ACADEMIC VOCABULARY
It refers to the main point of the entire text.
Central Idea
What is the purpose of an argumentative essay?
To persuade readers of one's claim using strong evidence.
Being a clown isn’t all fun and games. Rodeo clowns expose themselves to great danger every time they perform. When cowboys dismount or are bucked off of bulls at riding competitions, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention. In this way, rodeo clowns provide an alternate target, and in doing so protect the rider. So you see, sometimes clowning around can be serious business.
It is not easy being a rodeo clown.
Being a clown isn’t all fun and games. Rodeo clowns expose themselves to great danger every time they perform. When cowboys dismount or are bucked off of bulls at riding competitions, rodeo clowns jump in front of the bulls and motion wildly to get their attention. In this way, rodeo clowns provide an alternate target, and in doing so protect the rider. So you see, sometimes clowning around can be serious business.
Cause and Effect
This is figurative language that refers to exaggerated statements.
Hyperbole
It is an educated guess based on text evidence and personal knowledge/experience.
Inference
What are the parts of the introduction in an argumentative essay?
Hook, Background Information, Thesis/Claim
Sometime in December of 1891, Dr. James Naismith, a gym teacher at the YMCA College in Springfield, Massachusetts was trying to keep his gym class active on a rainy day. He wanted a vigorous game that would keep his students moving. After rejecting a few other ideas because they were too rough or not suited for the walled-in gym, Naismith wrote out the rules for a game with peach baskets fixed to ten-foot elevated tracks. Naismith’s students played against one another, passing the ball around and shooting it into the peach baskets. Dribbling wasn’t a part of the original game, and it took a while to realize that the game would run more smoothly if the bottoms of the baskets were removed, but this game grew to be one of the most popular sports in America today. Can you guess which one?
Dr. James Naismisth first created basketball.
Sometime in December of 1891, Dr. James Naismith, a gym teacher at the YMCA College in Springfield, Massachusetts was trying to keep his gym class active on a rainy day. He wanted a vigorous game that would keep his students moving. After rejecting a few other ideas because they were too rough or not suited for the walled-in gym, Naismith wrote out the rules for a game with peach baskets fixed to ten-foot elevated tracks. Naismith’s students played against one another, passing the ball around and shooting it into the peach baskets. Dribbling wasn’t a part of the original game, and it took a while to realize that the game would run more smoothly if the bottoms of the baskets were removed, but this game grew to be one of the most popular sports in America today. Can you guess which one?
Chronological
What do you mean by the connotation of words?
It refers to the writer's reason for writing.
Author's Purpose
What is a claim?
It is one's position on an issue.
The wolverine, a medium-sized mammal weighing no more than 50 lbs., has earned its reputation for its ferocity with its documented ability to kill prey many times its size. The reason why wolverines have so many conflicts with other animals (including wolves, cougars, and even bears) is probably because of the wolverine’s preferred hunting style. Rather than chasing down or tricking its prey like most hunters, the wolverine prefers to take its meals directly from other hunters. So while a polar bear or a lone wolf might be enjoying a hard earned carcass, a hungry wolverine may try to take his lunch. This keeps the wolverine in plenty of fights.
The wolverine is a ferocious predator.
The wolverine, a medium-sized mammal weighing no more than 50 lbs., has earned its reputation for its ferocity with its documented ability to kill prey many times its size. The reason why wolverines have so many conflicts with other animals (including wolves, cougars, and even bears) is probably because of the wolverine’s preferred hunting style. Rather than chasing down or tricking its prey like most hunters, the wolverine prefers to take its meals directly from other hunters. So while a polar bear or a lone wolf might be enjoying a hard-earned carcass, a hungry wolverine may try to take his lunch. This keeps the wolverine in plenty of fights.
Cause and Effect
Give three examples of technical words related to government/governance.
economy, democracy, politics, monarchy, election, communism, bureaucracy, administration, etc.
This refers to the information in the text proving an answer or claim.
Text/Textual evidence
What is a counterclaim?
It is the claim opposite to one's claim.
Give one supporting detail that supports the main idea that FOREST FIRES ARE DANGEROUS.
Answers may vary.
Wildfires can disrupt transportation, communications, power and gas services, and water supply.
They also lead to a deterioration of the air quality, and loss of property, crops, resources, animals, and people
Name one text structure and its characteristics.
Problem and Solution - the author presents a problem and gives solutions to the problem
Compare and Contrast - the author explains the similarities and differences between two things
Sequence - the author arranges information in a particular order or uses step-by-step instruction
Descriptive - the author describes the qualities of something or someone
It is an idyllic day - sunny, warm, and perfect for a walk in the park.
What does idyllic mean?
pleasing, ideal, perfect
This refers to a language used in a specific field like science or math.
Technical Language
What are the 4 parts of an argumentative essay?
Introduction
Body (Evidence and Reason)
Counterclaim and Rebuttal
Conclusion
In your own words, what does CENTRAL IDEA mean?
Central idea refers to what the entire text is all about.
Create a sentence that compares and contrasts grade school and middle school.
Answers may vary.
In the center of the hall stood a COLOSSAL wooden statue, decorated in ivory and gold. Name 2 synonyms of the word colossal.
huge, massive, gigantic, very large