What is audience in AP English Language?

The intended readers or listeners for whom a writer creates an argument or message.

What is background in AP English Language?

An audience's experiences, education, cultural context, and prior knowledge that shape how they interpret an argument.

What is belief in AP English Language?

The convictions or principles that an audience holds to be true, which influence how they interpret and respond to an argument.

What is context in AP English Language?

The circumstances, background, and setting in which writing occurs that influence how a message is crafted and received.

What is exigence in AP English Language?

The problem, issue, or circumstance that prompts a writer to create an argument or communicate a message.

What is message in AP English Language?

The main idea or content that a writer communicates to an audience.

What is need in AP English Language?

The requirements, interests, or concerns of an audience that a writer must address to make an argument persuasive and relevant.

What is occasion in AP English Language?

The specific event, circumstance, or reason that prompts a writer to create a particular text.

What is place in AP English Language?

The geographic location or cultural setting in which a text is created, affecting its perspective and subject matter.

What is purpose in AP English Language?

The intended goal or objective of a piece of writing, such as to persuade, inform, entertain, or explain.

AP English Language Vocabulary – 269 terms & definitions

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Key Terms by Unit

🥇Unit 1 – Claims, Reasoning, and Evidence

1.1 Identifying the purpose and intended audience of a text

Term	Definition
audience	The intended readers or listeners for whom a writer creates an argument or message.
background	An audience's experiences, education, cultural context, and prior knowledge that shape how they interpret an argument.
belief	The convictions or principles that an audience holds to be true, which influence how they interpret and respond to an argument.
context	The circumstances, background, and setting in which writing occurs that influence how a message is crafted and received.
exigence	The problem, issue, or circumstance that prompts a writer to create an argument or communicate a message.
message	The main idea or content that a writer communicates to an audience.
need	The requirements, interests, or concerns of an audience that a writer must address to make an argument persuasive and relevant.
occasion	The specific event, circumstance, or reason that prompts a writer to create a particular text.
place	The geographic location or cultural setting in which a text is created, affecting its perspective and subject matter.
purpose	The intended goal or objective of a piece of writing, such as to persuade, inform, entertain, or explain.
rhetorical situation	The context in which communication occurs, including the exigence, audience, writer, purpose, context, and message.
time	The historical period or era in which a text is written, which influences its content, language, and relevance.
value	The principles or standards of behavior that an audience considers important or desirable.
writer	The person who creates and presents an argument or message to an audience.

1.2 Examining how evidence supports a claim

Term	Definition
analogy	Extended comparisons that explain how two things are similar in structure or function to clarify a complex idea.
anecdote	A brief, personal story or account used as examples to illustrate a point or support a claim.
claim	A statement or assertion that a writer makes and must support with evidence and reasoning in an argument.
defense	The support, evidence, or reasoning provided to justify or prove the validity of a claim.
detail	Specific pieces of information that provide support, clarification, or evidence for a claim.
examples	Specific instances or cases used to illustrate or support a general claim or idea.
experiments	Controlled procedures or tests conducted to gather evidence and test hypotheses or claims.
expert opinions	Judgments or conclusions from individuals with specialized knowledge or authority in a particular field.
facts	Statements or information that are known to be true and can be verified or proven.
illustrations	Visual representations or examples used to clarify or demonstrate a concept or claim.
personal experiences	Events or situations that an individual has directly lived through or encountered.
personal observations	Direct observations or perceptions made by an individual based on their own experience.
position	A stance or viewpoint on a subject that represents what someone believes or argues about an issue.
statistics	Numerical data or facts collected and analyzed to support claims or demonstrate patterns.
testimonies	Firsthand accounts or statements from witnesses or individuals with direct knowledge of an event or claim.

