CLEP College Composition Modular key terms

The rule that a verb must match its subject in number and person, so a singular subject takes a singular verb even when words come between them.

The requirement that a pronoun match the noun it refers to in number and gender, and that the reference be clear enough for readers to identify.

An error in which two independent clauses are joined only by a comma, with no coordinating conjunction, semicolon, or period separating them.

Two or more independent clauses fused together without adequate punctuation or a conjunction; a fused sentence is the version with no punctuation at all.

A group of words punctuated as a sentence that lacks a subject, a complete verb, or a finished thought, leaving the reader with an incomplete idea.

An introductory descriptive phrase whose intended subject is missing from the main clause, so the phrase appears to describe the wrong noun.

A descriptive word or phrase placed too far from the word it modifies, creating confusion or an unintended, sometimes comic, meaning.

Using the same grammatical form for items in a series or for ideas joined by a conjunction, which makes a sentence clearer and more balanced.

A punctuation mark that links two closely related independent clauses, or separates items in a list that already contain commas.

A clause that identifies which person or thing is meant and is essential to the sentence's meaning, so it is not set off with commas.

A clause that adds extra information about a noun already clearly identified; it is set off by commas and can be removed without changing the basic meaning.

A sentence, usually placed near the beginning of an essay, that states the main claim the writer will develop and support.

The sentence that states a paragraph's main idea, often placed first, guiding the reader through the supporting details that follow.

The quality of a paragraph in which every sentence supports its single main idea, with no unrelated details intruding.

The quality of writing in which ideas connect logically and flow smoothly, helped by clear organization, repeated key terms, and transitions.

A word, phrase, or sentence that signals the relationship between ideas, such as addition, contrast, cause and effect, or conclusion.

Using more words than an idea requires; revising for concision means cutting empty phrases, needless repetition, and inflated wording.

Saying the same thing twice in different words, as in "free gift" or "past history," which weakens otherwise clear prose.

Joining ideas as equals with coordinating conjunctions, or placing one idea in a dependent clause to show it matters less than another.

Mixing sentence lengths and structures-short and long, simple and complex-so that a passage stays readable, rhythmic, and interesting.

An error in which a pronoun such as "it," "this," or "they" points to no clear noun, forcing readers to guess the writer's meaning.

Presenting another person's words or ideas as one's own without proper attribution, whether done deliberately or through careless note-taking.

Restating a source's idea in one's own words and sentence structure while keeping the original meaning, usually accompanied by a citation.

A brief restatement of a source's main points in the writer's own words, condensing supporting details while preserving the central meaning.

A short phrase naming a source's author or title before a quotation or borrowed idea, such as "According to Chen," which shows whose view is being presented.

Information identifying where a borrowed idea or quotation came from, such as author, title, and page number, so readers can locate the source.

An alphabetized list at the end of a paper giving full publication details for every source cited in the text.

Combining ideas from several sources with the writer's own analysis to support a point, rather than summarizing sources one after another.

The trustworthiness of a source, judged by the author's expertise, the publication's reputation, the quality of evidence, and how current it is.

Facts that are widely known and easily verified, such as the date of a famous battle, which require no citation.

The writer's attitude toward the subject and audience, revealed through word choice and sentence style-for example humorous, respectful, or urgent.

A writer's choice of words, including their level of formality and their connotations, which shapes both tone and clarity.

The emotional or cultural associations a word carries beyond its literal meaning, such as the difference between "cheap" and "inexpensive."

The combination of writer, audience, purpose, context, and medium that shapes how a message must be composed to succeed.

A statement the writer asks readers to accept, which must be supported by reasons and evidence rather than simply asserted.

Facts, examples, statistics, or expert testimony offered to support a claim and to persuade readers that the claim is valid.

The readers a piece of writing addresses, whose knowledge, values, and expectations shape the writer's choices of tone, detail, and format.

The three classical means of persuasion: ethos, which builds the writer's credibility; pathos, which stirs emotion; and logos, which relies on logic and evidence.

Acknowledging a point that supports an opposing view before explaining why the writer's position still stands, a move that builds credibility.

An error in reasoning that weakens an argument, such as hasty generalization, false cause, or attacking a person instead of the issue.