Argument Essay: Parts
A statement in your introduction clearly indicating a position on the issue.
Claim
The universal theme in a piece of writing.
Central Idea
A struggle or problem in a story that must be resolved
Conflict
The author's attitude toward his or her subject, or a character's attitude.
Tone
During my run through the snow, the frigid air fills my lungs with a shocking chill.
Imagery
Other than Big Walter, this character never appears onstage in "A Raisin in the Sun" (play/text) but makes a big impact.
Willy Harris
Term for the discriminatory practice of color-coded outlines on maps to show which neighborhoods were “too risky” and thus allowing banks to deny mortgages.
Redlining
The facts, studies, statistics, anecdotes, quotes that a writer gives to support the claim.
Evidence
A broad term for all the techniques, styles, and strategies an author uses to enhance their writing.
Writing Strategies or Literary Devices
Vivid descriptive language in a text that helps the reader to see, hear, smell, taste, or feel.
Imagery
A reference to historical or fictional characters, places, or events that the author assumes the reader will recognize.
Allusion
Builders and crew of the Titanic: "This boat is unsinkable!"
Irony
When reuniting with Daisy, Gatsby's jitters cause him to knock over this item of Nick's.
mantel clock
Young Elwood Curtis's "Google"
Encyclopedia (or books & newspapers)
Real or possible opposing views that a writer needs to include in an essay.
Counterarguments or Counterclaims
A guess that is made based on interpretation of the text.
Inference
Language that you know is not meant to be taken literally, such as metaphors or hyperbole.
Figurative Language
The method by which an author creates the appearance and personality of imaginary persons and reveals their character.
Characterization
TWO terms: Chocolate is my Achilles' heel.
Allusion and Metaphor
The sole Gatsby party guest to show up for the funeral.
(Aside from Nick.)
Owl Eyes
In "The Nickel Boys" Elwood's teacher Mr. Hill rode buses as one of these folks in '61.
Freedom Riders
The writer's response or reaction to the counter-argument pointing out politely how they are wrong.
Rebuttal
Detailed and thorough examination of a text or its structure
Analysis
When something unexpected or just the opposite of what is expected happens.
Situational Irony
When an abstract idea is represented by something concrete.
Symbolism
TWO terms: The last day of school is the green light at the end of my dock.
Allusion and Symbolism (also accept Metaphor)
Win a boxing match at Nickel? Your reward is to go ____.
"Out back"
(Or to the Secret Graveyard.)
The Supreme Court case that causes Elwood to believe that Black folks will soon be allowed to enter Fun Town.
Brown v. Board of Education
A brief narrative of an entertaining and presumably true incident—often used to begin an essay or explain an idea.
Anecdote
Motif
"Please stow your phones, earbuds, headphones, etc.": a common ________ before homeroom at LHS.
Motif
Great Gatsby character who said, "Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.”
Meyer Wolfsheim
Prestigious university that Nick Carraway and Tom Buchanan graduated from.
Yale University
A story within a story, such as when Nick Carraway says he is going to tell us the tale of a tragic event in his past.
Frame story or frame narrative
Before making his fortune, Gatsby got his start on the Great Lakes, working for five years for this hard-drinking copper millionaire.
Dan Cody
Tom exposes Gatsby as a fraud to Daisy in this famous New York City institution.
The Plaza Hotel