1.3 Developing paragraphs as part of an effective argument

Term	Definition
claim	A statement or assertion that a writer makes and must support with evidence and reasoning in an argument.
defense	The support, evidence, or reasoning provided to justify or prove the validity of a claim.
evidence	Supporting details, examples, and information used to prove or defend a thesis.
justification	The reasoning and evidence used to explain why a claim is valid or true.
paraphrased	A restatement of source material in the writer's own words while maintaining the original meaning.
quoted	The direct reproduction of exact words from a source, typically enclosed in quotation marks.
source material	Information, evidence, or ideas obtained from external sources such as texts, articles, or research that writers incorporate into their arguments.
summarized	A condensed version of source material that captures the main ideas in fewer words.
syntactically embedding	The grammatical integration of quoted, paraphrased, or summarized information from sources into a writer's own sentences and ideas.

🗂️Unit 2 – Organizing Information for a Specific Audience

2.1 Analyzing audience and its relationship to the purpose of an argument

Term	Definition
appeal	Rhetorical strategies used to persuade or convince an audience, including logical, emotional, and ethical approaches.
audience	The intended readers or listeners for whom a writer creates an argument or message.
background	An audience's experiences, education, cultural context, and prior knowledge that shape how they interpret an argument.
belief	The convictions or principles that an audience holds to be true, which influence how they interpret and respond to an argument.
emotion	Feelings and affective responses that writers appeal to in order to connect with and persuade their audience.
modes of persuasion	The primary methods or techniques used to persuade an audience, such as ethos, pathos, and logos.
motivate action	To inspire or encourage an audience to take a specific course of action or change their behavior.
need	The requirements, interests, or concerns of an audience that a writer must address to make an argument persuasive and relevant.
persuade	To convince or influence an audience to accept a particular viewpoint or argument.
purpose	The intended goal or objective of a piece of writing, such as to persuade, inform, entertain, or explain.
rhetorical choices	Deliberate decisions a writer makes regarding language, tone, structure, and evidence to persuade or communicate with a specific audience.
value	The principles or standards of behavior that an audience considers important or desirable.

2.2 Building an argument with relevant and strategic evidence

Term	Definition
amplify	To use evidence to strengthen, emphasize, or expand upon a point to make it more powerful or convincing.
apt support	Evidence that is appropriate and well-suited to effectively backing up the claims made in an argument.
argument	A position or claim supported by reasoning and evidence presented to persuade an audience.
associate	To use evidence to connect or link ideas, concepts, or points together in an argument.
audience	The intended readers or listeners for whom a writer creates an argument or message.
clarify	To use evidence to make a point or idea more clear and easier to understand.
credibility	The quality of being trustworthy and believable, established through the use of reliable evidence and sound reasoning.
evidence	Supporting details, examples, and information used to prove or defend a thesis.
exemplify	To use specific examples or evidence to demonstrate or illustrate a general point or principle.
illustrate	To use evidence to make something clearer or more understandable through examples or explanation.
mood	The emotional atmosphere or tone that a writer creates through the strategic use of evidence and language.
quality	The strength, relevance, and credibility of evidence used to support an argument.
quantity	The amount or number of evidence pieces provided to support an argument.
reasoning	The logical thinking and explanations used to support and defend a thesis or claim.
sufficient evidence	Evidence that is adequate in both quantity and quality to effectively support an argument's claims.
validity	The quality of being logically sound and well-supported by evidence in an argument.

2.3 Developing thesis statements

Term	Definition
argument	A position or claim supported by reasoning and evidence presented to persuade an audience.
claim	A statement or assertion that a writer makes and must support with evidence and reasoning in an argument.
evidence	Supporting details, examples, and information used to prove or defend a thesis.
reasoning	The logical thinking and explanations used to support and defend a thesis or claim.
thesis	The main, overarching claim a writer is seeking to defend or prove using reasoning supported by evidence.

2.4 Developing structure and integrating evidence to reflect a line of reasoning

Term	Definition
argument	A position or claim supported by reasoning and evidence presented to persuade an audience.
line of reasoning	The logical progression and connection of claims, evidence, and explanations that support an argument's main point.
thesis	The main, overarching claim a writer is seeking to defend or prove using reasoning supported by evidence.

