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🥊AP English Language Unit 7 Vocabulary

40 essential vocabulary terms and definitions for Unit 7 – Successful and Unsuccessful Arguments

Study Unit 7
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🥊Unit 7 – Successful and Unsuccessful Arguments
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🥊Unit 7 – Successful and Unsuccessful Arguments

7.1 Examining complexities in issues

TermDefinition
absolute termsDefinitive, unqualified statements that allow no exceptions or alternative interpretations.
claimA statement or assertion that a writer makes and must support with evidence and reasoning in an argument.
discourseOngoing conversation or exchange of ideas about a topic, often involving multiple perspectives and contributions over time.
evidenceSupporting details, examples, and information used to prove or defend a thesis.
reasoningThe 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

TermDefinition
alternative perspectivesDifferent viewpoints or interpretations that differ from the writer's primary argument.
claimA statement or assertion that a writer makes and must support with evidence and reasoning in an argument.
counterargumentsArguments or evidence that oppose or challenge the writer's main claim.
modifiersWords, phrases, or clauses that limit, restrict, or specify the meaning of other words in a sentence.
qualifiedLimited, restricted, or made more specific in scope or meaning through the use of modifying language.
qualifyTo limit, restrict, or add conditions to a claim to make it more precise or nuanced.
scopeThe range, extent, or boundaries of what an argument covers or applies to.

7.4 Exploring how sentence development affects an argument

TermDefinition
arrangementThe order and positioning of grammatical elements (clauses, phrases, and words) within a sentence to create specific effects.
arrangement of sentencesThe order and sequence in which sentences are placed within a text to create specific effects on meaning and emphasis.
balanceThe rhetorical effect created when a writer presents ideas of equal weight or importance in a sentence or argument.
boldfaceA heavier, darker typeface used as a design feature to create emphasis or draw attention to specific text.
clauseA group of words containing a subject and predicate that functions as part of a sentence.
colonsPunctuation marks used to introduce information, lists, or explanations and to indicate purpose in writing.
commasPunctuation marks used to separate elements within a sentence, clarify meaning, and organize information.
coordinationA sentence structure technique that uses conjunctions to connect ideas of equal importance, presenting them as having similar weight or significance.
dashesPunctuation marks used to emphasize information, supplement ideas, and create emphasis in a sentence.
design featuresTypographical and formatting elements used in written text to enhance meaning and create visual effects.
emphasisSpecial importance or prominence given to particular ideas through deliberate choices in text structure and organization.
end marksPunctuation marks (periods, question marks, exclamation points) that conclude sentences and contribute to tone and emphasis.
equalityThe state of having the same weight, importance, or grammatical status, as illustrated through coordinated sentence structures.
hyphensPunctuation marks used to connect words and clarify meaning in compound constructions.
imbalanceA lack of equality or proportion between ideas, often emphasized through sentence structure to show that one idea is more significant than another.
independent clauseA clause that expresses a complete thought and can stand alone as a sentence.
inequalityA 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.
italicsA slanted typeface used as a design feature to create emphasis or highlight specific words or phrases.
parenthesesPunctuation marks used to supplement information and provide additional clarification within a sentence.
phraseGroups of related words that function together but lack a subject-predicate combination; used to add detail and modify meaning in sentences.
punctuationMarks and symbols used in writing (such as periods, commas, semicolons, dashes) that writers use strategically to clarify meaning and show relationships between ideas.
quotation marksPunctuation marks used to indicate direct speech or quoted material and to contribute to a writer's purpose.
relationships among ideasThe connections and logical associations between different concepts or thoughts within a sentence, demonstrated through strategic punctuation choices.
semicolonsPunctuation marks used to connect related independent clauses and organize complex ideas.
sentenceUnits of written expression that convey complete ideas and consist of one or more clauses.
subordinationA sentence structure technique that uses dependent clauses to show that one idea is less important than another, establishing a hierarchical relationship between ideas.
toneThe writer's attitude or feeling about a subject, conveyed through word choice and writing style.
writer's purposeThe intended goal or effect a writer aims to achieve through their writing, such as to persuade, inform, or clarify.