Synthesis
This is the minimum number of sources you must cite to avoid an automatic score of 0 or 1 on the evidence row.
3
When citing evidence your evidence should just be understandable (true or false)
false
This part of the "Rhetorical Situation" refers to the specific event or "spark" that moved the author to write the piece.
What is the Exigence?
On the "Writing" portion of the MCQ, you should almost always choose the answer that is the most ______.
What is concise (or clear/logical)?
he dictionary definition of a word
What is denotation?
This term describes a paragraph that is organized by a specific reason or issue rather than by a single source.
What is a factor-based (or thematic) paragraph?
An argument that is "defensible" means it must meet this criteria.
What is: it must be something a reasonable person could disagree with?
Instead of saying "The author uses diction," a high-scoring student would use this more specific phrase.
"The author uses [Specific Adjective] diction" (e.g., religious, warlike, scholarly)?
These types of questions ask you why an author included a specific sentence or paragraph.
What are "Function" questions?
The emotional or cultural associations attached to a word beyond its literal meaning.
What is connotation?
Doing this in your essay shows you understand the topic's "complexity," a key requirement for the sophistication point.
What is acknowledging a counter-argument?
This logical fallacy occurs when someone attacks the character of their opponent rather than the argument itself.
What is Ad Hominem?
When an author moves from a logical, fact-based argument to an emotional appeal, it is known as this.
What is a tone shift (or rhetorical shift)?
If you encounter a word you don't know in a reading passage, you should use these to guess the meaning.
What are context clues?
A figure of speech that uses "like" or "as" to compare two unlike things.
What is a simile?
This is the specific error a writer makes when they simply restate what Source A says without explaining how it supports their own claim.
What is summarizing (or lack of commentary)?
This term describes the logical "bridge" or connection between a piece of evidence and the claim it is meant to support.
What is the line of reasoning (or warrant)?
This is the primary difference between a "rhetorical choice" and a "rhetorical device."
What is: a choice is an action the author performs (verb), while a device is a tool they use (noun)?
This strategy involves crossing out answers that are "too broad" or "not mentioned" to find the correct one.
What is the process of elimination?
The arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language.
What is syntax?
In a Synthesis prompt about "The Value of Libraries," Source A argues for digital access while Source B argues for physical community spaces. Using them together to argue for "hybrid learning" is an example of this.
What is synthesizing (or creating a "conversation" between sources)?
Using a "hypothetical situation" as your primary evidence is usually considered a weakness for this reason.
What is: it isn't "grounded in reality" or "specific/concrete evidence"?
To earn the "Analysis" point, your commentary must explain how a choice moves this specific group toward the author's purpose.
Who is the intended audience?
In a "Writing" question, if a sentence starts with "However," the relationship between that sentence and the one before it must be this.
What is a contrast (or contradiction)?
Placing two contrasting ideas, characters, or places side-by-side to highlight their differences.
What is juxtaposition?