👀Unit 3 – Perspectives and How Arguments Relate

3.1 Interpreting character description and perspective

Term	Definition
claim	A statement or assertion that a writer makes and must support with evidence and reasoning in an argument.
commentary	Explanatory or interpretive statements that clarify the significance of evidence and connect it to the argument's main point.
evidence	Supporting details, examples, and information used to prove or defend a thesis.
logical relationship	A clear, reasoned connection between evidence and the claim it supports.

3.2 Identifying and avoiding flawed lines of reasoning

Term	Definition
flaws in reasoning	Errors or weaknesses in the logical structure or evidence of an argument that undermine its validity.
illogical	Lacking sound reasoning or logical consistency; not following valid principles of logic.
line of reasoning	The logical progression and connection of claims, evidence, and explanations that support an argument's main point.
specious	Appearing to be true or valid on the surface but actually false or misleading; deceptively plausible.
thesis	The main, overarching claim a writer is seeking to defend or prove using reasoning supported by evidence.

3.3 Introducing and integrating sources and evidence

Term	Definition
commentary	Explanatory or interpretive statements that clarify the significance of evidence and connect it to the argument's main point.
integrate	To smoothly incorporate source material into a writer's own text so that it flows naturally and connects clearly to the writer's reasoning.
integration	The act of incorporating others' arguments and evidence into one's own argument in a meaningful and connected way.
line of reasoning	The logical progression and connection of claims, evidence, and explanations that support an argument's main point.
source material	Information, evidence, or ideas obtained from external sources such as texts, articles, or research that writers incorporate into their arguments.
synthesis	The process of combining and integrating multiple sources, arguments, and ideas into a cohesive argument that reflects consideration and explanation of others' perspectives.

3.5 Attributing and citing references

Term	Definition
attribution	The act of crediting or acknowledging the original source or creator of words, ideas, images, texts, or other intellectual property.
citation	A formal reference to a source that provides specific information about where borrowed material comes from, typically including author, title, publication details, and date.
intellectual property	Original creations of the mind, including words, ideas, images, texts, and other works that are owned by and credited to their creator.
reference	An acknowledgment or mention of a source from which information, ideas, or material have been drawn.

3.6 Developing parts of a text with cause-effect and narrative methods

Term	Definition
argument	A position or claim supported by reasoning and evidence presented to persuade an audience.
cause	An event, action, or condition that produces an effect or consequence.
cause-effect	A rhetorical method of developing ideas by presenting a cause and its effects or consequences, or multiple causes leading to an effect.
claim	A statement or assertion that a writer makes and must support with evidence and reasoning in an argument.
commentary	Explanatory or interpretive statements that clarify the significance of evidence and connect it to the argument's main point.
comparison-contrast	A method of development that examines similarities (comparison) and differences (contrast) between two or more subjects.
consequence	The results or outcomes that follow from a cause or action.
definition	A method of development that explains the meaning of a term or concept to clarify ideas in a text.
description	A method of development that uses sensory details and vivid language to create a picture of a person, place, thing, or idea.
detail	Specific pieces of information that provide support, clarification, or evidence for a claim.
effect	The results or consequences that are produced by a cause.
evidence	Supporting details, examples, and information used to prove or defend a thesis.
insight	Deep understanding or meaningful observations about the significance of experiences that writers convey through narration.
line of reasoning	The logical progression and connection of claims, evidence, and explanations that support an argument's main point.
methods of development	Common approaches writers use to develop and organize the reasoning of their arguments.
narration	A method of development that tells a story or recounts events in sequence to develop ideas in a text.
reasoning	The logical thinking and explanations used to support and defend a thesis or claim.
reflection	A writer's thoughts and analysis about the meaning or importance of experiences shared in a narrative.
relevance	The degree to which evidence directly connects to and supports the line of reasoning.
sequence of paragraphs	The order and arrangement of paragraphs in a text that demonstrates how the author develops and supports their argument.
significance	The importance or meaning of evidence in relation to the argument being made.

