AP Language Writing MC Terms

transition/transitional phrase

Words or phrases used to connect ideas

Exigence

The urgency or issue that prompts someone to write or speak

line of reasoning

The logical structure of an argument or explanation

relevant evidence

Information or data that directly supports or is closely related to the argument or claim being made.

Contextualize

To place something within its context or situation

independent clause

A group of words that contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought that can stand alone as a sentence."

preview the line of reasoning

A statement or part of a text that outlines or introduces the points or structure of the argument that will be developed later.

parenthetical text

A portion of text inserted into a sentence to provide additional information

rebut/rebuttal

A counterargument or response that challenges or disproves another argument.

primary source

An original document or firsthand account created at the time under study.

counters/counter argument

An argument or viewpoint that opposes the one being presented.

refute/refutation

To disprove or argue against a claim or argument by showing it is invalid or incorrect.

broaden the context

To expand the scope or perspective of an argument by considering wider issues

connotation

The implied or associated meanings of a word beyond its literal definition.

absolutes/absolute terms

Words or phrases that indicate something is certain

scientific research

The systematic investigation and study of materials

situate the passage

To place a text or passage in its appropriate context by considering its background

imply/implies

To suggest or convey an idea indirectly without stating it explicitly.

ambiguity

The quality of being open to more than one interpretation because of unclear or vague language.

reliable source

A source of information that is credible

credibility of the argument/source

The trustworthiness or reliability of the argument or the source providing the information.

qualify the claim

To limit or modify a claim to make it more accurate or nuanced by acknowledging exceptions or conditions.

engage the audience’s interest

The practice of capturing and maintaining the reader’s or listener’s attention through compelling content or presentation.

formal versus informal style

Formal style follows conventional grammar

subordination

The process of making one part of a sentence dependent on another through subordinating conjunctions or clause structure.

limit the scope

To narrow the focus or boundaries of a topic

stylistically consistent

Maintaining a uniform tone

provide statistical information

"The use of numbers

potential bias

The possibility that information or an argument may be influenced by personal opinions

contrasting perspective

A viewpoint that differs from or opposes another perspective.

recent findings

The latest discoveries or research results on a particular topic.