Unit 1
Tenicity
quality of being determined or of holding fast
Exacerbate
to make more severe; to intensify
succinct
expressed without unnecessary words; brief and compact
encroach
to advance or intrude beyond set limits
indemnity
protection against loss or damage
central idea
overarching message or truth that is specific to a text
Cognitive
having to do with the ability to think or reason
pervasive
existing or spreading throughout something
unrequited
not returned or repaid in kind
misnomer
an incorrect term used to describe or designate something
author’s task
the assignment or work that an author needs to do
Paradox
a statement that on the surface seems to be contradictory but in fact reveals an element of truth
Etymology
This information indicates the word’s origin—the history of how it came to be part of the English language.
academic vocabulary
multipurpose words that people acquire as they advance through their educations
subservient
having a role of lesser importance; subordinate
Evidence
The information that authors provide as support or proof for their opinions, claims, or central ideas is evidence.
Syntax
is the way words, phrases, and sentences are arranged to demonstrate an author’s meaning, purpose, and style most effectively.
comma splice
an error in which independent clauses are joined together with only a comma between them. Here is an example of a sentence containing a comma splice
rhetorical features
sometimes referred to as rhetorical techniques or rhetorical devices—to strengthen their arguments
veracity
truthfulness or accuracy
Determine and discover
Determine and discover—these are the two actions you perform when you look for meaning in informational text. However, they are not necessarily done separately.
Key Terms
words or phrases that are vital to understanding the important information in a text
The Rhetorical Triangle
the message, the writer/speaker, and the audience
Diction
"word choice,” carefully chosen words to convey a particular message
warrant or backing
The final part of an argument