Central Idea
What is central idea?
The main message of the text
What is text structure?
How the information within a text or paragraph is organized.
What are the 3 rhetorical appeals and what do they mean/represent?
Logos = logic, numbers, facts, etc.
Ethos = experts, ethics, credibility
Pathos = emotions
What is the writer’s or speaker’s position on a debatable issue or problem called?
Claim
Using context clues, what does the word interchangeable mean?
"The parts of the machine are interchangeable, which makes repairs much easier."
(of two things) able to be interchanged. exchangeable
T/F can background information be used to help determine central idea
True
What are the 5 text structures?
(Must name all 5 to get question right)
Cause and Effect
Problem Solution
Compare and Contrast
Chronological/Sequence Order
Description
What rhetorical device is being used, and what does it convey?
Despite the 100 mph gusts and pelting rain, the house stood still, her noble sides withstanding the barrage of debris, and the hardworking roof remaining impenetrable against the deluge of rain. The strong oaks outside were bending and the sky looked pitch black, and yet, I felt no worry about the storm passing.
Personification. Conveys that the author feels safe in the house despite the storm.
What is the strongest type of evidence that can be used? (top of the pyramid)
Data and statistics
Using context clues, what does the word ambassador mean?
"Her popularity and humility made her SGA president. She is now the new ambassador for the student body."
a person who acts as a representative or promoter of a specified activity.
Text features help us determine central idea. Name three types of text features.
Bold print, italics, and graphics/pictures
How is this text structured and what does the structure contribute to the meaning of the text?
It was in Chicago that she became enamored with flying, listening for hours on end about the tales and exploits of pilots returning from their adventures during World War I. It was then that her fantasies of becoming a pilot began to take shape, along with teasing comments from her brother that women in France were better off than their African-American women counterparts, because they were allowed to fly.
After countless rejections from flight schools throughout the U.S., because she was both a woman and African-American, Coleman decided to take her dream abroad.
The cause and effect structure explains what led Coleman to pursue a career in flying despite the obstacles in her way.
Why does the author use a rhetorical questions?
How many times have you heard a friend sigh, “I just can’t get this, I’m not smart enough”? That self-defeating attitude is all too common, but it assumes a fixed level of intelligence that is belied by history. If you were born “not smart enough,” was Einstein born a genius? Considering that Einstein was slow to speak as a child and was thrown out of school at one point, it certainly does not seem that he was.
To address the counterargument that some people believe intelligence is genetic and prove their claim that intelligence is more based on nurture.
What is the difference between expert opinion and anecdotes and examples?
expert opinion relies heavily on their authority whereas anecdotes and examples relies on personal experience/story.
Using context clues, what does the word circumnavigate mean?
"In 1522, Magellan’s crew became the first to circumnavigate the globe, proving that the Earth was round. "
sail or travel all the way around (something, especially the world). go around or avoid (an obstacle).
What is the central idea?
You might think that all automobile fuels are the same, but they aren't. Automobiles can run on one of three types of fuel: gasoline, diesel, and biodiesel. All these fuels are burned inside of the engine, which creates the heat and energy that is used to power the car. There are important differences between these fuels. Gasoline and diesel are more common than biodiesel, but each burns differently. Diesel fuel is heavier and less flammable than gasoline, so it has to be compressed before it will burn. Gasoline may be lighter than diesel, but both fuels are made from crude oil. On the other hand, biodiesel fuel is made from vegetables. Both biodiesel and diesel fuels must be burned in diesel engines, which only use diesel fuel. If gasoline is pumped into a diesel engine, it will have to be pumped out. These fuels may look similar at the gas station, but they have important differences between them.
Gasoline, diesel, and biodiesels are all fuels, but they have important differences in how they are made and used.
How does the graphic feature of the map of Captain Sully's flight and water landing impact the meaning of the text?
It provides a visual of Sullenberger’s skill and emphasizes the small room for error he had to execute the landing.