🔚Unit 4 – How writers develop arguments, intros, and conclusions

4.2 Developing introductions and conclusions

Term	Definition
anecdote	A brief, personal story or account used as examples to illustrate a point or support a claim.
audience	The intended readers or listeners for whom a writer creates an argument or message.
conclusion	The closing section of a written work that summarizes key points, reinforces the main argument, and provides closure.
context	The circumstances, background, and setting in which writing occurs that influence how a message is crafted and received.
exigence	The problem, issue, or circumstance that prompts a writer to create an argument or communicate a message.
implication	The consequences or logical effects of an argument that a conclusion may explain.
introduction	The opening section of a written work that establishes context, engages the reader, and introduces the main topic or argument.
message	The main idea or content that a writer communicates to an audience.
purpose	The intended goal or objective of a piece of writing, such as to persuade, inform, entertain, or explain.
rhetorical situation	The context in which communication occurs, including the exigence, audience, writer, purpose, context, and message.
significance	The importance or meaning of evidence in relation to the argument being made.
thesis	The main, overarching claim a writer is seeking to defend or prove using reasoning supported by evidence.
unified end	A cohesive closing that brings all elements of an argument together toward a single purpose.
writer	The person who creates and presents an argument or message to an audience.

🎀Unit 5 – How a writer brings all parts of an argument together

5.1 Developing commentary throughout paragraphs

Term	Definition
argument	A position or claim supported by reasoning and evidence presented to persuade an audience.
body paragraphs	The paragraphs in an essay that develop and support the thesis through claims, evidence, and analysis.
claim	A statement or assertion that a writer makes and must support with evidence and reasoning in an argument.
commentary	Explanatory or interpretive statements that clarify the significance of evidence and connect it to the argument's main point.
evidence	Supporting details, examples, and information used to prove or defend a thesis.
line of reasoning	The logical progression and connection of claims, evidence, and explanations that support an argument's main point.
reasoning	The logical thinking and explanations used to support and defend a thesis or claim.
thesis	The main, overarching claim a writer is seeking to defend or prove using reasoning supported by evidence.

5.2 Maintaining ideas throughout an argument

Term	Definition
clause	A group of words containing a subject and predicate that functions as part of a sentence.
coherence	The quality of being logically connected and easy to follow, achieved through clear relationships among sentences, paragraphs, or sections.

5.3 Using modifiers to qualify an argument and convey perspective

Term	Definition
adjectives	Descriptive words that modify nouns and convey perspective or attitude toward the things they describe.
adverbs	Descriptive words that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs and convey perspective or attitude toward the actions or qualities they describe.
connotative meaning	The emotional, cultural, or associative meaning of a word beyond its literal definition, shaped by context and perspective.
denotative meaning	The literal, dictionary definition of a word; its primary, objective meaning without emotional or cultural associations.
modifiers	Words, phrases, or clauses that limit, restrict, or specify the meaning of other words in a sentence.
perspective	The particular way a source views or understands a subject based on their background, interests, and expertise.
precise word choice	The careful selection of specific, exact words to communicate meaning clearly and effectively.

5.4 Using transitions

Term	Definition
coherence	The quality of being logically connected and easy to follow, achieved through clear relationships among sentences, paragraphs, or sections.
evidence	Supporting details, examples, and information used to prove or defend a thesis.
line of reasoning	The logical progression and connection of claims, evidence, and explanations that support an argument's main point.
parallel structure	The repetition of grammatical patterns or sentence structures to show relationships between ideas and create emphasis.
pronoun references	The use of pronouns to refer back to previously mentioned nouns, creating connections between ideas and maintaining coherence.
repetition	The deliberate reuse of words or phrases to create emphasis and indicate relationships between ideas in a text.
synonyms	Words with similar meanings used to reinforce ideas and show connections between related concepts in a text.
transitional elements	Words, phrases, clauses, sentences, or paragraphs that connect ideas and show relationships between sentences, paragraphs, or sections in a text.

