use of imagery, metaphors, and other literary devices: Figurative Language. an expression that has a different meaning from the literal meaning of its individual words: Idiom. the use of language to create mental images and sensory impressions. Imagery can be used for emotional effect and to intensify the impact on the reader: imagery. an act of searching for information or knowledge about a particular subject or topic: Inquiry. visualizing physical details from a text such as actions, characters, scenes, events, and setting: Mental image. a subtle comparison in which the author describes a person or thing using words that are not meant to be taken literally: metaphore. one or more letters placed before a root or base word that changes the meaning of the word: word choice