Reading and Writing Vocab Terms
to elaborate
To elaborate is to expand a point by adding more detail or explanation. For example, you might elaborate on the claim that cats are better than dogs but providing concrete evidence that shows how cats are better, e.g. they are cleaner and don’t require you to take them outside when they need to use the bathroom.
main clause (independent clause)
A main clause has a subject and predicate, and can stand by itself as a sentence
If I go to school today.
fragment
With confidence, you will take the exam next week! (1)
example: With confidence
concrete evidence
Concrete evidence is specific facts or details that are used to support a claim in an argument. For example, you might provide a specific quotation from a novel to demonstrate how the novel adheres to one part of the Hero’s Journey archetype.
subordinate clause (dependent clause)
A subordinate clause has a subject and predicate, but cannot stand by itself as a sentence.
Nothing makes sense anymore.
complete sentence
I shall teach you how to succeed on your own! (1)
example: on your own
circular reasoning
Circular reasoning is a weak form of reasoning where you begin a point with the same conclusion that you’re trying to prove. For example, “Trespassing should be illegal because it is against the law.”
modifier
A modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that describes something in a sentence (adjectives and adverbs are types of modifiers).
Please stop bothering me, you are really getting on my nerves.
run-on
This review will be fun if you try! (2)
example: fun and if you try
archetype
An archetype is a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology. Examples include the Hero’s Journey narrative pattern and all its parts, the “evil stepmother” (in fairy tales), the “trickster” (in folklore), the “mean popular girls” (in teen movies), and many others.
phrase
A phrase is a word or group of words that forms a unit of information in a sentence (e.g. noun phrase, verb phrase, preposition phrase, etc.).
A dancer who plays classical music and leaps across the stage in a pink tutu and ballet shoes.
fragment
I know this review is overwhelming, so be sure to ask Ms. Alex, your teacher, if you have any questions. (2)
example: overwhelming and your teacher
pointing word
A pointing word is a word that refers or “points” to a piece of information from a previous sentence. The pointing words are: this, that, these, those, and such.
4 types of phrases
noun phrase, verb phrase, adjective phrase, prepositional phrase
I would like to make pasta for my friends, but I don't want to wait for the water to boil—everyone is hungry, and I would hate to make them wait.
complete sentence
Why is the teacher presenting all these difficult questions with a big smile on her face like an evil villain? (3)
example: presenting all these difficult questions and with a big smile on her face and like an evil villain