Glossary
Analysis
The process of examining the components of a text or argument to understand how they function individually and collectively to create meaning or achieve a purpose.
Example:
The student's analysis of the political cartoon revealed its subtle critique of government policy.
Clauses
A grammatical unit containing a subject and a predicate, which authors use to add detail, specify conditions, or structure complex ideas within an argument.
Example:
The dependent clause 'because of its historical significance' provided the crucial reason for preserving the old building.
Connotation
The implied or associated meaning of a word beyond its literal definition, often carrying emotional or cultural weight.
Example:
While 'child' is neutral, the word 'brat' carries a negative connotation, suggesting naughtiness or disrespect.
Emphasize
To highlight specific points, ideas, or words within an argument, drawing the audience's attention to their importance.
Example:
The repetition of 'we must act now' served to emphasize the critical need for immediate action.
Evidence
Specific facts, examples, statistics, expert opinions, or textual details used to support a claim or analysis within an argument.
Example:
The student used compelling statistical evidence from recent studies to bolster their argument about climate change.
Figurative Language
Language that uses figures of speech, such as metaphors, similes, or personification, to create a more vivid, imaginative, or impactful effect beyond literal meaning.
Example:
The speaker used figurative language when describing the economy as a 'sleeping giant,' implying its untapped potential.
Language (in arguments)
The deliberate selection of words, phrases, and clauses by an author to shape meaning, influence audience perception, and advance an argument.
Example:
The author's careful language in the opening paragraph immediately established a sense of urgency and moral imperative.
Limit
To restrict the scope or application of an argument, often by acknowledging exceptions, counterpoints, or specific conditions.
Example:
By stating 'while not all cases are alike,' the speaker chose to limit the universality of their previous assertion.
Modify
To change or qualify the meaning of a statement, often by adding details or conditions that alter its original scope.
Example:
The phrase 'under certain circumstances' was added to modify the broad claim, making it more precise.
Phrases
A group of words that functions as a single unit within a sentence, used by authors to add descriptive detail, qualify statements, or convey specific ideas.
Example:
The phrase 'with unwavering determination' vividly described the protagonist's resolve in the face of adversity.
Rhetorical Devices
Techniques or patterns of language used by authors to persuade, inform, or entertain an audience, often appealing to logic, emotion, or credibility.
Example:
The politician employed several rhetorical devices, including anaphora and rhetorical questions, to rally support for their cause.
Scope
The extent or range of an argument's application, coverage, or the issues it addresses.
Example:
The essay's scope was intentionally narrow, focusing only on the economic impacts of the policy rather than its social effects.
Thesis Statement
A concise sentence or two that presents the main argument or controlling idea of an essay, typically appearing in the introduction.
Example:
Her thesis statement clearly argued that social media has a net negative impact on adolescent mental health.
Tone
The author's or speaker's attitude toward their subject, audience, or themselves, conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and other stylistic elements.
Example:
The author's sarcastic tone was evident in their exaggerated praise for the flawed proposal.
Words
Individual units of language that authors carefully select for their denotation, connotation, and ability to shape meaning and impact an argument.
Example:
The author's choice of the word 'tyranny' instead of 'rule' immediately conveyed a strong negative judgment.