👥Unit 6 – Position, Perspective, and Bias

6.1 Incorporating multiple perspectives strategically into an argument

Term	Definition
perspective	The particular way a source views or understands a subject based on their background, interests, and expertise.
position	A stance or viewpoint on a subject that represents what someone believes or argues about an issue.
source material	Information, evidence, or ideas obtained from external sources such as texts, articles, or research that writers incorporate into their arguments.
synthesis	The process of combining and integrating multiple sources, arguments, and ideas into a cohesive argument that reflects consideration and explanation of others' perspectives.

6.2 Recognizing and accounting for bias

Term	Definition
argument	A position or claim supported by reasoning and evidence presented to persuade an audience.
bias	A prejudice or inclination that prevents objective judgment, reflected in how completely a source considers alternative viewpoints.
credibility	The quality of being trustworthy and believable, established through the use of reliable evidence and sound reasoning.
evidence	Supporting details, examples, and information used to prove or defend a thesis.
limitations	Constraints or weaknesses that affect the reliability or applicability of evidence or sources.
position	A stance or viewpoint on a subject that represents what someone believes or argues about an issue.
reasoning	The logical thinking and explanations used to support and defend a thesis or claim.
reliability	The quality of a source being dependable and consistent in providing accurate information.
source	A text, document, or reference material that provides information used to support an argument.

6.3 Adjusting an Argument to New Evidence

Term	Definition
evidence	Supporting details, examples, and information used to prove or defend a thesis.
line of reasoning	The logical progression and connection of claims, evidence, and explanations that support an argument's main point.
thesis	The main, overarching claim a writer is seeking to defend or prove using reasoning supported by evidence.

6.4 Analyzing Tone and Shifts in Tone

Term	Definition
connotation	The emotional or associative meaning of a word beyond its literal definition, which can be positive, negative, or neutral.
perspective	The particular way a source views or understands a subject based on their background, interests, and expertise.
qualification	A limitation, condition, or modification that a writer adds to their original statement or position.
reconsideration	A writer's act of reconsidering or reassessing their perspective on a subject, often suggesting a change in thinking.
refinement	The process of improving, clarifying, or making more precise a writer's perspective or argument.
shifts in tone	Changes in the writer's attitude or emotional quality from one part of a text to another.
tone	The writer's attitude or feeling about a subject, conveyed through word choice and writing style.
word choice	The specific words a writer selects to convey meaning, which can reveal biases and influence how an audience perceives the writer's credibility.
writing style	The distinctive way a writer uses language, including sentence structure, vocabulary, and rhetorical devices, that contributes to tone.

🥊Unit 7 – Successful and Unsuccessful Arguments

7.1 Examining complexities in issues

Term	Definition
absolute terms	Definitive, unqualified statements that allow no exceptions or alternative interpretations.
claim	A statement or assertion that a writer makes and must support with evidence and reasoning in an argument.
discourse	Ongoing conversation or exchange of ideas about a topic, often involving multiple perspectives and contributions over time.
evidence	Supporting details, examples, and information used to prove or defend a thesis.
reasoning	The logical thinking and explanations used to support and defend a thesis or claim.

7.2 Considering how words, phrases, and clauses can modify and limit an argument

Term	Definition
alternative perspectives	Different viewpoints or interpretations that differ from the writer's primary argument.
claim	A statement or assertion that a writer makes and must support with evidence and reasoning in an argument.
counterarguments	Arguments or evidence that oppose or challenge the writer's main claim.
modifiers	Words, phrases, or clauses that limit, restrict, or specify the meaning of other words in a sentence.
qualified	Limited, restricted, or made more specific in scope or meaning through the use of modifying language.
qualify	To limit, restrict, or add conditions to a claim to make it more precise or nuanced.
scope	The range, extent, or boundaries of what an argument covers or applies to.

