Academic Vocabulary
To break down a text in order to study its parts.
What does it mean to analyze a text?
Feeling extremely tired or sluggish after a long shift.
What is lethargic?
An essay that aims to persuade the reader of a claim.
What is an argumentative essay?
Restating someone else’s ideas in your own words without changing the meaning.
What is a paraphrase?
This term refers to the use of exaggeration to create emphasis or effect in writing.
What is hyperbole?
To judge an argument’s quality using evidence.
What does it mean to assess an argument
The placement of things side by side for contrast or comparison.
What is juxtaposition?
The part of an essay that includes a hook, background information, and thesis statement.
What is the introduction?
Using the exact words from a text, enclosed in quotation marks.
What is a direct quote?
In argumentative essays, writers often address opposing viewpoints to strengthen their argument. This technique is called:
What is counterargument (or refutation)?
To show how two viewpoints differ.
What does it mean to contrast two viewpoints?
To charm or trick someone.
What does beguile mean?
A paragraph that presents a clear point supported by evidence, analysis, and linking sentences.
What is a strong body paragraph?
A brief statement of the main ideas of a text, capturing only the essential points.
What is a summary?
In analyzing a passage, this term describes the emotional appeal a writer uses to persuade the audience.
What is pathos?
To make an idea clear using details.
What does it mean to explain something?
A complete failure or disaster.
What is a debacle?
A viewpoint that opposes the main argument.
What is a counterclaim?
"Public transportation, such as buses and trains, can reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions by carrying many passengers efficiently. However, many people still prefer to drive because public transit is often unreliable and inconvenient. Authors suggest that governments need to invest in improving these systems to encourage greater use."
Student Response: “Many commuters prefer driving because public transport is often unreliable and inconvenient, even though it could reduce traffic and pollution.”
Is this paraphrase?
Identify the literary device used in the sentence: “The pen is mightier than the sword,” where an object represents a larger idea.
What is symbolism?
To present only the essential points of a passage.
What does it mean to summarize a passage?
Extremely careful and precise in attention to detail.
What is meticulous?
An essay that presents balanced viewpoints before reaching a reasoned conclusion.
What is a discursive essay?
Original Passage
"Public transportation, such as buses and trains, can reduce traffic congestion and lower carbon emissions by carrying many passengers efficiently. However, many people still prefer to drive because public transit is often unreliable and inconvenient. Authors suggest that governments need to invest in improving these systems to encourage greater use."
Student Response: “The author presents both benefits and challenges of public transport to convince readers that improving the system is necessary.”
Is this a summary?
A student is asked to evaluate a claim in an essay using evidence from multiple sources. Which two critical thinking skills are most directly assessed?
What are analysis and evaluation?