Glossary
Audience
The intended readers or listeners of a text. An author tailors their language, evidence, and appeals to effectively communicate with this specific group.
Example:
When writing a scientific report, the audience is typically other researchers, so the language used would be formal and technical, unlike a blog post for the general public.
Classification
A writing pattern that organizes a broad subject into distinct categories or groups based on shared characteristics. It helps to make complex topics more manageable.
Example:
A literary critic might use classification to discuss different genres of science fiction, such as dystopian, space opera, and cyberpunk, based on their thematic elements.
Compare and Contrast
A writing pattern that examines the similarities (compare) and differences (contrast) between two or more subjects. It helps to highlight relationships or distinctions.
Example:
An essay analyzing two different political systems would use compare and contrast to highlight their shared democratic ideals versus their differing governmental structures.
Declarative Sentence
A sentence that makes a statement or expresses a fact or opinion. It ends with a period.
Example:
The sun rises in the east is a declarative sentence.
Description
A writing pattern that uses vivid sensory details to create a clear and immersive picture for the reader. It appeals to sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste.
Example:
The travel writer used rich description to evoke the bustling marketplace, detailing the aroma of exotic spices, the vibrant colors of textiles, and the cacophony of vendors' calls.
Exclamatory Sentence
A sentence that expresses strong emotion or excitement. It always ends with an exclamation point.
Example:
What a beautiful day this is! is an exclamatory sentence.
Exemplification
A writing pattern that uses specific examples, illustrations, or anecdotes to clarify, support, or prove a general statement or claim. It makes abstract ideas concrete.
Example:
To argue that technology has improved education, an essay might use exemplification by citing specific instances like online learning platforms, interactive whiteboards, and educational apps.
Imperative Sentence
A sentence that gives a command, makes a request, or offers advice. It often implies a subject (you) and ends with a period or exclamation point.
Example:
Please close the door quietly is an imperative sentence.
Interrogative Sentence
A sentence that asks a question. It always ends with a question mark.
Example:
Are you ready for the exam? is an interrogative sentence.
Line of Reasoning
The logical progression of ideas that an author uses to support their argument or thesis. It outlines the 'how' behind the claim, guiding the reader through the argument's development.
Example:
In a persuasive essay arguing for stricter environmental regulations, the author's line of reasoning might move from establishing the current ecological crisis, to detailing the inadequacy of existing laws, and finally to proposing specific policy changes.
Narration
A writing pattern that tells a story or recounts a series of events, typically in chronological order. It helps illustrate a point or provide context.
Example:
A memoir often uses narration to recount significant life events, such as the author's journey from a small town to a bustling city.
Problem and Solution
A writing pattern that identifies a specific issue or challenge and then proposes one or more ways to address or resolve it. It often aims to persuade the reader to adopt a particular course of action.
Example:
An article discussing urban traffic congestion might employ a problem and solution pattern, first detailing the issue's impact and then suggesting public transportation improvements as a remedy.
Process Analysis
A writing pattern that explains how something is done, how it works, or how it came about, often providing step-by-step instructions. It functions as a 'how-to' guide.
Example:
A recipe for baking bread is a classic example of process analysis, guiding the baker through each step from mixing ingredients to cooling the finished loaf.
Purpose
The author's goal or aim in creating a text. Common purposes include to persuade, inform, entertain, or analyze.
Example:
The purpose of a political speech is often to persuade voters to support a candidate or policy, while the purpose of a news article is usually to inform readers about current events.
Rhetorical Situation
The circumstances surrounding a piece of writing or speech, including the audience, purpose, context, and exigence. Understanding it helps analyze an author's choices and effectiveness.
Example:
Before writing a letter to the school board, considering the rhetorical situation means thinking about who the board members are (audience), what you want them to do (purpose), and the current issues facing the school (context).
Text Style
The distinctive way an author expresses themselves through their writing, encompassing elements like tone, word choice (diction), and sentence structure. It reflects their unique voice.
Example:
Ernest Hemingway's minimalist text style, characterized by short, direct sentences and simple diction, creates a stark and impactful reading experience.
Tone
The author's attitude toward their subject, audience, or both, conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and other rhetorical devices. It can be serious, humorous, sarcastic, etc.
Example:
The tone of a satirical essay is often critical and mocking, using humor to highlight societal flaws.
Transitions
Words, phrases, or clauses that connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs, creating a smooth and logical flow within a text. They signal relationships between ideas.
Example:
Using transitions like 'however,' 'therefore,' or 'in addition' helps guide the reader through complex arguments, ensuring that ideas are clearly linked.
Word Choice/Diction
The specific words an author selects to convey meaning, create a particular effect, or establish a certain tone. It includes consideration of denotation and connotation.
Example:
An author's word choice of 'fragrant blossoms' instead of 'smelly flowers' creates a more positive and evocative image for the reader.