7.4 Exploring how sentence development affects an argument

Term	Definition
arrangement	The order and positioning of grammatical elements (clauses, phrases, and words) within a sentence to create specific effects.
arrangement of sentences	The order and sequence in which sentences are placed within a text to create specific effects on meaning and emphasis.
balance	The rhetorical effect created when a writer presents ideas of equal weight or importance in a sentence or argument.
boldface	A heavier, darker typeface used as a design feature to create emphasis or draw attention to specific text.
clause	A group of words containing a subject and predicate that functions as part of a sentence.
colons	Punctuation marks used to introduce information, lists, or explanations and to indicate purpose in writing.
commas	Punctuation marks used to separate elements within a sentence, clarify meaning, and organize information.
coordination	A sentence structure technique that uses conjunctions to connect ideas of equal importance, presenting them as having similar weight or significance.
dashes	Punctuation marks used to emphasize information, supplement ideas, and create emphasis in a sentence.
design features	Typographical and formatting elements used in written text to enhance meaning and create visual effects.
emphasis	Special importance or prominence given to particular ideas through deliberate choices in text structure and organization.
end marks	Punctuation marks (periods, question marks, exclamation points) that conclude sentences and contribute to tone and emphasis.
equality	The state of having the same weight, importance, or grammatical status, as illustrated through coordinated sentence structures.
hyphens	Punctuation marks used to connect words and clarify meaning in compound constructions.
imbalance	A lack of equality or proportion between ideas, often emphasized through sentence structure to show that one idea is more significant than another.
independent clause	A clause that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
inequality	A state of being unequal or not having the same weight or importance, which writers can illustrate through the grammatical choices they make in sentence construction.
italics	A slanted typeface used as a design feature to create emphasis or highlight specific words or phrases.
parentheses	Punctuation marks used to supplement information and provide additional clarification within a sentence.
phrase	Groups of related words that function together but lack a subject-predicate combination; used to add detail and modify meaning in sentences.
punctuation	Marks and symbols used in writing (such as periods, commas, semicolons, dashes) that writers use strategically to clarify meaning and show relationships between ideas.
quotation marks	Punctuation marks used to indicate direct speech or quoted material and to contribute to a writer's purpose.
relationships among ideas	The connections and logical associations between different concepts or thoughts within a sentence, demonstrated through strategic punctuation choices.
semicolons	Punctuation marks used to connect related independent clauses and organize complex ideas.
sentence	Units of written expression that convey complete ideas and consist of one or more clauses.
subordination	A sentence structure technique that uses dependent clauses to show that one idea is less important than another, establishing a hierarchical relationship between ideas.
tone	The writer's attitude or feeling about a subject, conveyed through word choice and writing style.
writer's purpose	The intended goal or effect a writer aims to achieve through their writing, such as to persuade, inform, or clarify.

😎Unit 8 – Stylistic Choices

8.1 Choosing comparisons based on an audience

Term	Definition
analogy	Extended comparisons that explain how two things are similar in structure or function to clarify a complex idea.
anecdote	A brief, personal story or account used as examples to illustrate a point or support a claim.
comparison	Rhetorical devices that examine similarities between two things to help an audience understand a writer's purpose.
metaphors	Direct comparisons between two unlike things without using 'like' or 'as', presenting one thing as if it were another.
similes	Comparisons between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as' to help readers understand a concept through familiar references.

8.2 Considering how sentence development and word choice affect how the writer is perceived by an audience

Term	Definition
bias	A prejudice or inclination that prevents objective judgment, reflected in how completely a source considers alternative viewpoints.
credibility	The quality of being trustworthy and believable, established through the use of reliable evidence and sound reasoning.
diction	The choice and use of words and phrases in writing, including considerations of tone, formality, and connotation.
syntax	The arrangement and structure of words and phrases in sentences, including choices about sentence length, complexity, and grammatical patterns.
word choice	The specific words a writer selects to convey meaning, which can reveal biases and influence how an audience perceives the writer's credibility.

