Curtain Call Vocabulary
Define the noun that means "the absence of interest or concern."
Apathy: Noun; the absence of interest or concern.
What is plagiarism? Provide the short definition given in the document.
Plagiarism: Stealing someone's work or idea; copying another person's idea or written work and claiming it as your own.
What is an "argument" as defined in the mini lesson?
An argument: When the author makes a claim based on factual evidence; they are either ‘for’ or ‘against’ an issue.
According to the materials, where is the author’s main point (claim) usually found in a text?
Usually in the first paragraph.
Which part of speech is "critical" as used in the document, and give its meaning?
Critical: Adjective; urgently needed; absolutely necessary.
In the general MLA works-cited format shown, what element comes immediately after the author?
Title (or Title of the work) — in the general format, the title follows the author element.
Define "claim" in the context of argumentative writing, per the document.
Claim: The author’s main point; a statement the author believes is true that can be argued, defended, narrow and significant.
What three components make up argumentative writing in the "Overview" section?
The Claim; The Reasons; The Evidence.
What word describes "all the people living at the same time, of approximately the same age"?
Generation: Noun; all the people living at the same time, of approximately the same age.
For a book with one author, list the order of elements required in the citation as given in the document (use the same labels: AUTHOR’S LAST NAME, AUTHOR’S FIRST NAME., TITLE OF THE BOOK., CITY OF PUBLICATION, PUBLISHING COMPANY, YEAR OF PUBLICATION).
AUTHOR’S LAST NAME, AUTHOR’S FIRST NAME. TITLE OF THE BOOK. CITY OF PUBLICATION, PUBLISHING COMPANY, YEAR OF PUBLICATION.
List four types of relevant evidence the author may use to support a claim (as given in the text).
Facts; Statistics; Quotes (from reliable and credible sources); Expert opinions.
Name two questions a reader should ask when analyzing evidence used to support a claim, based on the step-by-step guidance.
Is the evidence relevant and credible? Did the author fully support the claim? (Also: Circle key argument; underline supporting evidence.)
Give the adjective from the list that means "first; first to happen."
Inaugural: Adjective; first; first to happen.
When listing multiple authors (two or more), how should the authors' names be ordered in the citation according to the document?
List AUTHOR #1 LAST NAME, AUTHOR #1 FIRST NAME and NAME OF 2nd AUTHOR FIRST NAME THEN LAST NAME (i.e., first author last-name-first, subsequent authors as FirstName LastName).
What is a "counterclaim" and why do authors include it?
Counterclaim: The opposite viewpoint of the author’s claim; authors include it so they can disprove it with stronger evidence supporting their claim.
According to the lesson, what should you do when you identify a counterclaim in a text?
Put an 'X' next to the opposing viewpoint and circle reasons and evidence the author provides in response.
Which verb in the vocabulary means "to think deeply or carefully, sometimes about the past"? Provide the part of speech and a sample sentence using the word in context appropriate for Grade 8.
Reflect: Verb; to think deeply or carefully, sometimes about the past. Example sentence: "After the play ended, the cast took time to reflect on their performance."
Name two recommended online citation tools listed under "Helpful Links."
Scribbr MLA Generator; EasyBib.
Explain the difference between a rebuttal and a qualifier, using the signal words listed in the document (give one signal word for rebuttal and one for qualifier).
Rebuttal: The author responds directly to the counterclaim (signal words: "However,...", "In contrast,..."). Qualifier: Shows the claim may not be true in all circumstances (signal words: "Some", "Many", "Most", "Sometimes", "Usually").
Using the skills from the "Identify the claim" and "Identify & analyze the evidence" steps, write a brief (2–3 sentence) student response evaluating whether the hypothetical claim "Among teens, sleep deprivation is an epidemic" is persuasive—state whether the claim seems reasonable and name one type of evidence from the lesson that would make it more convincing.
Sample student response: "The claim that 'Among teens, sleep deprivation is an epidemic' could be reasonable, but it needs credible evidence such as statistics (e.g., percentage of teens reporting fewer than recommended hours of sleep). If the author provides recent, reliable statistics and expert opinions linking causes to outcomes, the claim would be more persuasive."