PSAT Reading and Writing Terms, Exams of Literature

Download PSAT Reading and Writing Terms and more Exams Literature in PDF only on Docsity!

PSAT Reading and Writing Terms | P

Command Of Evidence - The ability to use contextual clues, factual statements, and corroborative phrases to support an author's message or intent. A test taker's ability to parse out factual information and draw conclusions based on evidence is important to critical reading comprehension. What would Command of Evidence Questions ask? - It will ask students to read text passages, and then answer questions based on information contained in them. These types of questions may ask test takers to identify stated facts. They may also require test takers to draw logical conclusions, identify data based on graphs, make inferences, and to generally display analytical thinking skills. One way to understand ____ is to look for information that supports the author's main idea, topic, or position statement. This information may be _____, or it may be based on the author's opinion. - Text; Factual Command of Evidence will focus on the test takers ability to identify ______ ___________, as opposed to ___________ ____. - Factual Information; Opinionated Bias How can I identify factual information within one or more text passages? - Begin by looking for statements of fact. Factual Statements can either be true or false. Identifying Factual statements as opposed to opinion statements is important in demonstrating full command of evidence in reading. Its helpful to scan for dates, numbers, timelines, equations, statistics, and other similar data within any given text passage. In the statement; "The temperature outside was unbearably hot, as it was a striking 142 degrees in Colorado." What is the factual information that supports the author's assertion of "Unbearably Hot" - The providing of the factual information "was a striking 142 degrees" provides numerical evidence to support the speaker's statement. What are examples of "biased words"? - Good/bad, great/greatest, better/best/worst, amazing, terrible/bad/awful, beautiful/handsome/ugly, more/most, exciting/dull/boring, favorite, very, probably/should/seem/possibly. An author includes bias and generalized, emotional statements in his article. Would you say this is a factor contributing to the statement that this article is reliable as it lacks factual content? - No, this article is not reliable as it lacks factual content and includes more useless, emotional, biased statements. Inference -

A conclusion reached on the basis of evidence and reasoning//an educated guess drawn from evidence, logic, and reasoning. (If, then statements and logical reasoning is associated) How can I make an inference? - The key to making inferences is identifying clues within a passage, and then using common sense to arrive at a reasonable conclusion. Consider it "reading between the lines." A way to make an inference is to look for main topics. When doing so, pay particular attention to any titles, headlines, or opening statements made by the author (Topic sentences or repetitive ideas can be clues in gleaning inferred ideas) Rhetorical Devices - techniques writers use to enhance their arguments and communicate more effectively Logos - An appeal to logic in persuasive writing Pathos - Appeal to emotion in persuasive writing Ethos - Appeal to Credibility and trustworthiness in persuasive writing What is when an author "appeals to logic?" - When an author appeals to logic, they are asking readers to agree with them based on research, evidence, and an established line of reasoning. An author's argument might also appeals to readers' emotions, perhaps by including personal stories and anecdotes (a short narrative of a specific event). A final type of appeal, appeal to authority, asks the reader to agree with the author's argument on the basis of their expertise or credentials. Consider three different approaches to arguing the same opinion. Context Clue - hints that an author gives to help define a difficult or unusual word Alliteration - the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. Rhetoric - the art of using language effectively and persuasively Rhetorical Devices - literary techniques used to heighten the effectiveness of expression Irony - the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.

metaphor - a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable (not using like or as). simile - A comparison of two unlike things using like or as Hyperbole - exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. Allegory - a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one. Imagery - visually descriptive or figurative language, especially in a literary work. Onomatopoeia - the formation of a word from a sound associated with what is named Personification - the attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something nonhuman, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form. Ways you can form a hypothesis - using if then statements, and use logical reasoning. What is very important in writing (expression of ideas)? - Using transition words, following a logical sequence, staying on topic, establishing an introduction and conclusion, precision (correct and adequate wording), conciseness (relevance, and simplified), the proposition (the claim the author tries to make), and correct support for the proposition (evidence, and backup for the claim.) rhetorical fallacy - Speech or writing that is false or misleading. Example: It is misleading to call a corrupt politician "an average guy." What is the type of Rhetorical Fallacy "Ad Hominem?" give an example - An irrelevant attack against the person making the claim, rather than addressing the claim itself. Example: The Senator opposed the plastic bag ban, but should we really listen and trust someone who listens to country music? What is the type of Rhetorical Fallacy "Exaggeration?" give an example -

Representing an idea or person in an obviously excessive manner. Example: The Senator opposed the plastic bag ban. Maybe he wants us to constantly ingest microplastics so we can eventually die, to help with overpopulation. What is the type of Rhetorical Fallacy "Stereotyping?" give an example - Claiming that all people of a certain group are the same in some way. Example: The Senator opposed the plastic bag ban. You know, men never admit to when they are wrong.