Testing Terms for 8th Grade Language Arts

the counterclaim or counterargument; the opposite position

to describe with great detail; to trace

educates readers by giving straightforward information and facts

analyze

author's purpose

able to be believed; trustworthy

debatable thesis

contribute to

to strengthen; to make more effective

analytical essay

to use text evidence, to quote from the reading selection

the contrasting or opposing argument in a debatable topic

a multi-paragraph response; a short piece of writing on one subject; usually used to analyze, speculate or interpret

speaking or writing that expresses a position on a problem; supported with reasons and evidence

A precise claim is not clealy expressed.

to determine the value or persuasiveness of the evidence presented in a claim

a statement of the main points

audience

the writer's attitude about a subject

a person's way of viewing something; mental or emotional outlook towards a person or thing

Speculation is the forming of a theory without firm evidence.

A relevant piece of evidence is related directly to the topic.

conversations between two or more persons; used when writing narratives

mental or emotional strain; suspense

objective summary

sound reasoning

when the reader knows more than at least one of the characters; used to create suspense or humor in stories

the most important thought in a paragraph or text; the main idea

to examine two or more ideas to note similarities or differences

clarify

information used to refute the counterclaim: prove it incorrect

when the situation goes the opposite of what's expected

when what is spoken means the opposite of the word's meaning; sarcasm

gives information; shares ideas and arguments; provides explanations and evidence

a message about life or human nature that the author wants the reader to learn