persuasive writing

1. persuasive writing Definition – writing that attempts to prove something is true or convince the reader to adopt the same viewpoint Synonyms – convince, influence Antonyms – no opinion Sentence – Etymology – 15th century

2. author’s argument Definition – the point of view or position the author presents Synonyms – perspective Antonyms – compromise Sentence – Etymology –14th century Middle Englsh, from Anglo-French, from Latin

3. anecdote Definition – a short account of an entertaining or interesting incident Synonyms – happening Antonyms – novel Sentence – Etymology – 1686 French, from Greek

4. cause and effect Definition – the process by which one event brings about another. Synonyms – reason and result Antonyms – compare and contrast Sentence – Etymology – cause-13th effect-14th Century, Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin

5. contrast Definition – the differences between two things Synonyms – unalike, vary Antonyms – similar Sentence – Etymology – 1646 French

6. compare Definition – the similarities between two things Synonyms – analyze, examine Antonyms – ignore Sentence – Etymology – 14th Century, Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin

7. connotation Definition – emotional feelings that surround a word Synonyms – emotions Antonyms – dictionary definition Sentence – The connotation of a red rose is love. Etymology - 1532

8. denotation Definition – the strict, literal meaning of a word Synonyms –dictionary definition Antonyms – emotional definition Sentence – The denotation of red rose is a flower with thorns. Etymology - 1532

9. drawing conclusions Definition – taking bits of information and coming up with something else Synonyms – figure out, reason Antonyms – guess Sentence – Etymology – 14th Century, Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin

10. editorial Definition – an essay or article that give an opinion about a timely or important topic Synonyms – persuasive essay, opinion Antonyms – novel Sentence – Etymology - 1744

11. essay Definition – a short work of nonfiction that deals with single subject Synonyms – short composition Antonyms – novel Sentence – Etymology – 14th Century, from Middle French, from Latin

12. expertise or expert source Definition – a person or document with special knowledge or skills Synonyms – experience Antonyms–inexperience Sentence – Etymology – 1868 French, from Middle French

13. exaggeration Definition – the obvious stretching of the truth Synonyms – tall tale, hyperbole Antonyms – truth, fact Sentence – Etymology – 1613 Latin

14. idioms Definition – a common phrase made up of words that can’t be understood by their literal, or ordinary, meanings. Synonyms – common phrases Antonyms – alliteration Example – It’s raining cats and dogs. Etymology – 1588, Middle French and Late Latin

15. fact Definition – a statement that can be proved, true Synonyms – reality Antonyms – fantasy Sentence – Etymology - Latin

16. opinion Definition – a statement that reflects a writer’s belief Synonyms – viewpoint Antonyms – fact Sentence – Etymology – Middle English from Latin

17. loaded words Definition – words that produce strong emotional feelings Synonyms – powerful words Antonyms – neutral Etymology – 16th Century, Middle French, Old Italian Animal or Beast

18. nonfiction Definition – literature that is not fictional or imaginary. It is real. Synonyms – news, facts Antonyms – fairy tale Sentence – a Etymology - 1903

19. opposing viewpoint Definition – objections or the other side of the argument Synonyms – counter argument disagree Antonyms – agree Sentence – Etymology - 1855

20. perspective Definition – how one views something Synonyms – point of view Antonyms – no opinion Sentence – Etymology – 16th Century, Middle French, Old Italian

21. problem and solution Definition – author describes a problem and then offers one or more possible solutions Synonyms – dilemma, solve Antonyms – viewpoint and evidence

22. propaganda techniques Definition: methods – not based in fact – that are used to make arguments more persuasive Synonyms – stretch the truth Antonyms – honesty Sentence – Most advertising uses propaganda techniques. Etymology –1718, New Latin

23. question the author Definition – asking questions as you read about why an author made certain decisions Synonyms – questions Antonyms – not engaged

24. reading critically Definition – understanding and evaluating the point the author is trying to make, consider the facts and details, read between the lines, think about what is missing Synonyms – analyze Antonyms – skimming

25. Supporting evidence Definition – facts, figures, statistics and examples used to support a view point Synonyms – proof, facts Antonyms – opinions, beliefs

26. synthesize Definition – reflecting on individual parts or elements of a text and deciding how they affect the subject as a whole Synonyms – combine combine Antonyms – separate Sentence – Etymology - Greek

27. Imagery Definition – language that appeals to the five senses: touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight Synonyms – highly descriptive Antonyms – exaggeration Sentence – Etymology – Old French 14 century

28. simile Definition – a comparison using like or as Synonyms – similarities Antonyms – metaphor Sentence – She is as pretty as a rose. Etymology – Middle English, from Latin

29. metaphor Definition – a direct comparison not using like or as Synonym – unusual comparison Antonyms – simile Sentence – She is a gem. Etymology – Middle English from French or Latin

30. viewpoint Definition – the author’s opinion on an issue or topic Synonyms – perspective, belief Antonyms – no opinion Sentence – Etymology - 1855