argument: giving several reasons to support your point
“Her argument for having a free dress day every day was really poor.”
assert: to say with confidence or force
“The teacher asserted her voice which made everyone stop and look.”
citation: to quote a passage, a reference, or a person who is an authority
“Give three citations of your research for each part of your report.”
conclusion: the final part of an article that summarizes the earlier parts, and a statement of opinion or decision
“Be sure your report’s conclusion includes your opinion.”
evidence: reasons which will prove or disprove an argument
“Is there any real evidence that space aliens exist?”
express: to put thoughts into words; to show or reveal
“Please express yourself without being unkind to others.”
inference: a hint or suggestion; to learn or understand without being directly told (this word is similar to infer – it’s just a different form)
“What inference can you draw from Harry Potter’s actions?”
passage: a part or section of a written work
“Read the passage from Hoot and answer the following questions.”
simile: figurative speech comparing two dissimilar things which uses “like” or “as.”
“Playing chess with Abby is like trying to out think a computer.”
“His temper is like a volcano.”
summarize: to make a brief description of the facts or actions of a story
“Please summarize the story in 200 words or less.” (this word is similar to summary)
thesis: the subject, or main idea of a story or piece of writing
“Be sure to put a thesis sentence in your introductory paragraph.”
tone: the writer’s attitude toward the material or reader (playful, formal, intimate, angry, serious, ironic, outraged, baffled, tender, etc.)
“I couldn’t take the story seriously because of the author’s humorous tone.”