Unit 5: Coherent Arguments Flashcards
What is coherence in writing and how can an argument be coherent?
Coherence: A text is coherent when sentences and ideas are connected and flow together smoothly. Coherence allows the reader to move easily throughout the text from one idea to the next, from one sentence to the next, and from one paragraph to the next. An essay without coherence can inhibit a reader’s ability to understand the ideas and main points of the essay.
A coherent argument:
-Makes sense on a fundamental level
-Recognizes available and known facts
-Is internally consistent (the evidence presented supports the argument)
What is an example of coherence?
Many students believe they cannot write a good essay because they are not writers. However, as they practice writing and work on developing their writing skills, most students are able to gain the needed confidence to start thinking of themselves writers.
This argument works because the logic behind the argument is reasonable. If students practice more, they’re capable of associating themselves with the term “writer” because they’ve gained necessary skills to write a good essay.
How can repetition develop a relationship between elements of a text?
Repetition: The reoccurring sounds, words, and phrases in a piece of literature that aim to create an intended effect. The purpose of its use may be to engage or slow down the reader, create rhythm, or to make the text easier to remember. Specific devices that include repetition include alliteration, anaphora, and epistrophe.
What are useful cause-effect transition words?
Transition words for cause-effect include: accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus
What are useful comparison-contrast transition words?
Transition words for comparison / contrast include: but, however, in spite of, on the one hand … on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet
What are useful process analysis transition words?
Transition words for analysis often involve indicating the sequence of events / the order in which things happen.
What are useful narration transition words?
Transition words for narration / narrative often indicate the passing of time.
What are transition words indicating similarity?
also, in the same way, just as … so too, likewise, similarly
What are transition words indicating exceptions / contrast?
but, however, in spite of, on the one hand … on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet
What are transition words indicating examples?
for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate
What are transition words indicating emphasis?
even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly
What are transition words indicating place / position?
above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back, nearby, there
What are transition words indicating additional support or evidence?
additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then
What are transition words indicating conclusion / summary?
finally, in a word, in brief, briefly, in conclusion, in the end, in the final analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, in sum, to sum up, in summary
What is parallel structure?
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as “and” or “or.” To ensure parallelism, keep all list items in the same form.
What are examples of parallel structure?
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding her bicycle.
The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that he would have time to show his slide presentation, and that prospective buyers would ask him questions.
What is anaphora?
Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the start of clauses or sentences.
What are examples of anaphora?
I came, I saw, I conquered.
I have a dream that one day this nation… I have a dream that on the red hills… I have a dream that even in Mississippi.
What is epistrophe?
Epistrophe is the repetition of a word or clause at the end of clauses or sentences that follow each other.
What are examples of epistrophe?
Last week, he was just fine. Yesterday, he was just fine. And today, he was just fine.
“For no government is better than the men who compose it, and I want the best, and we need the best, and we deserve the best.” - John F. Kennedy
What is antithesis?
Antithesis is a figure of speech in which parallelism is used to set up a contrast.
What are examples of antithesis?
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness.” – Charles Dickens
“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” – Neil Armstrong
“Better to reign in Hell, than to serve in Heaven.” – John Milton
What is ellipsis?
Ellipsis is the omission of a word or series of words. There are two slightly different definitions of ellipsis which are pertinent to literature.
The first definition of ellipsis is the commonly used series of three dots, which can be place at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end of a sentence or clause. These three dots can stand in for whole sections of text that are omitted that do not change the overall meaning. The dots can also indicate a mysterious or unfinished thought, a leading sentence, or a pause or silence.
The other definition of ellipsis is a linguistically appropriate omission of words that are mutually understood and thus unnecessary. This type of ellipsis is usually used where the words omitted would be redundant. For example, a person might say, “I went to the mall on Monday, and she on Sunday.” A contextually identical sentence would be “I went to the mall on Monday, and she went to the mall on Sunday.” The words “to the mall” are omitted because they are understood from the context what the speaker is referring to.
What is a formal tone?
A formal writing tone is common in academic or professional contexts. This tone focuses on being thorough and direct, yet respectful. It uses full words, rather than contractions, and emphasizes facts and grammatical correctness. Scientific, academic and business writing typically adopt a formal tone.
