What is it?
This writing technique involves a writer stepping back to explain or guide how the reader should understand their ideas.
Metacommentary
The slide uses this topic — 'Social media affects ___' — as an example of a vague claim without metacommentary.
Relationships
Metacommentary is especially helpful when introducing these kinds of ideas.
New ideas
Metacommentary does this to arguments — it makes them stronger.
Strengthens them
This two-word phrase is listed as a classic metacommentary signal that tells readers a restatement is coming.
"In other words"
What is an example of a common metacommentary opener?
"What I mean is"
"In other words"
" My point is"
This common phrase helps a writer link evidence to their argument: 'This ___ that.'
shows
As shown in the slides, your writing will become _____ and lack detail if you don't use metacommentary.
"Vague"
"Unclear"
Rather than letting your ideas float separately, metacommentary helps you do_____ them.
Connect
Adding metacommentary prevents your reader from having a _____ about your argument
Misunderstanding
When you tell your reader why a piece of evidence matters, you're providing an ________
Explanation
Without metacommentary, readers might struggle to connect your evidence to the ____ ____
The main idea or main point/argument
This is the explanation a writer might give to show why too much social media is a problem.
"Social media ..."
"reduces face-to-face communication"
"impacts mental health and emotional well-being"
What was the example sentence we used in the slides during metacommentary practice?
" Phones are bad for communication"
Metacommentary makes writing feel more personal, almost like a ______ between the writer and the reader.
Conversation