8.3 Considering how all choices made in an argument affect the audience

Term	Definition
argument	A position or claim supported by reasoning and evidence presented to persuade an audience.
audience	The intended readers or listeners for whom a writer creates an argument or message.
belief	The convictions or principles that an audience holds to be true, which influence how they interpret and respond to an argument.
context	The circumstances, background, and setting in which writing occurs that influence how a message is crafted and received.
evidence	Supporting details, examples, and information used to prove or defend a thesis.
language	The specific words, tone, and style choices a writer uses to communicate with an audience.
need	The requirements, interests, or concerns of an audience that a writer must address to make an argument persuasive and relevant.
organization	The structure or arrangement of ideas and information in a piece of writing.
perspective	The particular way a source views or understands a subject based on their background, interests, and expertise.
value	The principles or standards of behavior that an audience considers important or desirable.

8.4 Considering how style affects an argument

Term	Definition
ambiguity	Uncertainty or lack of clarity in meaning, often caused by unclear placement or reference of modifiers.
audience's needs	The specific information, context, or clarification that a reader requires to understand and engage with an argument.
complex perspective	A nuanced or multifaceted viewpoint that goes beyond surface-level meaning, often signaled through irony and other stylistic techniques.
conventions	The standard rules and practices of grammar, punctuation, and formatting that writers follow or deliberately manipulate.
irony	A stylistic device where there is a contrast or incongruity between what is stated and what is meant, or between expectations and reality, used to create a complex perspective in an argument.
modifiers	Words, phrases, or clauses that limit, restrict, or specify the meaning of other words in a sentence.
parenthetical elements	Words, phrases, or clauses inserted into a sentence to provide additional information without being essential to the sentence's basic meaning.
style	The distinctive way a writer expresses ideas through the combination of word choice, syntax, and conventions.
stylistic choices	Deliberate decisions a writer makes about language, tone, structure, and other elements of style to convey meaning and signal perspective to readers.
syntax	The arrangement and structure of words and phrases in sentences, including choices about sentence length, complexity, and grammatical patterns.
word choice	The specific words a writer selects to convey meaning, which can reveal biases and influence how an audience perceives the writer's credibility.
writer's purpose	The intended goal or effect a writer aims to achieve through their writing, such as to persuade, inform, or clarify.

😈Unit 9 – Developing a Complex Argument

9.1 Strategically conceding, rebutting, or refuting information

Term	Definition
alternative evidence	Different or additional evidence presented to challenge, contradict, or weaken an existing claim or argument.
claim	A statement or assertion that a writer makes and must support with evidence and reasoning in an argument.
competing claim	An alternative assertion or argument that opposes or contrasts with the writer's main claim.
competing position	An alternative claim or argument that opposes or contrasts with the writer's main position.
concede	To accept all or a portion of a competing position or claim as correct, or to acknowledge the limitations of one's own argument.
contradictory evidence	Evidence or information that conflicts with or challenges the writer's claims or position.
contrasting perspective	A viewpoint or interpretation that differs from or opposes another argument or position.
counterarguments	Arguments or evidence that oppose or challenge the writer's main claim.
credibility	The quality of being trustworthy and believable, established through the use of reliable evidence and sound reasoning.
evidence	Supporting details, examples, and information used to prove or defend a thesis.
opposing arguments	Arguments that contradict or challenge the writer's main position or thesis.
rebut	To offer a contrasting perspective on an argument and its evidence, or provide alternative evidence to challenge or invalidate a competing position or claim.
refute	To demonstrate using evidence that all or a portion of a competing position or claim is invalid or false.
transitions	Words or phrases that connect ideas and show relationships between sentences or paragraphs, such as 'however,' 'on the other hand,' or 'conversely.'

9.2 Crafting an argument through stylistic choices like word choice and description

Term	Definition
alternative perspectives	Different viewpoints or interpretations that differ from the writer's primary argument.
claim	A statement or assertion that a writer makes and must support with evidence and reasoning in an argument.
counterarguments	Arguments or evidence that oppose or challenge the writer's main claim.
modifiers	Words, phrases, or clauses that limit, restrict, or specify the meaning of other words in a sentence.
qualified	Limited, restricted, or made more specific in scope or meaning through the use of modifying language.