Glossary
Argument
The central claim or persuasive stance an essay takes on a topic, supported by logical reasons and compelling evidence.
Example:
In her essay, the student presented a strong argument for why standardized testing should be reformed, citing research on student stress and learning outcomes.
Claim
An assertion or statement that an author puts forward as true, which then requires support and justification through reasoning and evidence.
Example:
The author's central claim was that technology has fundamentally altered human communication, for better or worse.
Comparison-Contrast
A rhetorical strategy used to analyze two or more subjects by highlighting their similarities and differences to deepen understanding or reveal significance.
Example:
The article used comparison-contrast to explore the distinct leadership styles of two historical figures, revealing their strengths and weaknesses.
Conclusion
The final section of an essay that restates the thesis, summarizes key points, and leaves the reader with a lasting impression or broader implication.
Example:
The powerful conclusion of the speech not only reiterated the speaker's call to action but also envisioned a hopeful future, inspiring the audience.
Context
Background information or surrounding circumstances that help the reader understand the topic, argument, or significance of the essay.
Example:
Before delving into the specific policy, the author provided crucial historical context to explain its origins and previous impacts.
Definition-Description
A rhetorical strategy that provides a clear, concise definition of a concept and then elaborates with vivid details and examples to enhance understanding.
Example:
The textbook employed definition-description to explain complex scientific terms, first defining them and then providing detailed illustrations.
Evidence
Specific facts, examples, statistics, or expert opinions used to support and validate claims or arguments in an essay.
Example:
The student's argument was strengthened by compelling evidence from recent scientific studies, making her claims more credible.
Final Thought
A concluding statement in an essay that offers a broader implication, a call to action, or a thought-provoking idea to leave a lasting impression on the reader.
Example:
The essay ended with a powerful final thought about the enduring power of hope, resonating deeply with the audience.
Hook
An engaging opening statement or question designed to capture the reader's attention and draw them into the essay's topic.
Example:
The essay began with a surprising historical anecdote as a hook, immediately piquing the reader's curiosity about the past.
Introduction
The opening section of an essay that provides necessary context, captures the reader's attention, and clearly states the thesis statement.
Example:
The essay's introduction began with a surprising statistic about global warming, immediately drawing the reader into the topic before presenting the main argument.
Lines of Reasoning
The logical progression of ideas and supporting points that develop and defend the thesis statement throughout an essay.
Example:
The lawyer's lines of reasoning meticulously connected each piece of evidence, building an undeniable case for the defendant's innocence.
Restate Thesis
To rephrase the main argument in the conclusion, reminding the reader of the essay's central claim without simply repeating it verbatim.
Example:
In her conclusion, the speaker chose to restate thesis in a more impactful way, emphasizing the urgency of environmental action.
Rhetorical Analysis
The examination of how authors use specific rhetorical choices (appeals, devices, strategies) to achieve a particular purpose or effect on an audience.
Example:
For the rhetorical analysis essay, students had to dissect a political speech, identifying how the speaker used ethos, pathos, and logos.
Rhetorical Choices
The specific decisions made by a writer or speaker regarding language, structure, and appeals to achieve a particular purpose or effect on an audience.
Example:
The speaker's effective use of humor and personal anecdotes were key rhetorical choices that helped connect with the audience.
Summarize Main Points
To briefly recap the key arguments or evidence presented in the body paragraphs within the conclusion of an essay.
Example:
The final paragraph served to summarize main points from the preceding sections, reinforcing the overall message of the report.
Synthesis
The process of combining information from multiple sources to form a new, coherent argument or understanding, often in response to a prompt.
Example:
The research paper required a synthesis of various scholarly articles to build a comprehensive argument about renewable energy sources.
Thesis Statement
A concise, clear, and debatable sentence that presents the main argument or controlling idea of an essay.
Example:
Her thesis statement argued that social media, despite its connectivity, often fosters superficial relationships rather than genuine human connection.
Topic Sentences
The first sentence of a body paragraph that introduces the main idea of that paragraph and links back to the essay's thesis.
Example:
Each topic sentence in her literary analysis essay clearly outlined the specific literary device to be discussed in the paragraph, maintaining focus.
Transitions
Words, phrases, or sentences that connect ideas, paragraphs, and sections of an essay, ensuring smooth flow and coherence.
Example:
Using transitions like 'furthermore' and 'in contrast' helped the writer smoothly move between different aspects of their argument.