Glossary
Argument Essay
An essay where the writer takes a clear position on a debatable issue and supports it with logical reasoning and relevant evidence.
Example:
In an argument essay about school uniforms, you might present points on discipline, cost, and individual expression.
Audience
The specific group of people the author intends to reach with their message, influencing the author's rhetorical choices.
Example:
The speaker tailored their language and examples to resonate with a young, politically engaged audience.
Claim
A statement that asserts something to be true, often used interchangeably with thesis, but can also refer to sub-arguments within an essay.
Example:
Her claim was that standardized tests do not accurately measure student intelligence.
Commentary
The writer's explanation and analysis of how the provided evidence supports their claim, connecting the evidence back to the thesis.
Example:
After presenting a quote, the commentary explained how the author's word choice revealed their bias.
Conclusion
The closing section of an essay that summarizes main points, restates the thesis, and leaves the reader with a final thought or lasting impression.
Example:
The conclusion of a literary analysis might reflect on the enduring impact of a character's journey.
Context (Background Info)
Essential information provided in the introduction that helps the reader understand the topic, its significance, and the broader conversation surrounding it.
Example:
Providing context about the historical period in which a speech was delivered helps the reader understand its urgency.
Essay Overview (Preview Arguments)
A brief statement in the introduction that outlines the main points or arguments that will be discussed in the body paragraphs of the essay.
Example:
The essay overview indicated that the paper would cover the economic, social, and environmental impacts of urbanization.
Evaluate Rhetoric
To assess the effectiveness of an author's rhetorical choices in achieving their purpose and impacting their audience.
Example:
In the conclusion, you should evaluate rhetoric by discussing whether the author's use of pathos successfully moved the audience to action.
Evidence
Specific facts, examples, details, or quotations from a text or source used to support and validate a claim or argument.
Example:
The student used statistical data as evidence to support their argument about economic trends.
Exigence
The immediate occasion or situation that prompts an author to write or speak, often a problem or issue that demands a response.
Example:
The exigence for the civil rights speech was the pervasive racial injustice and inequality of the era.
Final Thought (Closing Statement)
A concluding remark that offers a broader implication, a call to action, a prediction, or a memorable statement to leave the reader with something to ponder.
Example:
As a final thought, the essay suggested that individual actions, however small, contribute to collective change.
Hook (Grab Attention)
An opening strategy used in an introduction to immediately engage the reader's interest and make them want to continue reading.
Example:
A powerful hook for an essay on artificial intelligence could be a hypothetical scenario where AI makes a life-altering decision.
Introduction
The opening section of an essay that sets the stage for the argument, provides context, and presents the thesis statement.
Example:
A compelling introduction for an essay on climate change might begin with a startling statistic about rising sea levels.
Line of Reasoning
The logical progression of ideas and arguments throughout an essay, demonstrating how each point builds upon the previous one to support the overall thesis.
Example:
A strong line of reasoning ensures that each body paragraph logically flows into the next, strengthening the essay's overall argument.
Prompt
The specific question or directive given for an essay, which outlines the task, topic, and often the required approach for the response.
Example:
The prompt for the essay asked students to evaluate the ethical implications of genetic engineering.
Purpose/Message
The author's goal or intention in writing a text, and the central idea or argument they wish to convey to their audience.
Example:
The author's purpose/message in the article was to persuade readers to adopt more sustainable living practices.
Restate Thesis
To rephrase the main argument in the conclusion using different wording, reminding the reader of the essay's central point without simply repeating it.
Example:
To restate the thesis, the writer concluded by emphasizing that technological advancements, while beneficial, require careful ethical consideration.
Rhetorical Analysis Essay
An essay that examines how an author uses specific rhetorical choices—such as language, tone, and structure—to achieve a particular purpose or persuade an audience.
Example:
A rhetorical analysis essay might explore how a politician's use of emotional appeals swayed public opinion during a crisis.
Rhetorical Devices
Specific techniques or strategies used by an author to persuade, inform, or entertain an audience, such as metaphors, analogies, or appeals to emotion.
Example:
The politician's speech was filled with rhetorical devices like anaphora and vivid imagery to inspire patriotism.
Sophistication
In AP Lang scoring, it refers to demonstrating a complex understanding of the argument, nuanced analysis, or a highly developed line of reasoning.
Example:
Achieving sophistication in an essay might involve acknowledging counterarguments while still maintaining a strong central claim.
Summarize Main Points
To briefly recap the key ideas and evidence presented in the body paragraphs of an essay within the conclusion.
Example:
The conclusion effectively summarized main points by reiterating the three primary reasons for the policy's failure.
Synthesis Essay
An essay that requires students to combine information from multiple provided sources to develop and support their own argument on a given topic.
Example:
For a synthesis essay on renewable energy, you would integrate data from scientific reports, economic analyses, and policy documents.
Thesis
The main argument or central claim of an essay, typically stated in the introduction, that the writer will support and develop throughout the body paragraphs.
Example:
Her thesis argued that social media, despite its drawbacks, fosters crucial global connections.