Word Meanings
This type of meaning is the literal, dictionary definition of a word.
What is denotative meaning?
Example: The denotative meaning of "home" is "a place where one lives."
The main point an author is trying to prove in an argumentative text.
What is a claim?
Example: "School uniforms should be mandatory in all public schools."
Facts, statistics, or expert opinions used to support an argument.
What is evidence?
Example: "According to a 2022 study by the Department of Education, schools with uniform policies reported 25% fewer disciplinary issues."
The reason an author writes a particular text.
What is the author's purpose?
Example: The purpose of a cookbook is to instruct readers on how to prepare various dishes.
The process of combining information from multiple sources.
What is synthesizing?
Example: Combining information from a history textbook, a biography, and a documentary to create a comprehensive report on a historical figure.
This type of meaning involves the emotions or associations that a word evokes.
What is connotative meaning?
Example: The word "snake" might have a connotative meaning of "sneaky" or "untrustworthy" in some contexts.
Logical, emotional, or ethical strategies used to persuade the reader.
What are appeals?
Example: Logical appeal: "Studies show that school uniforms reduce bullying by 30%."
Emotional appeal: "Imagine how much stress it would relieve for students to not worry about their clothes every morning."
Ethical appeal: "It's our duty to ensure all students feel equal and included."
Arguments that oppose the author's main claim.
What are counterarguments?
Example: In an essay arguing for school uniforms, a counterargument might be, "Some argue that uniforms limit individual expression."
The intended readers of a text.
What is the audience?
Example: A young adult novel about first-year college experiences is likely intended for high school seniors and college freshmen.
The result of successfully synthesizing information from multiple texts.
What is new understanding?
Example: After reading articles on climate change from scientific journals, news sources, and policy papers, a student develops a new perspective on global environmental policies.
Metaphors and similes are examples of this type of language.
What is figurative language?
Example: "Her voice is music to my ears" is a metaphor, while "He's as busy as a bee" is a simile.
The final section of an argumentative text that reinforces the main points.
What is a conclusion?
Example: "Given the evidence of improved focus, reduced bullying, and increased sense of community, it's clear that implementing school uniforms is the right choice for our district."
When an author acknowledges the validity of an opposing viewpoint.
What is a concession?
Example: "While it's true that uniforms can be an initial expense for families, the long-term savings on clothing outweigh this cost."
The main idea or point the author wants to communicate.
What is the message?
Example: In George Orwell's "Animal Farm," a key message is that power can corrupt even those with good intentions.
A skill that involves comparing and contrasting information from different sources.
What is critical thinking?
Example: A student compares information about the American Revolution from British and American textbooks, identifying biases and differing viewpoints.
The ability to differentiate between these three types of word meanings.
What is analyzing context?
Example: In the sentence "The star of the show took a bow," the context helps us understand that "bow" means to bend at the waist, not a weapon for shooting arrows.
The quality of a claim that makes it debatable or worth arguing.
What is arguable?
Example: "Chocolate is the best ice cream flavor" is not an arguable claim, but "Chocolate ice cream should be offered in all school cafeterias" is arguable.
A direct counter to an opposing argument.
What is a rebuttal?
Example: "Although some claim uniforms limit self-expression, students can still express their individuality through hairstyles, accessories, and their academic and extracurricular achievements."
The way an author organizes information within a text.
What is text structure?
Example: A compare and contrast essay might use a point-by-point structure, alternating between two subjects for each main point.
The number of texts typically required for synthesis, according to the given standard.
What is multiple texts?
Example: A research project that requires students to use at least three different sources to support their thesis.