Which rhetorical appeal is being used here to develop the central idea?
"Studies show that students who sleep at least eight hours a night perform 15% better on memory tests than those who sleep less. Adequate rest allows the brain to consolidate information, which directly improves learning and focus. Therefore, schools should consider starting classes later in the morning to align with students' natural sleep cycles and enhance academic performance."
Logos
Is the below argument effective and valid? Why?
If you are looking for more than just a job, if you want to make a real and lasting difference in the world, have a high level of autonomy, and enjoy lots of free time on top of it, then consider becoming a teacher. As a teacher, you are making a real difference in the lives of your students, and you are doing your part to make the world a better place. You can see the results of your efforts every single day, while enjoying the ability to use your creativity and express your own unique personality. Most people only work for a paycheck, and live for the weekends, when they can get back to their “real lives” for a couple of days. Some may protest that teachers are notoriously underpaid, but when considering a career path it’s important to look at your overall quality of life, and not just at your paycheck.
It lacks validity because it only provides the author's opinions without real evidence.
Using context clues, what does the word zealousness mean?
“Her zealousness for protecting the environment inspired others to take action in their community.”
the quality of being very enthusiastic and eager; passionate.
What is the central idea?
Though some people like the idea of leasing because they want to drive a new car every couple of years, there are some good reasons why purchasing a car makes more financial sense. When you lease a car, you are limited in how many miles you can drive each year. If you go over you have to pay a penalty, sometimes as much as twenty‐five cents per mile. Leasing also means that you have to return the car in the same condition as when you picked it up. If you have pets or small children, then you many end up paying exorbitant “wear and tear” fees when your lease is up. Car leases are also legally binding for the entire length off the lease, and are virtually impossible to get out of without paying huge fees. So before going for the glamour of a leased car, make sure you consider your lifestyle, your financial situation, and your stability, because you may find that you’re better off just buying your car.
Leasing a car has many drawbacks, so purchasing is a better option.
How does the author structure the text to connect the idea of American soldiers' skill vs English soldiers' with the information about a warfare tactic?
In most cases American soldiers could not stand toe-to-toe against British soldiers. The British were better trained, better armed, and more experienced. When the American soldiers attempted to match the British, they suffered heavy losses. The Americans had to use what advantages they had, so they developed what are now known as Guerilla Warfare tactics. Guerrilla warfare is a form of fighting where small groups of fighters use ambushes, sabotages, and the elements of surprise to harass a larger, less mobile army. By using Guerilla Warfare tactics, American soldiers were able to equalize some of the British’s advantages on the battlefield.
The author presents guerilla warfare as a solution for American soldiers to compete with the superior English soldiers.
Which rhetorical appeal is being used here to develop the central idea?
People who believe strongly that intelligence is genetic have used comparative IQ scores to argue that one group of people is superior to another. Such an argument is not only racist, but it is also hopeless. Surely it is preferable to assume that we can affect intelligence by offering rich educational experiences in children’s early years and by providing young people with varied opportunities to stretch and grow their brains. We may not all develop into Einsteins, but given the right environment, we will surely all develop, and achieve, and succeed.
Ethos
Is the below argument effective and valid? Why?
What if we could use fuels that are not expensive, don’t cause pollution, and are abundantly available right here at home? We have such fuels. Scientists have confirmed that enough solar energy falls on the surface of the earth every 40 minutes to meet 100 percent of the entire world’s energy needs for a full year. Tapping just a small portion of the solar energy could provide all the electricity America uses. And enough wind power blows through the Midwest corridor every day to also meet 100 percent of U.S. electricity demand. Geothermal energy, similarly, is capable of providing enormous supplies of electricity for America.
It is valid because it supports its claim with sound reasoning and factual evidence.
Using context clues, what does the word maligned mean?
"The politician felt unfairly maligned by the false rumors spread about her in the media.”
speak about (someone) in a spitefully critical manner.; slander.