AP English Language: Building a Line of Reasoning

Vocabulary flashcards covering methods of development, rhetorical situation elements, evidence, commentary, and lines of reasoning from Module 3.

Methods of Development

The strategies writers use to build and organize their ideas, clarify meaning, strengthen claims, and guide reader understanding.

Comparison

A method of development used to show similarities or differences between ideas or subjects.

Cause and Effect

A method of development used to show relationships between events or ideas.

Example

A method of development used to provide specific illustrations.

Definition (Method of Development)

A method of development used to explain a concept.

Strong Evidence

Proof supporting a claim that is specific (precise details or phrases), relevant (directly supports the claim), and purposeful (chosen intentionally).

Commentary

The explanation of why the evidence matters; it explains how evidence supports the claim, analyzes key words or ideas, and connects back to the argument.

Line of Reasoning

The logical progression of ideas that builds an argument, moving clearly through claim, evidence, commentary, and the next idea.

Exigence

The reason the text was written within the rhetorical situation.

Audience

Who the text is for within the rhetorical situation.

Purpose

What the writer wants to accomplish within the rhetorical situation.

Context

The situation surrounding the text within the rhetorical situation.

Claim

A statement the writer is trying to prove.

Evidence

Support that proves the claim and explains what the text says.

Thesis

The central argument that guides the entire text.

Body Paragraph Structure

The progression of an essay paragraph composed of a topic sentence (claim), evidence, commentary, and concluding insight.