TASC English Studio key terms

The central point a text communicates about its topic, stated or implied. Everything else in the passage should support it, so identifying it helps you summarize and answer comprehension questions.

A fact, example, statistic, or reason that explains or proves a main idea. Details answer questions like who, what, when, and why, and they distinguish evidence from mere opinion.

A conclusion a reader draws by combining stated information with background knowledge. An inference is not printed directly in the text, but it must be logically supported by clues the author provides.

Information surrounding an unfamiliar word, such as a definition, example, contrast, or synonym, that helps a reader figure out the word's meaning without a dictionary.

Determining what a word means as it is used in a specific sentence or passage. A familiar word can carry an unusual meaning, so the surrounding text matters more than the dictionary entry.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, independent of emotional associations. For example, the denotation of skinny is simply thin, though its connotation may be less neutral.

The emotional or cultural association a word carries beyond its literal meaning. Words with similar denotations, such as cheap and affordable, can create very different impressions on a reader.

The reason a writer creates a text, usually to inform, persuade, entertain, or explain. Recognizing purpose helps a reader judge which details are most important and how to interpret the writing.

The attitude a writer expresses toward the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice and sentence style. Tone might be humorous, critical, respectful, or urgent, and it differs from the reader's own mood.

The perspective from which a text is told, such as first person, third-person limited, or third-person omniscient. Point of view shapes what information the reader can access and how reliable it seems.

The way an author organizes information, for example as cause and effect, comparison and contrast, chronological sequence, or problem and solution. Recognizing structure helps a reader follow and remember the argument.

A brief restatement of a text's main ideas and key details in your own words. A good summary leaves out minor examples and personal opinions and keeps the original's meaning intact.

A sentence, usually near the beginning of an essay, that states the writer's central claim and often previews the main points. It guides the structure of the whole piece.

The sentence that introduces the main idea of a paragraph, often appearing first. It connects the paragraph to the larger thesis and tells readers what to expect next.

The quality of a paragraph in which every sentence relates to one controlling idea. Sentences that drift to unrelated topics break unity and should be removed or moved elsewhere.

The quality that makes writing flow logically, with ideas connected clearly and arranged in a sensible order. Coherence comes from organization, transitions, and consistent references.

A word or phrase, such as however, therefore, or in addition, that signals the relationship between ideas. Transitions guide readers through contrasts, causes, sequences, and examples.

A statement the writer asserts as true and must support with reasons and evidence. A strong claim is specific and debatable rather than an obvious fact.

Facts, examples, statistics, quotations, or expert testimony used to support a claim. Evidence must be relevant and credible to strengthen an argument effectively.

An opposing viewpoint that a writer acknowledges and then answers. Addressing a counterargument shows the writer has considered other positions and makes the argument more persuasive and balanced.

The response a writer gives to a counterargument, explaining why the opposing view is weak or incomplete. A rebuttal often reintroduces evidence that supports the original claim.

The stage of writing in which a writer reconsiders content, organization, and clarity, making substantial changes rather than only fixing surface errors. Revision often involves adding, cutting, or reordering material.

The stage of writing focused on correcting errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word choice. Editing generally follows revision, once the content and structure are settled.

A final careful reading to catch small mechanical mistakes such as typos, missing words, or misplaced punctuation. Proofreading is the last check before a piece is submitted or published.

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number, so a singular subject takes a singular verb and a plural subject takes a plural verb. Interrupting phrases can hide the true subject.

The rule that a pronoun must match the noun it refers to in number and gender. A singular antecedent like each student requires a singular pronoun such as his or her.

The form a pronoun takes depending on its function in a sentence: subjective (I, she), objective (me, her), or possessive (my, hers). Choosing the correct case prevents errors like between you and I.

A group of words punctuated as a sentence but missing a subject, a complete verb, or a complete thought. Fragments can be fixed by adding the missing part or attaching them to a nearby sentence.

Two or more independent clauses joined without correct punctuation or a conjunction. Run-ons can be repaired with a period, a semicolon, or a comma plus a coordinating conjunction.

A specific run-on error in which two independent clauses are joined by only a comma. It is corrected by adding a coordinating conjunction, replacing the comma with a semicolon, or splitting the sentence.

A group of words containing a subject and a verb that can stand alone as a complete sentence. Recognizing independent clauses helps writers avoid fragments, run-ons, and comma splices.

A clause with a subject and verb that cannot stand alone because it begins with a subordinating word such as because, although, or when. It must attach to an independent clause.

A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses. Coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or) join equal parts, while subordinating conjunctions (because, although) introduce dependent clauses.

A word or phrase that describes or limits another word, such as an adjective or adverb. Modifiers must be placed close to the word they describe to avoid confusion or unintended humor.

The form of a verb that shows when an action occurs, such as past, present, or future. Consistent tense keeps a narrative or explanation clear and easy to follow.

A way of listening that involves full attention, avoiding interruption, and confirming understanding through questions or paraphrasing. It helps a listener grasp both the content and the speaker's intent.

Agreed expectations for how participants speak and respond in a group conversation, such as taking turns, staying on topic, and respecting differing views. Norms keep dialogue productive and civil.

The goal a speaker hopes to achieve, such as informing, persuading, or motivating an audience. Identifying it helps listeners evaluate whether the message and evidence fit the goal.

A strategy a speaker uses to persuade an audience, commonly through logic (logos), emotion (pathos), or credibility (ethos). Recognizing appeals helps listeners judge how a message is being framed.

An original document or record created at the time of an event by someone with direct involvement, such as a diary, interview, photograph, or law. Primary sources offer firsthand evidence.

A work that interprets, analyzes, or summarizes primary sources, such as a textbook, encyclopedia article, or review. Secondary sources provide context but depend on other people's accounts.

The trustworthiness of information based on the author's expertise, the publisher's reputation, the publication date, and the presence of supporting evidence. Credible sources are accurate and current.

A tendency to favor one side, viewpoint, or outcome in a way that distorts fairness. In sources, bias may appear through selective facts, loaded language, or omitted perspectives.

Presenting someone else's words or ideas as your own without proper credit. It includes copying text, paraphrasing too closely, and failing to cite a source.

A formal reference identifying the source of information used in a paper or speech. Citations give credit, allow readers to verify claims, and help writers avoid plagiarism.

Restating another person's idea in your own words and sentence structure while keeping the original meaning. A paraphrase still requires a citation because the idea belongs to someone else.