Vocabulary
Finding similarities
Compare
The author's goal is to convince you to think, believe, or do something. Think of an advertiser, a politician, or someone trying to change your mind.
Persuade
Proven true
Facts
The main point the author is trying to prove.
Claim
First, second, next, then, before, after, while, during, later, finally, last, subsequently, eventually
Sequence of Events
Finding differences.
Contrast
The author's goal is to give facts, teach, or explain something. Think of a teacher, a news reporter, or an encyclopedia.
Inform
Numbers/data
Statistics
The facts, data, or information used to support the claim.
Evidence
Similarly, likewise, also, in the same way, just as
Compare
The reason something happened. The "why."
Cause
The author's goal is to tell a story, amuse you, or create an experience. Think of a storyteller, a comedian, or a novelist.
Entertain
Professionals with knowledge
Expert Opinion
The explanation that connects the evidence to the claim.
Reasoning
Therefore, consequently, as a result, thus, so, leads to, results in, impact, outcome
Effect
The result of a cause. The "what happened."
Effect
Clues: Characters, plot (beginning, middle, end), setting, dialogue, imagery (words that appeal to senses), figurative language (metaphors, similes), humor, suspense.
Language: Descriptive, imaginative, evocative (creates feelings), often uses narrative structure.
Entertain
Real situations
Examples
This tells us how or why something is the way it is.
Explanation
But, however, on the other hand, in contrast, although, difference, yet, unlike, nevertheless
Contrast
A logical conclusion you draw based on evidence and your own prior knowledge.
Inference
Clues: Facts, statistics, definitions, explanations, dates, verifiable events, step-by-step instructions.
Language: Objective, neutral, formal. Avoids strong opinions or emotional words. Uses clear topic sentences and transitions (e.g., "first," "next," "for example").
Inform
Personal short stories
Anecdotes
This tries to convince someone to agree with a point of view.
Argument
Because, since, as, due to, given that, the reason for, on account of
Cause
The reason someone writes something- their goal.
Author’s Purpose
Clues: Opinions, arguments, emotional appeals, calls to action, selected facts used to support a viewpoint, vivid or strong language.
Language: Subjective, uses opinion words (e.g., should, must, best, worst, crucial, essential, clearly, obviously), strong verbs, rhetorical questions, direct address to the reader ("you").
Persuade
Strong evidence must be:
Relevant and Sufficient
This is an error in reasoning.
Fallacy
For example, for instance, specifically, such as, including, in addition, moreover, furthermore
Supporting Details