AP English Language and Composition Flashcards: Moving from observation to analysis and insight
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Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is a "line of reasoning"?
A line of reasoning is a sequence of claims that work together to defend the overarching thesis of an argument.
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What is a "line of reasoning"?
A line of reasoning is a sequence of claims that work together to defend the overarching thesis of an argument.
According to the learning objective, what two key elements do writers use to develop a line of reasoning?
Writers use evidence (such as facts and examples) and reasoning (commentary and analysis) to develop a coherent line of reasoning that supports their argument.
If a writer uses their own experience of being in a car accident to argue for safer driving laws, what two types of evidence are they using?
The writer is using personal experience and a personal observation (which can also function as an anecdote) as evidence to support their claim.
A writer begins an essay with a shocking statistic about plastic pollution. What is the likely strategic purpose of this choice?
Placing a shocking statistic at the beginning is a strategic arrangement of evidence designed to grab the reader's attention and establish the urgency of the topic.
Name at least five types of evidence a writer can use to support their claims.
A writer can use evidence such as facts, anecdotes, analogies, statistics, examples, expert opinions, personal observations, or testimony.
In the sentence, "The study found a correlation; *consequently*, we can infer a potential link," what is the function of the word "consequently"?
The word "consequently" is a signal phrase that makes the writer's reasoning explicit, connecting the evidence (the study's finding) to the claim (a potential link).
What is the difference between evidence and commentary?
Evidence is the information (facts, statistics, examples) used to support a claim, while commentary is the writer's analysis that explains *how* the evidence supports the claim.
How does a line of reasoning connect individual body paragraphs to the overall thesis?
The line of reasoning provides the logical structure, ensuring that the claim and evidence in each paragraph build upon one another to collectively defend the overarching thesis.
Why is the strategic selection and arrangement of evidence important for an effective writer?
Effective writers strategically select and arrange evidence to most effectively develop and support their line of reasoning and persuade their audience.
Explain the relationship between evidence, commentary, and a line of reasoning.
A line of reasoning is the logical progression of an argument, built by presenting evidence to support claims and using commentary to explain the connection between them.
What is the role of commentary or analysis in an argument?
Commentary or analysis makes the writer's reasoning explicit by using words or phrases to signal the relationships between their evidence and their claims.