BC GLA 12 key terms

A conclusion drawn from evidence in a text rather than stated directly by the author. Readers combine clues, context, and prior knowledge to supply what is implied but unspoken.

Information stated plainly and directly in a text, leaving little room for interpretation. It contrasts with ideas a reader must work out from hints and implications.

The central point a passage develops and supports throughout. It is broader than any single detail and usually captures what the author most wants readers to understand.

A sentence, usually near the start of an essay, that states the writer's central claim and signals how the argument will be developed and supported.

The sentence that introduces the controlling idea of a single paragraph. It links the paragraph to the larger argument and tells readers what the paragraph will cover.

A fact, example, statistic, or quotation that backs up a claim. Effective details are relevant, specific, and clearly connected to the point they illustrate.

Specific words, phrases, or passages quoted or paraphrased from a text to justify an interpretation or claim. Strong evidence is accurate, relevant, and properly integrated.

A restatement of a passage's meaning in different words and sentence structure while keeping the original ideas and approximate length. It requires attribution and differs from summarizing and quoting.

A brief restatement of a text's main points in the writer's own words, omitting minor details. It condenses a longer source while preserving its central meaning.

Presenting someone else's words, ideas, or data as one's own without proper acknowledgment. It includes copying, inadequate paraphrasing, and failing to cite a source.

A formal reference identifying the source of a quotation, paraphrase, or idea. It gives credit to the original author and allows readers to locate the material.

The attitude a writer conveys toward the subject or audience, revealed through word choice, sentence structure, and details. Tone might be ironic, formal, sympathetic, or urgent.

The emotional atmosphere a text creates in the reader. It is produced by setting, imagery, diction, and pacing, and differs from the writer's own attitude.

The emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning. For example, 'slender' suggests elegance while 'skinny' may suggest unattractive thinness.

The literal, dictionary meaning of a word, independent of emotional associations. It is the neutral core meaning that dictionaries record.

A writer's choice of words, including their level of formality, precision, and connotation. Diction strongly shapes tone, voice, and the reader's impression of the speaker.

The arrangement and order of words and phrases in sentences. Varied syntax can create rhythm, emphasis, and clarity, while tangled syntax obscures meaning.

Descriptive language appealing to the senses that creates vivid mental pictures. Imagery often supports mood and theme through concrete, evocative detail.

Language that departs from literal meaning to create comparisons or effects, including metaphor, simile, personification, and hyperbole. It shapes tone and deepens interpretation.

A direct comparison stating that one thing is another, without using 'like' or 'as.' Metaphors transfer qualities between unlike things to illuminate meaning.

A comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as.' It clarifies or dramatizes a description by linking an unfamiliar idea to a familiar one.

The use of an object, person, or event to represent a broader idea beyond its literal meaning. Symbols gain meaning from repetition and context within a work.

A central insight about life or human experience that a literary work explores. Themes are implied through recurring ideas, characters, and conflicts rather than simply stated.

A recurring image, phrase, or idea that develops a work's themes. Motifs create pattern and unity and often reinforce symbolic meaning.

A reasoned position supported by evidence and logical reasoning, intended to persuade. A strong argument anticipates and addresses counterarguments rather than merely asserting opinions.

A statement the writer asserts as true and must support with reasons and evidence. Claims can be factual, interpretive, or evaluative.

An opposing view that challenges a writer's claim. Acknowledging and refuting counterarguments strengthens an argument and demonstrates fair, thorough reasoning.

A response that answers or refutes a counterargument by showing its weaknesses or presenting stronger evidence. It reinforces the writer's original position.

A flaw in reasoning that weakens an argument, such as attacking a person instead of their idea or assuming that because something is popular it is correct.

A preference or slant that distorts how information is presented or judged. In texts, bias appears through selective evidence, loaded wording, and omitted perspectives.

A persuasive strategy aimed at the audience, commonly appealing to logic, emotion, or the speaker's credibility. Recognizing appeals helps readers evaluate persuasive texts critically.

A deliberate method used to influence an audience, such as repetition, rhetorical questions, appeals to authority, or emotive language. Identifying these helps readers judge a text's reliability.

Repetition of grammatical structure in a series of words, phrases, or clauses. It creates balance, rhythm, and clarity and is a common convention of formal writing.

The quality that makes a text flow logically and hold together as a unified whole. It depends on clear organization, consistent focus, and sensible connection of ideas.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked through transitions, pronouns, and repeated terms so that ideas connect smoothly at the surface level of the text.

A word or phrase that signals the relationship between ideas, such as 'however,' 'therefore,' or 'in contrast.' Transitions guide readers through an argument's structure.

The principle that every sentence in a paragraph should serve its single controlling idea. Sentences that stray from that idea weaken focus and should be revised or removed.

Varying sentence length and structure to create rhythm and maintain reader interest. A mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences prevents monotony.

The quality of having more than one possible meaning, which can confuse readers or, in literary texts, be used deliberately to invite interpretation.