Writing Terms and Concepts Quiz

Writing Terms and Concepts

• Hook: A device used to grab the reader's attention, relating to the topic.

• Claim/Thesis Statement:

  • Structure: One to two sentences, usually the last sentence of the introductory paragraph.
  • Purpose: Outlines the paper's focus and format, presents a debatable topic, directly answers the question/prompt, and summarizes the argument.

• Topic Sentences:

  • Structure: One sentence introducing a topic within a body paragraph, acts as a mini-thesis statement for that portion of the argument.
  • Purpose: Relates to the overall claim/thesis statement and is the first sentence of a body paragraph.

• Quote/Evidence Set-Ups:

  • Structure: A sentence or two providing context and explaining the significance of the quote.
  • Content: Should specify where in the text the quotation appears and what the reader should focus on when examining the quote.

• Quotes/Evidence:

  • Requirements: Should be appropriate and relevant to the theme; directly support the claim by exemplifying the literary element being analyzed.
  • Formatting: Block quote for quotations longer than four lines.
  • Citations: Properly cited with a comma if it's a dependent clause, a colon if it's an independent clause, last name and page number where necessary. Avoid periods inside quotes unless it's a question mark or exclamation point.

• Analysis:

  • Importance: The most crucial part; explains how the evidence supports the theme/thesis statement.
  • Content: Avoid repeating the quote verbatim; instead, explain how the words directly relate to the thesis and claim. Connect the quote's significance to the theme. Use strong diction and avoid first or second person. Must be at least two sentences, or double the length of the quoted material. Connect back to the overall theme and any device used to create it.

• Paragraph Structure:

  • Order: Starts with a topic sentence, followed by evidence setup(s), evidence (2 minimum), analysis (2 minimum), and finally a transitional sentence.

• Transition Sentences: Use these to connect paragraphs, summarizing the previous paragraph's main point and connecting it to the new information.

• Essay Structure: Introduces the argument with an introductory paragraph, supports it with body paragraphs (following the structure above), and concludes with a concluding paragraph.

Argument Terms

• Ethos: A rhetorical appeal relying on the speaker's credibility or ethics. Persuades by showcasing the speaker's qualifications or shared values.

• Pathos: A rhetorical appeal using emotions to persuade the audience. Persuades through values, desires, hopes, fears, or prejudices.

• Logos: A rhetorical appeal using facts and logic to appeal to reason. Persuades by presenting clear, rational ideas.

• Claim/Counterclaim:

  • Counterclaim Definition: A strong argument opposing the claim.
  • Purpose of Counterclaim:
    • Challenges the claim,
    • Proves why the claim is better,
    • Considers the audience's possible opposing viewpoints,
    • Offers evidence to counter these objections..

• Argument Structure/Purpose: Aims to reaffirm the claim while considering and refuting opposing perspectives to strengthen the overall argument.

Fragment and Run-On Sentence Terms

• Run-on Sentence Common Causes:

  • Lack of punctuation (especially comma splices).

• Sentence Fragment Common Causes:

  • Missing subject or verb.
  • Dependent clause standing alone.
  • Phrase standing alone.
  • Beginning a sentence with "And," "Which," "But," "Or," or "Such as."

• Run-On vs. Fragment vs. Correct: These terms describe sentence types, which can be corrected by using:

  • A period.
  • Comma + coordinating conjunction (fanboys).
  • Semicolon.
  • Semicolon + transition.

Test your knowledge on essential writing terms and concepts, including hooks, thesis statements, topic sentences, and the use of quotes. This quiz will help reinforce your understanding of how to construct and support arguments effectively in your writing.